Assistant Program Manager

Help lead a compassionate emergency winter shelter serving people experiencing homelessness. We are seeking a dependable, calm, and organized Assistant Program Manager for our seasonal shelter program. This part-time position provides leadership and support from Friday night through Sunday. Position will require 20 hours per week including on-site support on Fridays from 5:30 pm-10:00 pm and Saturdays and Sundays 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm. Additional hours on site may be necessary to navigate potential shelter issues. When not on site, the Assistant Program Manager will be on call by phone during shelter operations from 5:30 pm until 8:00 am the next morning and return to the shelter as necessary to address concerns and support overnight staff. Additional off-site work will be required to support the management of the shelter. Seasonal position runs from December 2026 through March 2027 for approximately four months.

Responsibilities

• Oversee weekend shelter operations and support guests with dignity, compassion,  and clear boundaries. 

• Monitor guest needs and group dynamics, address concerns early, and use calm  conflict-resolution and de-escalation practices. 

• Supervise, train, and support overnight staff and volunteers, and personally cover any vacant Dinner, Host, Sleeper, or overnight staff shift while on duty. 

• Respond to urgent situations and provide in-person assistance when needed.

• Coordinate guest intake referrals from local law enforcement during the weekend.

• Complete volunteer background-check processing and enter approved applicants into the database. 

• Maintain supplies, records, and clear communication with the Shelter Director. 

Schedule: Friday night through Sunday, including weekend on-call coverage 

Hours: Part-time, minimum of 20 hours per week, but more may be required depending on shelter needs

Salary: $9,000–$12,000 for the season, depending on experience 

Locations: Rotating shelter sites in Chestertown, remote work from home will be required 

Start date: December 1, 2026 

Qualifications 

Required 

• Experience working with people in challenging situations, preferably in shelter, human services, behavioral health, crisis response, ministry, hospitality, or a related setting. 

• Sound judgment, emotional steadiness, and the ability to make timely decisions while following established policies. 

• Ability to enforce rules kindly, consistently, and without escalating conflict. 

• Strong communication, organization, documentation, and problem-solving skills. 

• Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with diverse staff,  volunteers, guests, and community partners. 

• Reliable transportation, even in extreme weather for regular shifts and for on-call  response, to run to store to get supplies, and travel between shelter locations.

• Availability to work from Friday night through Sunday, including evenings, overnight  on-call periods, early mornings, weekends, and applicable holidays. 

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries. 

• Successful completion of reference and background checks, as permitted by applicable law. 

Preferred: 

• Supervisory, volunteer-coordination, or program-operations experience. 

• Training in trauma-informed care, de-escalation, crisis intervention, mental health first aid, or conflict resolution. 

• Familiarity with local social-service systems and resources for people experiencing  homelessness. 

To apply

Email your resume and/or a brief statement of interest, contact information, and references to James@ChestertownNazarene.org. Applications will be reviewed as received. Position will remain open until filled.