Surge Shelter Operations Lead

Location: Richmond, VA

Role Type: Seasonal (October – Mid-April), Full-Time

Pay: $25.00 / hour

Schedule: Full-time with evening, weekend, and on-call hours during severe weather activations

About the Role

Every winter, severe weather brings urgent needs to our community. As the Surge Shelter Coordinator, you will play a vital role in opening our emergency weather shelter and making sure individuals facing homelessness have a safe, warm, and welcoming place to go.

If you bring strong organizational skills, compassion, and a passion for helping others, this seasonal leadership position is a great way to make a real, hands-on impact.

What You'll Do

• 
  

  Run Daily Operations: Help organize and oversee shelter logistics so operations run smoothly whenever emergency weather strikes.

  
  


• 
  

  Support & Lead the Team: Recruit, schedule, and guide seasonal staff, security, and volunteers with encouragement and clear communication.

  
  


• 
  

  Build Relationships: Work closely with other CARITAS teams and local community partners to provide caring, well-coordinated support to shelter guests.

  
  


• 
  

  Foster a Safe Environment: Ensure intake processes and shelter guidelines are handled fairly, accurately, and with deep respect for everyone who walks through our doors.

  
  

What We're Looking For

• 
  

  Experience in shelter operations, social work, emergency services, or program support (a degree in human services or related field is a plus!).

  
  


• 
  

  Comfort stepping up in fast-paced situations and resolving everyday challenges with a calm, helpful mindset.

  
  


• 
  

  Great communication skills and an ability to build positive relationships with team members, partners, and participants.

  
  


• 
  

  Flexibility to work irregular hours, evenings, weekends, and on-call shifts when severe weather hits.

  
  

Why Join CARITAS?

We believe in hospitality, respect, and solution-focused teamwork. Here, you will find a welcoming environment where your work directly protects lives and strengthens our Richmond community.

We'd love to have you on the team. Apply today to get started!