LifeWorks of Austin, TX is looking for a Program Director to join and support our Rapid Rehousing team! The Program Director provides leadership and oversight for all aspects of Rapid Rehousing, Housing Vouchers and Permanent Supportive Housing including the development, delivery, management, evaluation, and reporting of services and programming. Ensures these programs meet all applicable standards and work collaboratively with staff, residents, and external stakeholders to identify new strategies to place young adults and families in permanent housing as quickly as possible. Responsible for building relationships within the community to strengthen housing opportunities for our youth with a focus on quickly and effectively moving youth to permanent, stable housing while implementing a culture of trauma-informed care.

This full time, exempt position earns a competitive rate and benefits, including a hybrid work structure; 24 PTO days per year (accrued); 11 paid holidays per year; a premium-free employee medical plan with $100 per month HSA contribution (plus other affordable employee or family medical, dental, and vision options!); a retirement savings plan with 50% match on the first 6% of contributions, and much more!

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leads the operations and strategies of LifeWorks Rapid Rehousing, Permanent Supportive Housing and FYI/FUP vouchers with a focus on implementing a trauma-informed, healing centered and data-driven service delivery environment.
• Compels a standard of excellence for case management provided by the division in accordance with best practices for client engagement and fidelity implementation of the Strengths model of case management.
• Ensures a “can-do” mindset of case managers with appropriate linkage to community resources including mental health, employment, and basic needs supports.
• Manages a minimum of six complex contracts with total financial responsibility exceeding $3 million.
• Identifies innovative ways to engage youth to ensure optimal success and progress towards stability in collaboration with the Research and Evaluation team.
• Oversees hiring, orientation, training, supervision, evaluation, accountability, and dismissal of program staff in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Ensures staff are informed, their activities are well coordinated, and they have the necessary resources to carry out their work.
• Supports program managers and staff with the high acuity of clients in crisis with a history of chronic trauma and neglect, experiencing homelessness, and foster care involvement.
• Holds staff accountable for meeting individual and program performance objectives by coaching, planning, monitoring, and appraising job results; conducting training; implementing and enforcing systems, policies, and procedures.
• Creates a person-centered culture that uplifts the dignity and strengths of clients at all times and creates a welcoming and inviting reputation for clients as well as internal and external partners.
• Builds a healthy service environment that is conducive to harmonious interactions between clients and staff.
• Provides guidance and mediation for complex and highly visible crisis situations with youth who may have experienced complex trauma and severe mental health conditions; builds teams’ strength in de-escalation; Prioritizes preservation of relationships, benefit of the doubt, trust and safety in managing situations that arise.
• Ensures programs are in compliance with all required contracts and funders by ensuring familiarity with program contracts, preparing for audits and reviews, and by working closely with the Division Director.
• Stays abreast of external changes and best practices and utilizes best practices and creative approaches to successfully transition clients in the programs.
• Collaborates with internal and external partners to build and maintain network of private landlords to create additional housing opportunities for youth with Continuum of Care partners.
• Establishes and maintains strong effective working relationships with the funders and community stake holders by attending meetings with our local Continuum of Care, presenting in the community, and networking.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Requires Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field and minimum (7) years’ related experience working with youth and families experiencing homelessness; or
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Requires management experience, leading and building teams.
• Knowledge and experience with a Rapid Rehousing model.
• Advanced experience with federal, state, and city regulations and trends in services for homeless youth.
• Training in trauma-informed practice/ trauma-informed care preferred.
• Track record of successfully networking and collaborating with external partners.
• Knowledge of personnel management principles and practices, including employee recruitment, selection, training, evaluation, discipline and compensation administration.
• Experience with databases; proficient level experience with Microsoft Office including, Word, Excel, Smart Sheet and Outlook.

ABOUT LIFEWORKS

With more than 50 years of experience working with youth experiencing homelessness, youth aging out of foster care, young adults, and young parents, we are a fearless advocate for youth and families seeking their path to self-sufficiency. LifeWorks goal is to be able to provide clients with the resources they need a place to call home, the chance to heal, and the opportunity to learn and to work. We have one of the most comprehensive continuums of housing and support options for vulnerable youth in the country. We are committed to innovative problem solving, shared accountability and a relentless focus on achieving real, sustainable, and measurable results for the clients we serve. A career at LifeWorks offers opportunities to grow and develop your professional skills while making an immediate difference in the lives of youth and families in our community.