LifeWorks of Austin, TX is looking for a Program Director to join our Transitional Housing team! The Program Director provides leadership and oversight of the Young Parents Program and PORT facility, which is comprised of a 24-hour residential emergency shelter program and a transitional living program. Manages dynamic teams of staff who are fearless advocates for youth and young adults in crisis situations to pursue a life they love and a stable future for themselves and their families. Leads the development, delivery, management, evaluation, and reporting of services and programming related to the Young Adult Shelter and Transitional Living Programs. Liaises with and supports other housing leaders to assist with staffing and crisis management in other residential housing programs. Stays abreast of community and legislative changes in residential care and adapt policy, procedures, and programming to meet these changes community needs.

This full time, exempt position earns a competitive rate and benefits, including, 24 PTO days per year (accrued); 15 paid holidays per year; a 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

• Drives engagement by creating a culture where staff are inspired to do their best to support the clients we serve.
• Responsible for program operations, productivity, data integrity, fidelity, and outcomes for a 24-hour emergency shelter residential facility.
• Ensures that compilation and submission of reports and other documentation and deliverables are completed accurately within the designated timeframes to meet contract and reporting regulations and deadlines.
• Oversees scheduling, hiring, orientation, training, supervision, evaluation, and dismissal of program staff in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Applies a trauma-informed and data-driven service delivery environment; identifying innovative ways to engage youth to ensure their success and progress towards self-sufficiency.
• Ensures staff are informed, their activities are well coordinated, and they have the necessary resources to carry out their work.
• Ensures programs comply with all required contracts and funders by establishing familiarity with program contracts, preparing for audits and reviews, and by working closely with the Division Director to review compliance requirements.
• Works with Accreditation leaders to ensure all COA accreditation standards are met and maintained.
• Continuously evaluates evidence-based practices in conjunction with the research and evidence-based practice team to ensure continual quality improvement and high impact outcomes.
• Supports leaders in managing crisis situations regularly as part of the day-to-day duties and is the 24-hour back up to on-call staff.
• Supports leaders in managing the high acuity of clients in crisis with a history of foster care, chronic trauma, and neglect, and experiencing homelessness.
• Works closely with Health and Human Services licensing as well as the City of Austin to ensure compliance and standards are met for the facility and oversight of the youth staying in the residential program.
• Assists in making budgeting recommendations, manages program budgets and monitors grant compliance.
• Develops and implements new programs and initiatives.
• Functions as a liaison between the Agency, funding sources, the community and governmental organizations; collaborates with other programs, divisions, and outside entities, as appropriate including maintaining strong effective working relationships with community stake holders by attending meetings with our local Continuum of Care, presenting in the community, and networking.
• Provides continuous coordination with Austin Police Department, Emergency Medical Services, and the Neighborhood Association in regard to continuous monitoring of safety and communication with these partners.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Requires a Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling or related field with advanced licensure and 5+ years of related experience; or
• Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Counseling or related field and 7+ years of related experience; or
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Requires (3) years’ management experience, this includes leading and building teams.
• 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, 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 who are on journeys to lives they love and stability for themselves and their families. 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.