LifeWorks of Austin, TX is looking for a Program Director to join our Housing team! The Program Director of Diversion and Outreach Services provides leadership and oversight for a continuum of programs that seek to divert youth from homelessness when possible. Also, to engage youth experiencing homelessness in the community response system and associated resources. These programs include After Care Transition Services, Diversion, Street Outreach, and the Youth Resource Center. This position is responsible for the development, delivery, management, evaluation, and reporting of services and programming. Ensures assigned programs meet all applicable standards and works collaboratively with staff, clients and external stakeholders to identify new strategies to offer young adults and families safe and stable housing as quickly as possible. Responsible for building relationships within the community to strengthen our systems collaboration for youth with a focus on quickly and effectively moving youth to safe and 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 After Care Transition Services, Street Outreach and Diversion with a focus on implementing a trauma-informed and data-informed service delivery environment.
• Manages a minimum of three complex contracts with diverse stakeholders and contract compliance requirements.
• Identifies innovative ways to engage youth to ensure optimal success and progress towards stability in collaboration with the Research and Evidence Based Practice 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.
• Prioritizes staff developing a strengths-based mindset and effective skills to establishing and maintaining relationships with those who may benefit from and participate in LifeWorks services.
• 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.
• 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.
• Establishes and maintains strong effective working relationships with systems partners such as Department of Family Protective Services, Juvenile Justice and Local schools.
• Utilizes client database to manage, analyze, and assess Diversion and Street Outreach Housing programs in their progress on meeting agreed upon targets. Uses data to make decisions and course correct as necessary.
• Oversees program reporting and holds programs accountable for data quality and accurate and timely reporting of data.
• Manages program budgets, monitors grant compliance, and assists in making budgeting recommendations for each program.
• Functions as a liaison between the Agency, funders, the Community, and governmental organizations; collaborates with other programs, divisions, and outside entities, as appropriate.

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 experiences, 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.