Description
Position: Director of Programs
Location: Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Sonoma Valley (Hybrid option available)
Reports to: Vice President – Sonoma County
Status: Full Time, Exempt
Compensation: $119,933/Annually
ABOUT HOMEFIRST
Established in 1980, HomeFirst™ is a nonprofit organization passionately working to end homelessness. We serve the Bay Area community through low-barrier programming and systems leadership – meeting each person where they are by offering support and resources that address immediate and long-term housing needs. With nearly 45 years of experience, we view housing as a fundamental human right and understand that solving homelessness requires a collaborative effort.
OUR VALUES
- Kindness: We act with empathy toward others.
- Passion: We ignite change to fulfill our mission.
- Excellence: We deliver exceptional service to our communities.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Sonoma County Director of Programs, in partnership with the VP - Sonoma County, supports the planning, design, and implementation of services for individuals and families who are unhoused or at risk of becoming unhoused. Programs include, Interim Housing Program, Street Outreach programs, Sonoma Valley Rapid Rehousing program, Keep People Housed Sonoma Valley Prevention pilot, Landlord Recruitment Initiative in Petaluma. As HomeFirst explores services expansion in the Sonoma County area, new programing related to homeless services provisions may be added in the future.
The Director of Programs is responsible for hiring and providing supervision and oversight to a team of management and direct service staff, as well as overseeing the development and execution of Policies and Procedures for their programs in alignment with funder and agency goals. The Director of Programs is accountable for performance toward housing outcome metrics addressing the length of time participants experience homelessness while in program, recidivism, and cumulative program exits or retention into permanent housing among others. The Director of Services is also accountable for managing programs accurately against their budgets.
QUALITIES:
The Director of Interim Housing is committed to ending homelessness via the principles of Housing First and Harm Reduction. They demonstrate this commitment through their proactive and creative approach to program interventions and services. They recognize the time sensitivity required to support those in crisis to maintain or secure housing stability and exercise empathy toward those we serve. They apply this same passion in their care and attention for the details, contract compliance, and pursuit of performance benchmarks.
The needs of 24/7 operations, program requirements, community partners, and participants may compete, and the Director of Services is skilled in mediating conflicting demands and de-escalation. They are a professional representative of the agency and can communicate persuasively when needed to enhance partnership opportunities or resolve crises. Ideal candidates are knowledgeable and sensitive to the needs of our unhoused populations. They enjoy practicing a strength-based approach in fast paced and rapidly changing environments. They are welcoming and accepting of all backgrounds and beliefs without judgment or bias. They utilize highly developed communication skills, including demonstrated ability to effectively de-escalate and manage, including those who may be experiencing serious mental illness or may be intoxicated.
The Director of Programs is consistently dedicated to providing services that meet the needs of the most vulnerable of the homeless population.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
The position reports to the Vice President, Sonoma County.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILTIES
Project Management
- Works with VP -Sonoma County and the agency Executive Leadership Team to plan, deliver and monitor strategic plan goals and outcomes
- Works with VP – Sonoma County in visioning and applying for new program development, as well as developing operational plans for the program areas
- Facilitate collaborative decision-making regarding program development and implementation
- Works to expand and deepen the agency's external partnerships to ensure the highest level of service possible to those experiencing homelessness; Attends community meetings as needed and represents HomeFirst in a professional manner
- Responsible for the implementation and monitoring of services contracts and deliverables identified within multiple contracts
- Works in conjunction with the VP – Sonoma County and Program Managers on the oversight of all budget items related to programs assigned and development of yearly budgets; ensures programs facilitate spending in accordance with budgets;
- Responsible for maintaining compliance, contract reporting and data collection of assigned programs and contracts; In conjunction with the VP, CPO and CFO, coordinates all audit processes as required, and monitors all grants for compliance and accurate reporting, as well as timely correction of all compliance issues
- Ensures program areas assigned are aligned with local CoC efforts
- Ensure practices are in alignment with corresponding programs in Sonoma County County
- Builds and maintains positive working relationships with contract monitors ie. City, County, private funders
Quality Improvement
- With the VP – Sonoma County and agency Quality Control Department, support the monitoring, analysis and evaluation of program performance; generate regular data reports and support Program Managers in data literacy
- Researches best practices and programmatic upgrades as necessary; maintain awareness of trends nationally related to assigned program areas
- Shadow multiple program shifts, including overnight shifts to gain insight and identify areas for program improvement.
Supervisory Leadership
- Recruit, evaluate, and train Program Managers and when needed front-line staff, and assists them in the development of their team and professional growth
- Provides regular one to one supervision with team members as well as conducts team meetings
- Assists with personnel recruitment for 24/7 operations, interviewing, hiring, and employee separation as needed; ensures all programs are safely staffed, run and maintained
- Coordinate effective departmental communications, ensuring clear and consistent messaging
Other
- Attends non-local meetings and conferences as required by grantors and agency.
- Attend all job-related meetings, including program staff meetings and agency-wide meetings.
- Represent the agency in public speaking events as requested.
- Participate in opportunities for learning and skill maintenance/development, including internal and external trainings and workshops.
- Assist with other duties assigned.
COMPETENCIES
- Excellence: Commits to high achievement by setting personal standards of excellence, driving results, and continuously improving performance while fostering team success and organizational goals.
- Collaboration: Works effectively to build strong relationships, foster open communication, and create a cohesive and high-performing team.
- Diversity & Inclusion: Cultivates an inclusive environment that values and respects the social identities of all individuals, creating space for authenticity and equity.
- Managing Performance: Ensures team goals are met by proactively addressing concerns, providing guidance, and fostering accountability to achieve desired outcomes.
- Empowering & Developing Others: Delegates authority confidently, provides the freedom for individual styles, and offers recognition and constructive feedback to develop team members effectively.
- Managing Change: Leads teams through organizational shifts by positively guiding others, encouraging adaptability, and aligning priorities with the agency’s mission.
- Risk Management: Evaluates and mitigates risks in operational and strategic areas, prioritizes safety, and raises concerns to address potential issues proactively.
- Technical Expertise: Maintains a high level of skill and knowledge relevant to the role, staying adaptable and current in their field.
- Customer Service: Understands the needs and goals of both internal and external stakeholders, working collaboratively to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
- Planning and Organizing: Develops and adheres to efficient workflows, ensuring deadlines and processes are streamlined for maximum effectiveness.
- Critical Thinking: Approaches challenges with a logical, systematic, and thoughtful methodology to effectively navigate complex situations and make informed decisions.
BENEFITS
HomeFirst provides comprehensive benefits, including 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage and additional wellness options like chiropractic care, mental health support, pet insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program. We offer a 401(k)-retirement plan with generous matching, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, commuter benefits, and workers’ compensation. Employees enjoy 12 holidays, sick leave, and PTO starting at 15 days annually, increasing with tenure, plus 8 hours of civic engagement leave annually to volunteer.
ORGANIZATIONAL EQUITY STATEMENT
At HomeFirst, diversity, equity, and inclusion guide our services, workplace, and decisions. Recognizing housing as a social justice issue, we prioritize equitable practices, honor lived experiences and uphold dignity for all. By fostering belonging, accountability, and continuous improvement, we embed DEI values in our processes, recruitment, and leadership, striving for excellence at every level.
HomeFirst is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. Additionally, HomeFirst participates in the E-Verify program, as required by law.
HomeFirst is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please let your recruiter know.
QualificationsQUALIFICATIONS (YOU HAVE)
Knowledge and Experience, General
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Services or related field (Bachelor's degree may be substituted by 4 years
- of management experience, in addition to the requirement below)
- Minimum 5 years-experience in social services or non-profit sector
- Minimum 3 years of progressive management experience, overseeing staff and multiple programs
- 1 year of experience working in homeless services, management capacity
- Lived experience with homelessness preferred
- Experience developing relationships with community partners, including public and private organizations and agencies
- Bilingual in Spanish and bicultural preferred, not required
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and basic uses of Excel
- Valid CA driver’s license and insurance, and reliable transportation to use on the job
- Able to perform sedentary work;
- Able to lift up to 30 lbs. on occasion;
- Ability to use keyboard and read computer screens for extended periods;
- Able to stand/sit for extended periods, kneel, reach and bend related to the completion of duties;
