Host Homes Program Manager

Position: Host Homes Program Manager

Reports to: Director of Programs and Services

Direct reports: Host Homes Coordinator

The Host Homes Program Manager is a thought and implementation leader for BAGLY’s exciting new initiative supporting LGBTQ+ youth, ages 18-24 who are experiencing homelessness. This position is responsible for the creation and development of the Host Homes program, including implementation, management and evaluation. This position supports BAGLY’s mission to promote the health and wellness of LGBTQ+ youth throughout Massachusetts so they can lead happy and healthy lives.

Please note that, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this position is currently primarily remote, with occasional (socially-distanced) on-site work at our Community Center in downtown Boston.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Director of Programs and Services, and working in collaboration with other BAGLY staff, this position is responsible for the following:

• Development of the Host Homes Program including a network of Host Homes sites throughout Massachusetts.
• Supervision and support of the Host Homes team, including the Host Homes Navigator and Peer Leaders.
• Ensure the development and delivery of a training curriculum for new hosts. This will include topics such as LGBTQ communities, youth development, homelessness, trauma, harm reduction, crisis planning, and conflict resolution. 
• Participate in the design of support groups and workshops for youth and hosts.
• Conduct host and client interviews with the Host Home Navigator to strategically and ethically match appropriate housing connections. 
• Provide trauma informed crisis intervention, as needed.
• Transport clients as needed. 
• Maintain accurate client files and documentation, including client needs and goals, case management services and referrals, in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).  
• Responsible for BAGLY’s direct aid, food and clothing distribution initiatives.
• Represent the organization in collaborative partner networks and at related community and Center events and activities
• Adhere to agency and program policies, procedures, and protocols including the maintenance of confidentiality.
• Participate in staff meetings, planning meetings, trainings and other meetings as needed. 
• Other duties as assigned by the Director of Programs and Services.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of, and commitment to, BAGLY’s mission. 
• Strong experience and understanding of social justice, models of oppression, community organizing and activism.
• Strong familiarity with issues of particular relevance to intersectional identities within the LGBTQ+ community; lived experience is preferred.
• Working knowledge and established relationships with community resources as they relate to homelessness, renters’ rights and youth. 
• Understanding of client-centered service delivery approaches, including harm reduction frameworks and Trauma Informed Service Models. 
• Ability to anticipate and address challenges, solve problems effectively, and maintain appropriate boundaries, while working independently and in collaboration with a team. 
• Experience in program development and implementation, and strong organizational, planning, communication, facilitation and time management skills preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, including public speaking and facilitation. 
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with people of diverse races, ethnicities, nationalities, sexual orientations, gender identities, socio-economic backgrounds, religions, ages, varying degrees of fluency in English, immigration status, and physical abilities in an intersectional environment.   
• Strong professional maturity, flexibility and problem solving skills required.

Requirements

• Minimum of 3 years of prior supervisory experience and 2 years of direct services experience working with LGBTQ+ and homeless youth populations.
• MSW or MA in social work or related fields from accredited graduate school is preferred.
• Bilingual fluency in English and one or more other languages is preferred.  
• Proficiency working with computers and Microsoft Office software, Slack, database systems, and social media tools. 
• Valid driver’s license and an excellent driving record.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods, maneuver tight storage space, move objects weighing 25-50 pounds, ascend/descend stairs, operate office equipment, open and close filing cabinets and boxes, observe visitors, and communicate messages by telephone.

Working Environment

BAGLY is committed to operating as a learning organization, and supports the continuous development of staff, program and organizational systems. BAGLY’s program environments are community based, frequently changing and dynamic, and hours are flexible with significant evening and weekend programming.

BAGLY is an equal opportunity employer to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. People of color, transgender/non-binary people, and/or female-identified individuals are strongly encouraged to apply.