Way Finders - Program Manager I

Program Manager I (Holyoke)

Way Finders is a 2024 Top Workplaces for Nonprofit organization, named as an employer of choice because our employees said so!

At Way Finders, we are passionately invested in lifting up the region’s people, places, and systems. Though our team performs a wide variety of functions, we are united by our shared mission: to build and advocate for a thriving region; to improve the stability and economic mobility of families and individuals; and to develop and manage a robust range of safe, affordable housing options.

Interested in joining our team of dedicated professionals? Way Finders is currently seeking a full-time Program Manager (level I). The Program Manager supports our mission with the successful administration and supervision of the placement of families who are currently in our residential resource centers and scattered sites into permanent housing, through effective housing-focused assessments, case management, and family stabilization.

Benefits include: 20 days of accrued paid time-off in year one | 15+ holidays annually | Health, dental, and vision insurance options FROM DAY ONE | Educational assistance | Medical Reimbursement Account | Dependent Care Account | 403(b) retirement plan with employer match | Life insurance | Short-term and long-term disability insurance | Transportation benefits | Employee Assistance Program | Annual staff picnic!

Wage starts between $54,000 and $61,000 per year depending on equivalent qualifications. Interested applicants must submit a resume and cover letter; applications will be accepted until the position is filled. CORI/SORI/MVR.

The candidate will work fully onsite. Occasional evening and weekend on-call work is required.

Responsibilities include:

• Oversee, coordinate, and deliver services such as assessments of client housing needs and addressing other barriers that affect stabilization including financial, legal issues, mental health challenges, substance abuse, lack of employment, health care concerns, and household management education
• Oversee re-housing plans, intakes, exits, and all related assessments; ensure goals address identified needs and maximize self-sufficiency
• Ensure all applicable regulations and policies are followed, including Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) rules and regulations; oversee the completion and documentation of infractions and non-compliance termination requests via EOHLC guidelines
• Ensure proper delivery of program services; attend and contribute to regularly scheduled residential management meetings; in collaboration with the Director of Operations, ensure contract and code compliance at assigned Residential Resource Center(s)
• Collaborate with appropriate case manager(s) on permanent housing placements; facilitate the mediation of issues between clients and/or owner/landlords, including at case conferences
• Ensure complete and accurate case files, including re-housing data; perform audits on a regular basis to ensure all applicable rules, regulations, and standards are met in a timely manner
• Support case managers and residential staff with placement packets and unit walk-throughs that ensure cleanliness, identify needs, and monitor family progress in meeting goals; ensure any issues pertaining to leased units are addressed in a timely manner, including unit turnovers, submission of work orders, monthly unit walk-throughs, and tenant-related damages
• Conduct regular staff and case review meetings to communicate and meet programming needs
• Collect and share information that effectively facilitates bridge meetings between shelter program staff; ensure soft hand-off of cases occur before families exit shelter
• Assist in the development and implementation of trainings and/or action plans that build the knowledge and skills necessary to meet program objectives
• Oversee the planning and facilitation of all onsite workshops and educational activities for participants
• Collaborate with program director and facilities manager to analyze monthly expenditures, support the shelter procurement process, and deliver supply needs
• Establish and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with internal staff and departments, owners, landlords, community groups, funding sources, and other stakeholders
• Proactively identify and inform the program director(s) and/or leadership of any issues that may adversely affect the department or organization
• Ensure contract and code compliance related to RRC site in conjunction with Director of Operations
• Provide back-up to supervisor as a representative of the program/organization at state and regional provider meetings
• Remain current on the topic of homelessness prevention and related areas to ensure the accurate provision of guidance to clients
• Provide on-call services as required

Supervisory responsibilities include:

• Set effective and achievable training plans for new staff members; evaluate and make process improvements based on feedback
• Evaluate and provide timely feedback to staff on performance-related matters; assess staff members’ strengths and developmental needs; implement performance plans to ensure the development and/or maintenance of necessary skills
• Hire new/replacement staff in an efficient manner, following recruiting process guidelines
• Those directly and indirectly supervised may include residential advocates, stabilization advisors, case managers, temporary workers, other program support staff

Requirements include:

• 3 years' progressively responsible experience in housing, social services, or a related role, with 1 year in a supervisory or lead role; a combination of experience plus an Associate degree may be a substitute
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) verbal and written skills preferred but not required
• Adept in the Microsoft Suite (including Excel) and databases, and comfort learning new technologies
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Facilitation and training experience a plus
• Ability to organize and prioritize in a fast-paced environment
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record; reliable vehicle
• Must be available for on-call support
• CORI

Way Finders is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This position is available to all without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or veteran status. We provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals.