Program Director, Residential Housing

The Coalition for the Homeless is the nation’s oldest advocacy and direct service organization helping the homeless population. To assist its 90+ employees in meeting those needs, the Coalition supports a dynamic, heterogeneous network from its downtown New York headquarters. The Residential Housing Program Director provides direct services to the clients/residents of Coalition Houses and Bridge Building including, but not limited to, case management, advocacy and assistance in obtaining and retaining public benefits and entitlements, education, job skills/employment search, conflict mediation, support in achieving individualized goals and maintaining independent living, access to health care, mental health, and substance use services. The Program Director supervises the Coalition Houses Case Manager in ensuring that tenant needs are consistently met and reports directly to the Deputy Executive Director for Programs. S/he/they will be expected to oversee all reporting requirements and service delivery at Coalition Houses and Bridge Building. The Program Director will perform job duties consistent with the mission and goals of the Coalition for the Homeless and the terms of the contractual agreement with the Department of Social Services and other relevant agencies.

DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES

The Program Director:

1. Assist residents in remaining housed by: helping clients obtain or maintain a permanent source of income to pay rent (i.e., section 8, other subsidy/benefits, or employment); supporting clients in the transition from homelessness to housing; informing clients about the responsibilities as a member of the Coalition Houses and Bridge Building communities;
2. Assist clients in setting and achieving personal goals (including employment, education, health, financial and support network related goals, etc.);
3. Provide clients with the necessary assistance to obtain and retain all appropriate public benefits and entitlements, and provide escort and advocacy services, as necessary, to ensure same;
4. Develop and maintain working knowledge of and regular contact with health care, social services, and legal systems and agencies to ensure clients’ access to, referral to, and placement in, all such needed services;
5. Alert Deputy Executive Director for Programs regarding client emergencies and other immediate needs and assist in efforts to promptly deliver proper services;
6. Support clients in the maintenance of apartments, household budgeting, and self-care needs;
7. Work in close partnership with the Building Superintendent, and Property Manager to ensure proper maintenance of apartments and payment of rent, among other matters;
8. Conduct intake interviews in collaboration with the Property Manager for placement of clients in Coalition Houses and Bridge Building;
9. Ensure intakes are accepted or declined appropriately based on contractual terms, that the approach to intake is consistent with the overall perspective of the agency and that follow up is proactive and consistent in order to facilitate the move-in process for accepted individuals;
10. Design, plan and arrange for no less than one tenant related special event, group or outing per month, as well as assist in the design and implementation of other program and service enhancements;
11. Function, as needed, as liaison to the various community organizations, such as Community Board 7, 77th St. Block Association and the local police precinct;
12. Assist in providing information required for funding proposals and renewal agreements with government agencies, foundations and other funding organizations, as needed;
13. Participate in group supervision, meetings, trainings and interventions for Program Directors and staff of programs;
14. Maintain accurate and proper record documentation as required in the client database and client files, contracts, and official correspondences
15. Complete monthly, quarterly and/or annual reports and other program or service summaries for internal and external reporting purposes;
16. Obtain regular (no less than bi-weekly) supervision with the Deputy Executive Director for Programs to review client issues/concerns, and service needs, among other matters;
17. Perform all other duties as may be assigned by the Deputy Executive Director for Programs or designee.

Requirements

BA/BS in a human services or health discipline required. MSW or MA/MS preferred. Prior case/care management experience, especially in a supportive housing program, and experience working directly with people who are homeless, individuals with mental illness, and individuals with histories of substance use is strongly desired. The individual should be resourceful and a creative problem-solver. S/he/they must have the ability to collaborate respectfully with colleagues and function effectively in the context of a team setting.

REPORTS TO: Deputy Executive Director for Programs