Director of Programs

Who We Are

Ascencia is a nonprofit homeless services agency based in Glendale, California, dedicated to helping individuals and families across L.A. County move from homelessness to permanent housing. Through street outreach, emergency shelter, case management, mental health care, and more, we provide compassionate, comprehensive support. With a 97% housing retention rate, our success reflects the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and community partners who make stability possible for those we serve.

Benefits

• 401(k) and 401(k) matching
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Job Description

The Director of Programs is responsible for planning, directing, and overseeing the daily and expanding operations of all Ascencia programs. This includes supervision of program staff, case management operations, and clinical consultants across multiple service areas.

Program oversight includes:

• Emergency/Interim Housing
• CES-Access Center
• Street and Library Outreach
• Co-Located staff positions in West Hollywood and Glendale
• Hospital bed contracts
• Financial Literacy
• Gardena tenants
• Permanent Supportive Housing
• Intensive Case Management Services (ICMS)
• ECM
• Winter Shelter operations when seasonally operated by Ascencia

The Director of Programs reports directly to the Executive Director and plays a key leadership role in ensuring program effectiveness, compliance, strategic growth, and quality service delivery to individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Salary: $95,000 – $100,000 per year DOE

Duties and Responsibilities

Administrative

• Ensure related administrative record keeping and reporting systems are current and complete as required by contracts
• Ensure timely submission of accurate and complete program reports
• Manage program budgets
• Use client data to support program improvements and organizational growth
• Support fundraising and program development efforts through statistical analysis and program narratives

Services Supervision

• Supervise Program Managers, Library Social Worker, Program Staff, and Residential Associates to ensure sound and professional operation of Ascencia’s programs and case management services
• Review client files, including hard files, HMIS, and CHAMP records, to ensure case management plans address identified needs, remain current, and align with contract goals
• Coordinate staff scheduling, case management assignments, and volunteer services
• Conduct or coordinate staff orientations, in-services, and training opportunities
• Mediate client grievances and facilitate resolution of case management and client-related concerns
• Hire, supervise, train, and evaluate program staff

Program Development and Strategic Initiatives

• Attend program-related community, coalition, and committee meetings
• Develop and maintain collaborative partnerships with homeless service organizations, hospitals, and community partners to support agency goals
• Create, implement, and support systems to manage new programs and ensure compliance with evolving laws, regulations, and mandates
• Ensure integration of new initiatives with existing operations and services

Management

• Ensure timely collection of rents from tenants in accordance with agency policies and procedures
• Coordinate with the Finance Department to ensure timely rent payments to property owners
• Ensure lease agreements are current and properly maintained
• Ensure timely reporting and follow-up of repairs and maintenance for Ascencia tenant properties and housing programs
• Ensure timely filling of vacant units
• Uphold State, Federal, and local laws regarding accessibility and client rights under ADA and Section 504 regulations

Qualifications and Requirements

• Master’s Degree and four years of increasingly responsible employment in a related field required; licensure or certification related to social services or public health preferred
• Management experience in a social service setting with working knowledge of case management systems and planning techniques
• Exceptional problem-solving skills and strategic thinking abilities
• Knowledge of substance abuse recovery, mental health care modalities, harm reduction, and Housing First practices
• Experience and competency working with diverse populations
• Experience with Medi-Cal billing and County or Federal contract administration strongly preferred
• Property management experience preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and database applications; experience with HMIS and CHAMP preferred
• Must meet insurance carrier requirements for driving approval
• Valid driver’s license required
• Must have reliable transportation and ability to drive agency vehicles in accordance with agency policy
• Employees driving personal vehicles for work purposes must maintain active and adequate auto insurance coverage

Physical Requirements

• Some travel to field locations required to support program operations and responsibilities
• Prolonged sitting, standing, bending, stooping, and stretching
• Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds
• Frequent typing and operation of computers, keyboards, and phones

Other Conditions

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

EEO Statement

Ascencia is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, disability status, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• 401(k) and 401(k) matching
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan