Position: Program Manager

Location: Rohnert Park / Sonoma County

Employment Type: Regular Full Time, Exempt

Compensation: $75k

Program Summary:

SAFE SLEEPING

The Safe Sleeping Program is a housing-focused, low-barrier program designed to serve individuals experiencing homelessness in Rohnert Park. Our program will provide a safer camp alternative to individuals formerly residing in the unmanaged Roberts Lake Park and Ride encampment and supportive services designed to help them access housing. Additionally, the Safe Sleeping Program aims to lessen the negative health, economic and social impacts of unregulated encampments on residents, the public, and the City of Rohnert Park.

The Safe Sleeping Program will offer designated 10 ft x 10 ft safe sleeping spaces to homeless adults who were residents at the Roberts Lake Park and Ride encampment. The goal of the Safe Sleeping Program is to completely resolve and close the existing encampment overtime via the provision of shelter and housing at Labath Landing and other Sonoma County housing programs.

As the Safe Sleeping Program is located outdoors, staff will be stationed in a modular office equipped with heating and cooling and have access to staff-only porta potties onsite. This Safe Sleeping Program will offer a variety of supportive services, community engagement, and direct contributions to help each participant achieve stable housing and will be fully staffed and operate seven days per week, 24 hours per day, 365 days a year. Additionally, outsourced security officers will be stationed onsite to ensure the safety of program participants, staff, and visitors.

The Program Manager will oversee a Safe Sleeping Program team that consists of a Case Manager, Housing Specialist, and Resident Coordinators; the Case Manager will provide targeted support to program participants through one-on-one sessions formulating housing plans to obtain the resources necessary to fulfill plan goals. The Housing Specialist will focus on supporting participants through their housing identification and securement process. Resident Coordinators will provide access to supplies, ensure program rules are being adhered to, and are responsible for overall day-to-day onsite operations.

The Program Manager will report directly to the Emergency Housing Division Director within the Emergency Housing Division. This Division encompasses all programs serving individuals and families who are homeless and seeking immediate temporary housing or shelter options. Under the guidance of the agency’s Emergency Housing Division Director and Vice President (VP) of the Emergency Housing Division, the Program Manager will oversee the Safe Sleeping Program located at the Roberts Lake Park and Ride location. As HomeFirst explores services expansion in the Sonoma County area, new programming related to homeless services provisions may be added in the future.

In partnership with the Emergency Housing Division Director, the Program Manager will support in planning, design, and implementation of the Safe Sleeping Program and will promote performance outcome metrics for all sites assigned and all aspects of program oversight and implementation within their department.

Qualities:

The Program Manager 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 to detail, contract compliance, and pursuit of performance benchmarks.

The needs of the 24/7 operations, programs, community partners, and population may compete, and the Program Manager 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. Enjoy practicing a strength-based approach in fast-paced and rapidly changing environments. Are welcoming and accepting of all backgrounds and beliefs without judgment or bias. 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.

HomeFirst is a culturally diverse company in a similarly diverse community, and the Emergency Housing Division Director desires to work with people from a variety of social and economic backgrounds. To that end, the Emergency Housing Division Director cultivates a connected and mutually supportive team.

Responsibilities:

• Participate in program design and development
• Participate in the development and upkeep of a program operations manual
• Participate in creating policies and procedures
• Recruit, hire and supervises program staff
• Assist in training program staff
• Ensure the location is fully staffed (24/7 operation)
• Foster a safe, clean, and peaceful environment at the site
• Coordinate activities with external partners as necessary
• Ensure program staff adhere to program goals, objectives, and practices
• Provide tracking and reporting for the project
• Initiate and participate in outreach activities as necessary
• Leads/facilitate large group meetings and discussions for both program participants and community stakeholders
• Respond to community and participant concerns regarding the site or program participants
• Work in partnership with volunteers to foster community involvement
• Ensure facilities are effectively managed, including the upkeep of the grounds
• Ensure contracted partners fulfill agreed-upon duties
• Secure all necessary supplies for operating the site
• Ensure program participant enrollments, assessments, intakes, and other client documentation is completed and properly kept.
• Complete all appropriate data collection, HMIS data entry, paperwork, and tracking of activities
• Make timely and accurate decisions in emergency or crisis situations with awareness of the need for the safety of all participants, staff, or volunteers involved.
• Know and follow agency and program policies and procedures
• Shadow multiple shifts, including overnight shifts, to gain insight and identify areas for program improvement
• Other duties as assigned

This role is further responsible for modeling the values and principles of HomeFirst within the agency and the broader community.

• The Program Manager is relentless in their commitment to ending homelessness via the principles of Housing First and Harm Reduction. They demonstrate this commitment through thoughtful, strategic program design and a scientific approach to performance improvement. Their participation in the continuous testing, analysis, and refinement of programs reflects their personal pursuit of excellence in all that they do.

• The Program Manager is able to navigate the competing demands of internal and external stakeholders and balances their passion for service with developed business acumen.

• HomeFirst is a diverse company in a diverse field, and the Emergency Housing Division Director desires to work with people from a variety of social and economic backgrounds.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Minimum three years experience in social services or the non-profit sector; including at least one year in homeless services
• Understanding of and sensitivity to the needs of the unhoused population
• Experience developing relationships with community partners, including public and private organizations and agencies
• Fluent in Microsoft Office Suite

Other:

• 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;

Benefits of joining the HomeFirst team

• Professional growth opportunities within the organization
• 100% medical coverage for employees with an opportunity to add dependents at a shared cost
• 401k match up to 4%
• 11 observed Holidays
• Generous PTO accrual begin with 120 hours annually and increases with tenure
• 4 hours of Community Engagement provided annually
• Access to our Emergency Assistance Program (EAP) services
• Pet Insurance options available

About HomeFirst Services:

Established in 1980, with 40+ years of experience, we are the premier Silicon Valley provider of homelessness services. We believe that everyone has the potential to get housed and stay housed. We relentlessly focus on eliminating barriers to housing and creating stability for everyone we serve.

HomeFirst Services serves more than 6,000 adults, veterans, families, and young adults each year at multiple locations from Gilroy to Menlo Park – all of Santa Clara County as well as southern San Mateo County.

Services include:

• Homelessness prevention
• Emergency and cold-weather shelters
• Comprehensive Veterans’ Services
• Rapid Rehousing programs
• Bridge Housing Communities
• Emergency Interim Housing
• Affordable permanent housing
• Permanent Supportive Housing
• Street-based outreach

HomeFirst Services 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 Services participates in the E-Verify program, as required by law.

HomeFirst Services 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.

HomeFirst Services takes pride in its safety values, the wellness of our team, and respect for everyone we serve. Due to this commitment, HomeFirst Services is mandating that all employees be vaccinated or render a religious or medical exemption effective September 13, 2021.