Director of Programs
$90,000 - $100,000 USD yearly
Position Summary
The Director of Programs oversees and directs all Peter & Paul Community Services (PPCS) programming, ensuring consistent service quality, effective staff leadership, positive client outcomes, and compliance with program and funding requirements. The Director leads coordinated services that support housing stability, mental and physical wellness, and greater independence.
Current responsibilities include Garfield Place Apartments, Labre Center, Positive Directions, Jugan Shelter, Healthy Housing Tower, Rosati Community Housing, the Veterans Grant and Per Diem (GPD) program, and the Shared Services team, including shared housing case managers, the Community Coordinator/LPC, and the Data & Program Specialist. The position also leads the implementation of new or expanded programming as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibility
Directly supervises program managers, designated program staff, and Shared Services team members according to the approved organizational structure. Provides direction for staffing, workload, scheduling, performance evaluation, and staff development across programs. Serves as PPCS liaison to contracted nursing and occupational therapy (OT) providers, coordinating service access and performance; contracted clinicians retain responsibility for professional practice and clinical supervision within their disciplines.
Essential Functions
Program Leadership and Staff Accountability
- Lead program operations across sites, establishing clear expectations for service delivery, client engagement, documentation, and follow-through. Address gaps in performance and implement improvements with program leaders.
- Supervise and coach direct reports; participate in hiring, onboarding, performance reviews, and corrective action in partnership with Human Resources. Ensure required staff training and competencies are documented.
- Hold regular program leadership meetings and individual supervision sessions. Provide weekly updates to the COO on outcomes, staffing, risks, and priorities.
- Coordinate staffing and Shared Services across programs to respond to client needs, reduce service gaps, and support continuity of care. Partner with Safety & Operations and facilities staff on coverage, safety, and site concerns.
Essential Functions Continued
Client Services and Program Quality
- Ensure timely assessment, individualized service and housing plans, ongoing engagement, appropriate referrals, and coordinated transitions between programs and community providers.
- Guide person-centered, trauma-informed services and appropriate harm reduction practices consistent with each program model. Ensure clients can access behavioral health, substance use recovery, healthcare, benefits, employment, and other community supports.
- Promote client rights, dignity, choice, and access. Maintain opportunities for client input, including advisory councils and other feedback methods, and use feedback and grievances to improve services.
- Review serious incidents, service concerns, and recurring risks; ensure timely reporting, appropriate follow-up, and corrective action in coordination with the COO and other responsible leaders.
Compliance and Performance Improvement
- Maintain working knowledge of and oversee program compliance with applicable Missouri Department of Mental Health (DMH), Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), HUD Continuum of Care (CoC), VA GPD, and other funder requirements. Apply the standards relevant to each program and service model.
- Lead program responsibilities for CARF accreditation, including ongoing conformance, survey preparation, quality improvement activities, and required program documentation. Coordinate inspections, monitoring visits, and corrective action with responsible leaders.
- Develop and maintain consistent policies and procedures with necessary program-specific requirements. Ensure staff understand eligibility, admission, service planning, confidentiality, incident reporting, and discharge procedures.
- Conduct regular client record and service reviews from intake through discharge. Work with the Data & Program Specialist and program leaders to ensure timely, complete, accurate records in HMIS, Bell Data, and other required systems; staff remain responsible for their own documentation.
- Monitor occupancy, service delivery, housing outcomes, referral follow-through, client experience, and other required measures. Use results to address barriers and document program improvements.
Budgets Grants and Service Partnerships
- Oversee program budgets and resource use with the COO, Director of Financial Compliance, and Director of Grants. Review spending, staffing allocations, forecasts, and variances against approved budgets and funding commitments.
- Translate grant and contract commitments into program activities, assigned responsibilities, reporting schedules, and measurable outcomes. Ensure participant eligibility, services, and supporting documentation meet the requirements of each funding source; provide accurate information for reports, applications, and renewals.
- Serve as the operational liaison to contracted nursing and OT providers. Coordinate referrals, service schedules, case consultation, staff education, and outcome reporting; address service gaps and raise contract concerns with the COO.
- Build effective relationships with funders, referral sources, healthcare and housing partners, and the CoC. Represent PPCS in program-related meetings and support new program planning and implementation with leadership.
Required Education and Experience
- Master's degree in counseling, social work, or a related field from an accredited university, and an active LCSW or LPC license.
- At least five years of experience serving people experiencing homelessness, serious and persistent mental illness, substance use disorders, and/or co-occurring conditions, with demonstrated experience supervising staff and leading programs.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple programs or service teams, develop programming, oversee case management, and improve service quality and client outcomes.
- Working knowledge of DMH and DHSS program and licensing requirements, HUD CoC programming, CARF accreditation standards, and VA GPD requirements relevant to PPCS services; ability to interpret requirements and put them into practice.
- Experience with program budgets, forecasting, financial analysis, grant deliverables, and coordination with finance and grants staff.
- Proficiency with HMIS, Bell Data, or comparable client information systems, including data quality review, outcome tracking, and reporting. Proficiency with Microsoft 365.
- Strong supervisory, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills; sound judgment when responding to complex client needs, staff concerns, and changing priorities.
- Knowledge of local housing, behavioral health, healthcare, and other community resources. Commitment to PPCS's mission and values, ethical practice, and respectful service.
Work Environment and Travel
Work takes place in office, shelter, and residential program settings across the St. Louis area and routinely involves computers, phones, and other standard office equipment. Travel is primarily local during the business day; occasional out-of-area or overnight travel may be required. The role requires flexibility to respond to urgent program needs and occasional evening or weekend responsibilities. Regular attendance and punctuality are essential.
Physical and Environmental Requirements
Ability to communicate with staff, clients, and partners; use standard office equipment; travel between program locations; and lift and carry at least 10 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Other Duties
This job description describes the general scope and essential responsibilities of the position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change as PPCS programming and organizational needs evolve. Perform other related duties as assigned.