Director of SF Supportive Services

About First Place for Youth, we’re a leading non-profit organization dedicated to supporting foster youth in their transition to adulthood, with a focus on education, employment, and housing. We believe that all young people deserve the opportunity to thrive and lead successful, independent lives. Our comprehensive programs empower foster youth to overcome the unique challenges they face and build the skills, confidence, and connections they need to succeed.

 Why Work at First Place for Youth:

• Meaningful Impact:  Help to transform the lives of foster youth on the cusp of adulthood. Your role will support them in their journey to conquer challenges, achieve independence, and fulfill their aspirations.
• Innovative Approach: We thrive on innovation, pushing the boundaries of foster care support. Your voice here matters, and you’ll contribute to programs that redefine the futures of these young lives.
• Collaborative and Supportive Environment: Embrace a dynamic and supportive workplace, where every team member is valued. Together, we're a force dedicated to uplifting youth. Expect professional growth, fueled by teamwork and collaboration.
• Comprehensive Benefits: We value the well-being of our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package. From health and wellness benefits to retirement plans, we ensure that our team members are taken care of so they can focus on their important work supporting foster youth.
• Culture of Diversity and Inclusion: We celebrate diversity in every form. At First Place for Youth, inclusivity reigns, creating a workplace where all voices are heard, respected, and empowered.

POSITION OVERVIEW: The Director of San Francisco Supportive Services is an energetic, collaborative and results-oriented leader who will manage Rapid Re-housing/Rising Up – a housing first case management program and Single Site Housing – permanent supportive housing sites with participants living directly onsite. These programs provide direct services to individuals whom experience homelessness during transition age (18-24 years old), while building skills development in housing, healthy living, education and employment for independent living preparedness. The Director is responsible for overseeing programs and ensuring effective staff supervision and program implementation according to First Place established policies and procedures. The Director will monitor outcomes, safeguard retention of participants in program, mediate youth conflicts and supervise a SF TAY Program Manager and the SF TAY Lead. The Director reports to the Vice President of Programs. This position requires a thorough professional whose passion for First Place’s vision is matched with energetic leadership, sound judgment in the face of complex challenges, and a proven track record of accomplishment of managing direct service teams. This position is expected to be onsite at our Oakland Headquarter Office and SF Single Site 3 days a week, and in the community of San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area throughout the business week.

DUTIES + RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Operations

• Lead assigned programs and projects, ensuring compliance with program, agency, and regulatory policy.
• Provide leadership and guidance to staff, with emphasis on PSH single site programs.
• Oversee documentation and review data to ensure accuracy, integrity, and service quality.
• Help develop, evaluate, and refine service delivery, including field training and support.
• Ensure staff adhere to First Place for Youth standards and competencies.
• With the Manager, support budgeting, contract control, reporting, and renewal.
• Support day-to-day operations of single sites and represent the agency with partners.

Talent Management

• Hire, train, develop, and supervise direct service staff.
• Provide weekly one-on-one supervision, coaching staff in housing retention, resource and referral, workshop delivery, case management, and education and employment coaching.
• Facilitate regular team meetings to build collaboration and program fidelity.
• Ensure program data is entered accurately and on time.
• Conduct annual performance reviews.

Direct Youth Services (Resource Specialist Functions)

• Deliver workshops on career, education, and employment skills such as resumes, interviewing, and job maintenance.
• Provide 1-on-1 drop-in support, coaching youth, identifying barriers, and developing joint plans with Case Managers and youth-identified supporters.
• Prepare youth to use community resources, including application support and information sessions.
• Coordinate community events that build independent living skills.
• Provide conflict resolution, safety planning, and crisis de-escalation support, and cover direct services during staff absence or vacancy.

Community Partnerships

• Vet, establish, and maintain partnerships across Bay Area counties, including public benefits, mental health, workforce, employer, education, housing, and social service providers.
• Assess TAY needs to develop targeted resource outreach, and track referrals and utilization.
• Promote First Place for Youth services to partners and employers to generate placement and referral opportunities.
• Lead collaborative meetings with partners, including Child Welfare and Housing Departments, and participate in coordinated entry and matching meetings.
• Ensure rapid response to vacancies, resident transitions, housing concerns, and landlord/tenant issues.

Documentation and Administrative Duties

• Attend weekly program meetings, monthly agency meetings, and weekly supervision.
• Maintain timely, accurate documentation and case files in One System or Apricot.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the organization.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's Degree preferred, Bachelors in social work, psychology, counselling or equivalent required.
• 5 years of progressively responsible program management experience, preferably in a high-growth, youth/adult-serving organization with five years of supervisory experience leading multi-level teams required.
• A strong dedication to cultural competency that creates conditions that remove barriers.
• Prior program budget management experience is required for this role.
• Direct service experience — at least five years working with youth individuals’ systemic barriers, preferably individuals experiencing homelessness. Milieu or wraparound experience preferred.
• Excellent understanding of homeless youth/adult services and resources, including education and employment resources for youth as well as awareness of other services for young adults and young parents.
• Knowledge of which local community referral resources will best meet the needs of youth in the Homeless service field.
• Demonstrated success developing and evaluating program models, and selecting and successfully operationalizing innovative programs.
• Strong project management skills managing complex, multifaceted projects resulting in measurable successes and program growth.
• Strength in hiring, recruiting, managing, developing, coaching, and retaining individuals and teams, empowering them to elevate their levels of responsibility, span-of-control and performance.
• Understanding of human resources, employee performance improvement plans, and corrective action policies.
• Dependable car, valid driver’s license and proof of insurance required.
• Strong Communication Skills – Exceptional oral and written communication skills including the demonstrated ability to research, assimilate, and analyze information, compose reports and correspondence, and present proven data in a clear and inspiring manner.
• Computer Skills – Proficiency with Office applications including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. Experience with data entry and outcomes management using web-based case management software, such as Apricot of Efforts to Outcomes.
• Availability for some evening and weekend work and for travel as needed.

Benefits:

• 15 days of vacation time in the first year
• 12 days of sick time
• 2 floating holidays
• 15 paid holidays
• Employee’s choice of Kaiser or UCH HMO/PPO with up to 90% of the premium covered by First Place on certain plans
• Principal dental and vision coverage with up to 90% of the premium covered by First Place
• Healthcare and Dependent care FSA plans
• Principal basic life and voluntary life insurance coverage
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401(k) retirement savings plan 
• Paid sabbatical

*We do not offer relocation assistance Local candidates preferred

*Pay will be determined based on Education and Experience. 

If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of transition age foster youth and want to join a dynamic and impactful organization, we invite you to apply. Together, let's empower transition age foster youth to achieve their dreams and build a brighter future. To learn more about First Place For Youth and view our current job openings, please visit our website at www.firstplaceforyouth.org/careers.

We are unable to sponsor work visas now or in the future. 

First Place will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and applicable law. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting the California Civil Rights Department Fair Chance Act webpage or reviewing this guidance provide by the City of San Francisco. For additional information regarding your rights, please also review the Summary of Your Rights Under the FCRA.