Description

Position Title: Division Director – The Aston 

Reports To: Vice President – Regional Programs

Classification: Regular Full-Time (Exempt) 

Location: 1129 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20037

Hours: Flexible schedule (Monday-Friday), between 7am-8pm,

some evenings, holidays and weekends may be required to support operations and to respond to emergencies. 

About Us:

Friendship Place is a nonprofit organization serving the Washington, DC, region, empowering individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness to rebuild their lives with community involvement. Friendship Place offers the most effective model for addressing homelessness, with innovative, customized programs with positive, demonstrable results and a lasting impact on the community and beyond. Our programs are person-centric and individualized to meet the needs and goals of individuals, families, youth/young adults, and Veterans experiencing homelessness. We provide outreach, hospitality, health care, case management, housing, job placement services, and advocacy. We have established a national presence and are known for sharing best practices in the field.

Our Core Values:

Friendship Place is a Person – First Organization that believes in promoting transparency and ethical practices among our team and those we serve. All individuals in our organization are expected to carry out their job tasks in a manner that is consistent with our core values. This includes the following:

1. Excellence and Innovation
2. Finding Ways to Say “Yes”
3. Caring at the Core
4. Agents of Change
5. Support, Empowerment, and Development
6. Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Collaboration
7. Integrity and Accountability

Summary of Position:

The Division Director-The Aston is responsible for leading a team of dedicated professionals in the delivery of high-quality non-congregate shelter services to 190 residents of the District of Columbia experiencing homelessness. As part of a new model of housing-centric shelter, the Division Director will lead operations and programming that prioritizes safe shelter with enriched program services through case management and residential support staff. All residents of The Aston are matched through the Coordinated Assessment and Housing Placement (CAHP) system and are targeted to enter stable housing destinations within 3-6 months of program entry. The Aston will offer a variety of shelter bed environments, including medically vulnerable and medical respite beds, work beds, beds for seniors, ADA beds, and beds for couples and families with non-minor dependents. 

The Division Director must have the ability to build relationships with diverse groups of people and have a commitment to supporting and advancing high-quality participant driven services. The ability to demonstrate sound and prompt decision-making related to the administration of Division services is vital to the role, as well as the ability to develop and cultivate a diverse team. This position must be able to build and maintain vital relationships with key stakeholders, including DC Government, Continuum of Care, Advisory Neighborhood Commissions, and other identified groups. The Division Director will also represent Friendship Place through community meetings, workgroups, subcommittees, and other collaborative groups to promote services and influence the formation of system level services and best practices. The position is fully funded by a grant/contract through The Community Partnership for The Prevention of Homelessness and the DC Department of Human Services (DHS). 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

A) Administration, Development, & Evaluation

• Serves as Division Director and manages Division programming including overseeing the service delivery, data collection, billing, quality assurance, evaluation, policy and procedure, and reporting within various systems.
• Leverages person-centric models and human-centered design tools to develop new programming based on discussions with and insights from program participants, staff, and other stakeholders.
• Ensures continuous program development in keeping with latest trends and outcome benchmarks in the field.
• Works with the Measurement & Evaluation Team to conduct strategic analysis that includes periodic internal audits to ensure compliance and best practices.
• Ensure compliance with Federal and DC regulations governing the service delivery to persons experiencing homelessness (HSRA).
• Ensure documentation, data quality, and model practices are assessed on a regular basis through routine program file reviews/audits, program assessments, etc. 

B) Program Oversight & Leadership

• Supports the VP of Regional Programs in the design, development and implementation of programs and ensures that service delivery is consistent, effective, participant-driven and quality-oriented.
• Provides overall supervision, instructive mentorship, coaching and guidance to staff (including supervision, evaluations, professional development, and corrective action plans)
• Assists VP of Regional Programs with oversight of contracts including monitoring, negotiation, and compliance. Works closely with Finance to develop budgets and budget execution.
• Assists VP of Regional Programs and Development staff in developing proposals for funding, including reporting on outcomes.
• Monitors and manages Division expenses: Ensures completion of monthly reconciliation reports and credit card transactions for program services.
• Attends public and private funding source meetings.
• Participates in the interviewing and selection of unfamiliar staff.
• Ensures that staff are meeting goals by analyzing and accessing program design, staffing and resources.
• Manages and completes all required data and narrative reports per contract agreements and internal evaluations (daily, weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly, annually, and as needed)
• Serve as point-of-contact for coordination of services with on-site medical clinic.

C) Community Engagement & Advocacy

• Attends Board, community, and external committee meetings, as necessary.
• Maintains active communication with program participants and stakeholders and develops programming with their input.
• Acts as a point of contact for participants and community stakeholders; works to resolve issues and address concerns.
• Connects, collaborates, advocates, and builds professional relationships with external agencies.

D) Additional Responsibilities

• Ensure documentation necessary for highest quality care through paper/physical and electronic filing systems.
• Participate in the planning and development of new projects as they relate to participant services.
• Assess safety/well-being of participants and activate emergency services and other necessary support as needed.
• Actively participate in case meetings, staff meetings, and supervisions.
• Actively attend and participate in all required training per contract requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education/Experience Requirement

• Bachelor’s degree required; degree in psychology, sociology, social work, human services preferred, and have 5 years of relevant work experience.
• OR, a Master’s degree (preferred); degree in psychology, sociology, social work, human services preferred, with 3 years of relevant work experience.
• Management/Leadership/Supervisory experience of 3 or more years (required)
• Prior relevant work experience in human or homeless services, psychiatric rehabilitation, additions, poverty, foster care, mental health, youth/young adults, LGBTQIA people and/or other individuals from historically marginalized communities strongly preferred.
• Experience with contract monitoring and compliance (preferred)

Essential Skills and Competencies

• Solid decision-making and problem-solving skills (Identify and resolves problems in a timely manner; Uses sound and accurate judgment; Attention to detail)
• Fiscal Acumen (Ability to develop and manage program budgets and make key decisions to ensure fiscal wellbeing of operations)
• Strong oral communication skills (Ability to speak clearly and convey vital information to diverse audiences, active engagement in meetings)
• Strong written communication skills (Writes clearly, informatively, and with accuracy)
• Excellent Customer Service (Displays kindness, respect, and meets service expectations; Upholds client confidentiality)
• Commitment to Growth and Development (Strives to build knowledge and skills and best practices)
• Attendance/Punctuality (Consistently on-time and ensures support coverage, as necessary)
• Teamwork and Collaboration (Balances team and individual responsibilities; gives/receives feedback; upholds confidentiality; pursues objectivity and open dialogue)
• Champions diversity, equity, and inclusion (Pursues cultural humility/sensitivity, racial equity, social justice, and inclusive perspectives/experiences)
• Embodies visionary and inclusive leadership; incorporates staff feedback and voice in decision making, program and professional development.
• Strong work ethic (Willingness to get “dirty” and support front-line staff to support successful programming; Consistently pursues solutions and provides vital feedback for ongoing growth/development of services) 
• Commitment to Organizational Practices and Culture (Mission, Core Values, Strategic Planning, and Compliance)
• Understanding of evidence-based practices in case management services, homeless services, trauma-informed care, Housing First, youth development, and recovery-oriented services.
• Proficient in Microsoft Programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.), Internet services, and web-based surveys
• Experience with Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) is a plus.

Working Conditions

The position will spend the majority of time between office/desk settings, moving throughout the program site, training, and attending meetings/engagements with key stakeholders in the neighborhood surrounding the program site. The position will have no more than 10-15% of time based in community/travel across the District of Columbia. 

Physical and Environmental Requirements

The position requires splitting time between an office setting, moving throughout the program site, training, and attending meetings/engagements with key stakeholders in the neighborhood surrounding the program site. Employees must be able to sit for extended periods of time with repetitive motions and positions. Some lifting may be required (up to 20-25lbs). 

Background Checks

The selected candidate will be required to complete and pass background checks specific to contract requirements that may include: criminal history background check and/or fingerprinting, FBI Background Check, DC Metropolitan Police Background Check, State-of-Residence Police Background Check, DC Child Abuse Registry (CFSA), National Sex Offender Registry Check, Drug Panel and Alcohol Screening, Tuberculosis Test, and Driving Record check (for positions transporting participants), and confirmation of COVID-19 vaccination record.

Direct & Indirect Reports

Direct: Assistant Director (1), Case Management Supervisor (1)

Indirect: Case Managers (4), Residential Aide Coordinator (1), Residential Aides (12)

Specific Requirements

The employee must have a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation to perform duties and responsibilities. The vehicle must meet legal requirements (insured, registered, etc.). 

Other Details:

• Application Deadline: This job is open until filled, or the hiring manager determines they can no longer accept applications.
•  Compensation: The hiring pay range is between $78,624.00-$93,760.00. Flexible schedule (Monday-Friday), between 7 am -8 pm, some evenings, holidays, and weekends may be required and participates in on-call rotation. The annual salary is based on a step system. A candidate’s starting pay determination is made based on meeting the basic position requirements and current completed education, credentials, and/or work experience. Please Note: The step system is set and not open to pay negotiation.
• Benefits: We offer an excellent benefits package including low-cost health insurance, health reimbursement, flexible spending accounts, employer-paid dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, 403B defined contribution plan matching, employee assistance programs, professional development, employee resource groups, 14 paid holidays, 15 days of vacation and 10 days of sick leave during 1st year of employment, and much more! (Benefits are pro-rated for part-time employees).
• COVID-19: Effective September 19, 2021, the District of Columbia (DC) mandates COVID-19 vaccination for government employees, contractors, interns, and grantees. As a DC government contractor, we comply with this mandate by ensuring that all employees comply with being vaccinated or have an approved exemption. If you would like to proceed with completing an employment application, it is with the understanding that Friendship Place complies with the DC COVID-19 vaccine mandate. We appreciate your interest in joining the Friendship Place team.
• Location: Washington, D.C.
• Interview Process: Phone screening, panel style interview, final interview.
• Website: www.friendshipplace.org

Diversity & Equal Opportunity Statement:

Friendship Place is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to maximizing the diversity of our team and want to involve all those who can contribute to our inclusive culture. We support all qualified individuals within our workforce without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, personal appearance, familial status, family responsibilities, political affiliations, matriculation, credit, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

How to Apply:

Website: https://friendshipplace.org/who-we-are/careers/