Senior Housing Program Manager

Position: Senior Housing Program Manager

Classification: Exempt

Reports to: Vice President of Programs

Supervises: Housing Program Managers and assigned Housing Department staff

About Home Start

Home Start’s vision is for every child to have a safe, stable, and nurturing home. Guided by our mission to assure the safety and resiliency of children by strengthening families and their communities, Home Start has served San Diego’s children and families since 1972.

Home Start operates a range of housing programs designed to prevent homelessness, interrupt the cycle of homelessness, and promote self-sufficiency. Our programs focus on ensuring that homelessness is rare, brief, and non-recurring in San Diego County.

Job Summary

The Senior Housing Program Manager oversees the daily operations, performance, and service delivery of Home Start’s housing programs. This position provides direct supervision to Housing Program Managers and ensures consistent implementation of program models, contract requirements, and quality standards.

The role supports the Vice President of Programs in coordinating housing operations agency-wide, improving system workflows, strengthening staff capacity, and maintaining strong relationships with partners, funders, and community stakeholders. The Senior Housing Program Manager helps drive a high-performing, trauma-informed service environment rooted in Housing First principles.

Duties and Responsibilities

Program Operations and Compliance

• Monitor day-to-day program operations to ensure services align with contract requirements and agency policies.

• Support implementation of Housing First, harm reduction, and trauma-informed service approaches.

• Ensure compliance with Continuum of Care (CoC) standards, Coordinated Entry System (CES) requirements, and Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) expectations.

• Track progress toward program goals and outcomes and escalate issues when needed.

• Maintain updated program procedures and workflow documents.

• Oversee and support responses to client or staff emergencies, including safety concerns, housing crises, and coordination with leadership and partners.

Staff Leadership and Supervision

• Provide direct supervision, mentorship, and performance oversight to Housing Program Managers.

• Support managers in coaching and developing their teams to ensure consistent service quality.

• Coordinate team meetings and strengthen cross-departmental communication.

• Foster a work environment that supports learning, collaboration, and staff well-being.

Client Services and Advocacy

• Ensure service delivery supports client safety, stability, and long-term housing success.

• Promote multidisciplinary collaboration with Behavioral Health, Facilities, and other departments.

• Support managers in resolving escalated client concerns with empathy and professionalism.

Quality Assurance and Reporting

• Review program data for accuracy, trends, and compliance with reporting requirements.

• Support preparation of reports for funders, internal leadership, and community partners.

• Participate in continuous quality improvement processes and help implement corrective actions.

• Support grant development, proposal writing, and program design through data analysis, outcome reporting, and compliance alignment.

Partnerships and Community Coordination

• Maintain collaborative relationships with community partners, service providers, and funders.

• Represent housing programs in external meetings as assigned.

• Support system-level coordination to improve client access and service pathways.

Fiscal Oversight

• Assist with monitoring program budgets and resource allocation.

• Ensure expenditures align with contract expectations and internal controls.

• Monitor resource needs and communicate them proactively.

Organizational Participation

• Participate in organizational meetings and initiatives including BRIDGE, All Staff Meetings, and relevant workgroups.

• Ensure adherence to agency policies and legal requirements.

Other Duties

• Perform other responsibilities as assigned to support the housing department and organization.

• Participate in relevant conferences, trainings, and system convenings to maintain best practices knowledge and represent the organization externally.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Public Administration, or a related field required.

• Master’s degree preferred.

Experience

• Minimum three years of experience supervising staff or managing housing, homelessness, or supportive services programs.

• Experience working with vulnerable or justice-involved populations preferred.

• Experience managing housing, homelessness, or supportive services programs, including CoC-funded and other homeless system programs.

• Demonstrated experience leading and coaching teams, providing effective supervision, and addressing performance issues in a timely and constructive manner.

• Experience supporting program-level emergency response involving client safety, housing crises, and partner coordination.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong knowledge of Housing First, harm reduction, motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed approaches.

• Understanding of contract compliance, documentation requirements, and service delivery expectations.

• Experience managing housing, homelessness, or supportive services programs.

• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with HMIS preferred.

• Demonstrated effectiveness working with diverse populations and partners.

Other Requirements

• Valid California driver’s license, reliable transportation, insurance, and a safe driving record.

Physical Demands

• Ability to sit for extended periods for meetings or supervision.

• Regular travel to program sites and community meetings.

Work Environment

• Standard office setting with fluctuating noise levels and shared workspaces.

Home Start, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in the hiring of personnel because of gender, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, medical condition, genetic information, gender identity or gender expression, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state or local laws.