Director of Client Services

For over a century, Home Sweet Home Ministries has stood as a pillar of the community and a beacon of Christ’s love for the hungry, homeless, and hopeless here in Central Illinois. It is the mission of every member of our staff and our volunteers to demonstrate Christ’s love through innovative approaches that instill hope, restore lives, and build community. We offer supportive services to those in need – providing shelter, food, case management, as well as programs including Bridge of Hope, Rapid Rehousing, and our Bread for Life Co-Op.

Now you, too, can help build upon our traditions and contribute your passion for caring for others and your desire to be a guiding light for Christ’s love to those caught in the storm by joining our dedicated team. Home Sweet Home Ministries offers employment opportunities for those with a desire to be part of a community committed to helping others.

Why Work at Home Sweet Home Ministries?

• Purpose-Driven Impact: Your work will help restore hope and dignity to individuals in our community, while sharing Christ’s love and compassion.
• Full-time Supportive Benefits Package:
  • Annual starting salary of $70,000
  • medical, dental, vision, LTD, and life insurance
  • 403(b) retirement plan with employer match (employer match at employee one year anniversary date)
  • Sect. 125 Flexible Spending Account
  • paid time off
  • free on-site meals and beverages
  • eligible for federal public service student loan debt forgiveness program (standard restrictions of the program apply)
• Join a Caring Team: Work alongside like-minded, dedicated individuals who share your passion for serving others and making a lasting impact.

How You’ll Help Fulfill the HSHM Mission

The Director of Client Services, under the direction of the CEO, provides strategic leadership

and operational oversight for client services, ensuring alignment with Home Sweet Home

Ministries’ mission and goals. By guiding program development, staff training, and external

partnerships, it enhances service quality, promotes a trauma-informed care model, and drives

continuous improvement to better support individuals experiencing homelessness.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership and Operational Oversight (40%)

• Lead the development and implementation of client service strategies that align with Home Sweet Home Ministries’ mission, values, and organizational goals.
• Define departmental priorities, set measurable goals, and drive progress toward strategic outcomes.
• Lead the development and oversight of the client services budget.
• Oversee the preparation and submission of quarterly and annual reports to CEO and funding authorities.
• Ensure adherence to policies, procedures, and contractual obligations, including proper documentation and recordkeeping to support compliance, evaluation, and continuous improvement.
• Develop and implement quality improvement measures to enhance the delivery of trauma-informed, client-centered services.
• Implement systems for tracking performance, ensuring compliance with internal standards and funding requirements.
• Monitor and report on key performance indicators related to client services.

Staff Development and Training (25%)

• Provide ongoing professional development opportunities for shelter managers and frontline staff.
• Organize and lead training programs focused on best practices in client engagement, safety protocols, and trauma-informed care.
• Support a culture of continuous learning and growth by aligning staff training with service excellence standards and emerging industry practices.

External Relations and Community Relations (20%)

• Network with other community organizations to ensure continuity of care for clients and enhance program offerings.
• Establish and maintain relationships with area colleges and universities for the purpose of providing student internships.
• Represent client services programs in internal leadership meetings and community forums to strengthen visibility and collaboration.

Leadership & Talent Management (15%)

• Lead a high-performing team aligned with the organization’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Oversee recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and performance management for client services staff.
• Provide ongoing coaching, support, and corrective action to ensure accountability and professional growth.

• Master’s degree in social work or a related field or equivalent experience
• LCSW or LCPC licensure in the state of Illinois, or ability to obtain license is preferred
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant management/supervisory experience with a demonstrated ability to manage a multi-disciplinary team
• Knowledge of the following:
  • Community programs and organizations
  • Local, state, and federal laws, ordinances, and requirements affecting human services programs
  • Underlying social and economic problems affecting people experiencing homelessness &/or in poverty (on the margins of society)
• Demonstrated outstanding organizational and motivational skills
• Strong leadership and team-building capabilities.
• Ability to lead with empathy, cultural competency, and a Christ-centered focus.
• Adept at balancing operational demands with client-centered service.
• Strong understanding of the residential needs of HSHM residents and individuals experiencing homelessness, as well as familiarity with local social service agencies and community resources
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational abilities, with attention to operational detail.
• Excellent problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.
• Actively involved in the Christian faith