Program Director of Essential Services

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Program Director of Essential Services at St. Mary’s Community Services (SMCS) provides strategic leadership and oversight of the organization’s essential service programs, including outreach, case management, hygiene, dining/kitchen, day center, and pet services. This role ensures trauma-informed, client-centered service delivery, drives measurable outcomes for client stability and self-sufficiency, and maximizes engagement with public benefits and community resources.

The Director supervises and supports program managers and staff, promoting professional development, compliance with HMIS and HIPAA standards, and consistent high-quality service. They build and maintain partnerships with community organizations and county agencies, use data and client feedback to inform program improvements, and oversee administrative functions including budgeting, reporting, and operational compliance. This role ensures that all essential services are coordinated effectively to meet client needs and achieve organizational impact.

Why St. Mary’s Community Services?

• Mission-Driven Leadership – Be at the heart of an organization dedicated to serving the most vulnerable.
• Strategic Influence – Shape policies and initiatives that uplift lives and drive systemic change.
• Collaborative Environment – Work alongside a passionate team, community partners, and dedicated stakeholders.
• Sustainable Impact – Lead an organization committed to long-term solutions for housing, healthcare, and social support.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Program Leadership and Oversight

• Provide strategic leadership and daily oversight of essential service programs to ensure high-quality, trauma-informed service delivery.
• Oversee on-campus outreach efforts to ensure clients are actively engaged and connected to essential services, public benefits, and community resources they are entitled to.
• Lead efforts to ensure case management effectiveness by achieving measurable outcomes, including a designated percentage of clients reaching stability, permanent housing, or independence.
• Monitor program performance, evaluate outcomes, and implement improvements to maximize client engagement and service connection.
• Lead efforts to ensure case management effectiveness by achieving measurable outcomes, including a designated percentage of clients reaching stability, permanent housing, or independence.
• Collaborate with internal departments to streamline referrals and improve access to health care, employment, housing, and supportive services.
• Develop and maintain strong partnerships with local service providers, county agencies, and community-based organizations.

Staff Supervision and Development

• Support staff training and professional development to ensure consistent, client-centered service delivery.
• Demonstrate measurable improvement in client enrollment in public health benefit programs as part of overall service engagement outcomes.
• Supervise and support Campus Services, Kitchen/Dining, and Case Management Program Managers responsible for outreach, case management, and client engagement activities.
• Ensure staff are compliant with HMIS, privacy, and HIPPA guidelines data entry and reporting standards.

Program Development and Quality Improvement

• Build and strengthen strategic community partnerships to enhance service coordination and ensure clients have access to comprehensive support services.
• Monitor program performance, evaluate outcomes, and implement improvements to maximize client engagement and service connection.
• Use data and client feedback to inform program improvements and evaluate outcomes.

Administration

• Prepare and submit required reports, data, and documentation to demonstrate program effectiveness and compliance.
• Participate in budget development and program planning to sustain and expand essential services.
• Ensure sound administrative systems and practices to ensure compliance and operational effectiveness of the Hygiene Center, Pets Program, Kitchen/Dining Room, the Resource Center, and the Day Center.

Physical & Mental Requirements

Mobility: Frequent standing and walking throughout the campus to oversee programs and activities. Occasional sitting, bending, squatting, reaching, and climbing stairs.

Lifting: Occasional lifting, carrying, or moving program materials, supplies, or equipment (up to 50lbs).

Visual: Frequent reading, close-up work, and use of overall vision; occasional depth perception and peripheral vision.

Hearing/Talking: Frequent communication in person, by phone, and by radio.

Emotional/Psychological: Frequent decision-making, concentration, and client interaction; occasional public speaking; potential exposure to trauma-related situations.

Environmental: Frequent moving between indoor and outdoor service areas in varying weather conditions. Regular interaction with adults, children, and companion animals.

What You Bring:

• Professional license in Social Work (LSCW) required, Bachelor’s degree in Social Services, Social Work, or a related field, or equivalent work experience in the social services sector.
• Minimum 12–15 years of experience providing case management services or overseeing social service programs.
• Valid California Drivers License and Proof of Personal Liability Insurance
• Ability to operate a company vehicle in performance of job duties
• Proven experience in program leadership, staff supervision, and service delivery oversight.
• Experience in community partnership development, cross-agency collaboration, and resource coordination.
• Experience in program planning, budgeting, and performance management.
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed, client-centered, and harm-reduction practices.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze data, monitor outcomes, and implement program improvements.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and team development skills.
• Knowledge of HMIS, HIPAA, and compliance standards.
• Ability to navigate complex social service systems and advocate for client needs.
• Experience managing multiple programs or service lines within a nonprofit or human services organization.
• Proven success in driving measurable outcomes for client stability, housing, and self-sufficiency.
• Commitment to mission-driven, collaborative, and client-focused leadership.
• Proficiency with electronic databases, Microsoft Office Suite, and timekeeping systems.
• Bilingual skills (English/Spanish) preferred.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Paid time off

SMCS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that values and respects all individuals. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Pay: $90,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• case management services : 10 years (Required)
• social service program oversight: 10 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Professional license in Social Work (LSCW) (Required)
• Bachelor’s degree in social services or Related Field (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $90,000 - $100,000