Assistant Director of Programs

Shelter House; Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

401K with employer match

13 Paid Holidays

2 Floating Holidays

Birthday Off

Team Building Events

Job summary

Shelter House in Fairfax, VA seeks an Assistant Director of Programs to lead the service delivery teams for Homelessness Prevention and Emergency Shelter/ Rapid Rehousing programs serving households with children. You will supervise case management, coordinate with leadership, and ensure trauma-informed, Housing First practices drive daily operations.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree and 3+ years of management, with occasional evenings/weekends.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in human services or related field.
• 3+ years of program and staff management experience.
• Strong public speaking and communication skills.
• Strong written communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize competing responsibilities and make sound judgements.

Responsibilities

• Lead the case management team with a trauma-informed, client-centered, Housing First approach.
• Oversee daily operations, caseloads, and workflows for equitable, high-quality services.
• Ensure compliance with contractual obligations, agency policies, and regulations.
• Collaborate to design, implement, and evaluate programs, policies, and procedures.
• Support program improvement through needs assessments and client feedback.
• Supervise and develop staff, including coaching and evaluations.
• Oversee client intake processes and documentation accuracy.
• Participate in case conferences and client meetings as needed.
• Address and resolve client grievances in a timely, trauma-informed manner.
• Monitor HMIS and data reporting requirements.

Skills

Public speaking

Written comms

Staff management

Time management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

HMIS

Job description

Title: Assistant Director of Programs (Fair Ridge)

Department: Fair Ridge Family Shelter

Reports to: Director of Fair Ridge

FLSA Status: Exempt

Salary: $70,000 to $75,000

About Us:

Shelter House was established in 1981 as a grassroots responder to the homelessness crisis in Fairfax County. Since the organization’s inception, we have adapted and grew to meet community needs, all while working in partnership with government and private partners and community members. Today, Shelter House is a successful and reputable organization of over 200 employees committed to preventing and ending homelessness and domestic violence. In the last year, our compassionate team of individuals changed the lives of nearly 3,000 individuals, half of which were children. Our Culture is built from our Core Values of Inclusivity, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, and Empowerment (iC.A.R.E.)

About the Role:

The Assistant Director of Programs manages the service delivery team for the following programs serving households with children:

• Homelessness Prevention Services (Regions II)

• Emergency Shelter & Rapid Rehousing Services (Region II)

The Assistant Director of Programs provides support to ensure safe, efficient, and effective operation of all programs. The Assistant Director of Programs develops strategies in collaboration with the Director of Programs and Services (Region II) to accomplish program goals in accordance with agency philosophy and values. The Assistant Director of Programs is responsible for ensuring that best practices are implemented according to program type.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Oversight

• Lead the case management team using a trauma-informed, client-centered, and Housing First approach.

• Oversee daily operations, caseload distribution, and team workflows to ensure equitable and high-quality services.

• Monitor and ensure compliance with all contractual obligations, agency policies, and local, state, and federal regulations.

• Collaborate with the Director to design, implement, and evaluate programs, policies, and procedures.

• Support continuous program improvement through needs assessments, program evaluation, and client satisfaction surveys.

Staff Supervision & Development

• Supervise and support a team of case managers, housing locator and the intake coordinator, including conducting regular one-on-one supervision, coaching, and performance evaluations.

• Provide guidance in complex case management, crisis intervention, and service coordination.

• Identify training needs and coordinate access

• Develop and facilitate in-service trainings and professional development opportunities for team members.

• Promote a collaborative and professional team environment that fosters self directed learning and staff growth.

Service Coordination & Client Support

• Oversee diversion and client intake process

• Ensure thorough and accurate client documentation

• Review client files and service plans in coordination with the Senior Case Manager to ensure documentation integrity.

• Participate in case conferencing and client meetings as needed to support staff and promote quality service delivery.

• Address and resolve client grievances or appeals in a timely, fair, and trauma-informed manner.

Data Management & Compliance

• Monitor use of HMIS and internal systems to ensure accurate data entry and high-quality case documentation.

• Verify data accuracy for internal and external reporting requirements.

• Support compliance with all Fairfax County HMIS requirements and ensure data is up-to-date and report-ready.

Operational & Administrative Support

• Review and approve staff timecards, schedules, and leave requests.

• Participate in the on-call rotation and serve as a crisis response backup for service delivery staff.

• Ensure all available funding is tracked, spent appropriately, and supported by required documentation.

• Attend community meetings, represent the agency in workgroups, and maintain collaborative relationships with external partners.

• Foster a positive, mission-driven culture that promotes innovation, learning, and shared leadership.

Requirements

About You:

Required:

• A bachelor's degree in human services/related field or commensurate experience

• 3+ years of program and staff management experience

• Strong public speaking and communication skills

• Strong written communication skills

• Ability to prioritize competing responsibilities and make sound judgements

• Valid Driver’s License

• Willingness to work evenings and weekends when needed

Preferred:

• A master’s degree in human services/related field

• Experience leading/supporting programs serving homeless families

• Experience leading/managing in a residential environment

Physical Requirements:

• Annual TB Test is required

• Ability to sit or stand for long periods

• Ability to lift items weighing 10-20 pounds

Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

• 401K contributions with a 4% employer match

• 13 Paid Holidays, 2 Floating Holidays and the opportunity to take your Birthday Off

• Four Annual Team Building Events

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy: Shelter House is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants. All employment-related decisions will be made and carried out without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age (over 40), sex, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability unrelated to the individual's ability to perform his or her job or any other legally protected status. Shelter House will also provide reasonable accommodations to pregnant and qualified employees with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of their job, and to employees with respect to their observance of their religious beliefs, in accordance with applicable law. Any job applicant or employee who would like or needs an accommodation may request an accommodation by contacting the Human Resources department.

Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace Policy:

Drug-Free Workplace: Shelter House is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace. Employment is contingent upon compliance with our Drug-Free Workplace Policy, which prohibits the unlawful manufacture, sale, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of controlled substances or marijuana in the workplace. Additionally, all subcontracts and purchase orders over $10,000 must include provisions ensuring a drug-free workplace.