Program Director - Homeless Families

Urban Resource Institute; New York (NY); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Urban Resource Institute (URI) seeks a Director to lead homeless program development and ensure high‑quality services for families across NY sites. You will work with program leaders to implement vision, maintain collaborations with public and private partners, and oversee policy development and program operations.

The role requires at least five years of supervisory experience, knowledge of DHS/OTDA regulations, and strong writing/public speaking skills in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years supervisory experience in a social service setting, preferably homeless services.
• Familiarity with DHS and OTDA regulations.
• Strong writing and public speaking skills; able to manage multiple projects.
• Ability to relate to people at all levels and work well on teams.

Responsibilities

• Assist with implementing homeless programs and provide general oversight at assigned sites.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations and agency policies.
• Develop and maintain consistent policies for program management and client services.
• Lead collaborations with city/state coalitions and partner agencies.

Skills

Supervisory experience

DHS/OTDA regulations

Project management

Public speaking

Microsoft Office

De-escalation

Client-centered approach

Time management

Education

MSW or related field

LMSW/LCSW

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Founded in 1980, Urban Resource Institute (URI) is the nation’s largest provider of domestic violence shelter and support services and a leading provider of housing and services for families experiencing homelessness. Across 24 shelters in New York City, URI provides safe housing for nearly 4,000 individuals and their pets every night and serves more than 40,000 people annually.

URI’s work is grounded in survivor-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive care. In addition to emergency and transitional housing, URI delivers a robust continuum of Justice Initiatives—including economic empowerment, legal education and advocacy, prevention and youth programming, and abusive partner intervention—designed to break cycles of violence, instability, and poverty. URI also develops permanent affordable and supportive housing, advancing long-term pathways to safety, healing, and stability for families and communities.

The Director will be responsible for working with team members and program leaders to develop and implement a vision for Urban Resource Institute’s programs, ensuring the provision of quality and effective services to homeless families that reflect best practices in the field. Maintain constructive collaborative relationships with partner agencies in the public and private sector as well as funding sources and service providers.

Location: Bronx

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for assisting with implementing homeless programs in NY and maintain general oversight at assigned site(s)
• Ensure compliance with all relevant federal, state and local regulations as well as agency and program policies
• Develop as needed, implement and maintain consistent policies and practices regarding program management, client services and other agency protocols
• Ensure entry into DHS Cares and HERO system of ongoing service provision
• Maximize bed utilization and achieve optimal occupancy rates
• Work with the Senior Director of Homeless Programs, other Senior Team members and program leaders to ensure consistency, collaboration and complementary services between sites and programs
• Work with program leaders and evaluation staff to build and develop services that represent the best practices in working with homeless families
• Provide leadership in the development of strong intra- and inter-agency collaborations to improve the systemic response to homeless families
• Represent URI at city and statewide coalitions, task forces and committees to ensure the continuation of solid collaborative approaches
• Play a leadership role towards achievement of organizational mission and strategic plans
• Assist in the creation and monitoring of the annual homeless services program budget.
• Ensure facilities are maintained at the highest level and facilitate collaboration between facilities and operations staff.
• Ensure that staff receive ongoing training in assessing risks and needs, identifying and reporting child abuse and neglect, effective case management strategies and evidence-based/evidence-informed approaches, such as motivational interviewing.
• Provide weekly supervision to assigned staff and ensure the provision of regular supervision of all other program staff.
• Keep supervisor informed of issues which may impact program operations

SPECIFICATIONS FOR EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES

• An advanced degree (MSW, or related field).
• LMSW, LCSW

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of five years supervisory experience in a social service capacity, preferably in the field of homeless services.
• Familiarity with DHS and OTDA regulations.
• Must be an intelligent and articulate individual who can relate to people at all levels of the organization and work well on teams.
• Project management skills and experience, especially in projects requiring significant resources and cross-functional involvement is a must.
• Must have strong writing and public speaking skills with an ability to manage and organize multiple projects in a busy, pressured work environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage crisis and proactively respond to client needs using a client centered approach
• Demonstrated experience working with and sensitivity to individuals from varying sociodemographic backgrounds including individuals whom identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and/or HIV-affected, the elderly and individuals with substance use and/or mental health issues.
• Employee must be computer-literate and must have knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to multi-task and demonstrated time management skills
• Demonstrated de-escalation skills through using a client centered approach.

SPECIFICATIONS FOR PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Indoor; Outdoors; noisy; minor burns, cuts, bites or stings; standing; stooping; kneeling; walking and running; using hands on objects, tools or controls. Frequently lift and / or move up to 50 pounds. Travel between sites that are located throughout New York City. Other job characteristics- need to be exact or accurate, repeat same tasks; errors have important consequences

Urban Resource Institute provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Qualifications

Education

Required

Masters or better.

Licenses & Certifications

Preferred

LMSW

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.