Program Director - Liberty Village Homeless Shelter

The Home for Little Wanderers; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The Home for Little Wanderers is seeking a Program Director for Liberty Village, a transitional housing program for young adults aged 18-25. The role requires leadership in staff management, community partnerships, and program operations to provide trauma-informed care and support to residents. This position includes managing services, ensuring a healing environment, and developing essential community relations to foster independence among youth aging out of the foster care system.

Benefits

Generous time off including up to 15 days per year

Health and Dental Insurance effective immediately

Tuition reimbursement of up to $2,400 per fiscal year

403(b) Retirement Plan with employer match

Employer paid Disability Insurance and Basic Life Insurance

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of experience in child welfare or young adult services required.
• Prior leadership experience in a multidisciplinary team setting.
• Strong knowledge of state systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations of Liberty Village.
• Hire, train, and mentor staff.
• Manage the program budget and maintain census.

Skills

Trauma-informed care practices

Staff management

Community partnerships

Program development

Education

Master’s degree in Social Work or Human Services

Professional license (e.g., LICSW, LMHC)

Job description

Are you passionate about making a lasting impact on the lives of young adults transitioning out of the foster care system? Join us at Liberty Village—a first-of-its-kind transitional housing program for young adults ages 18–25—where your leadership can help shape futures filled with stability, support, and independence.

About Liberty Village

Each year, too many young adults “age out” of child welfare services without the safety net they need to thrive. Located in Roxbury, Liberty Village provides trauma-informed care, temporary housing, and compassionate support to these young adults—many of whom face challenges like homelessness, mental health struggles, or past legal involvement. Through this program, residents gain the stability and tools they need to pursue long-term housing and a better future.

A unique collaboration between The Home for Little Wanderers, the City of Boston, and Liberty Mutual, Liberty Village empowers youth by providing not just shelter, but a springboard for change.

How You Will Be Making A Difference

As Program Director, you'll lead all aspects of program operations, staff management, community partnerships, and service delivery. You’ll ensure that Liberty Village continues to offer a safe, healing environment rooted in trauma-informed care, while continuously improving services and outcomes for our residents.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations of Liberty Village, supervising staff and overseeing programming for young adults.
• Hire, train, mentor, and evaluate staff to promote professional growth and high-quality care.
• Develop, implement, and refine program services in collaboration with internal teams and external partners.
• Manage the program budget and maintain census in accordance with agency and funder guidelines.
• Cultivate strong community and referral partnerships to maintain steady enrollment.
• Ensure services meet the evolving needs of residents and align with best practices in trauma-informed care.
• Oversee risk management, critical incident reporting, and facility upkeep.
• Serve as the primary liaison to city, state, and nonprofit collaborators.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, or a related field preferred.
• Professional license (e.g., LICSW, LMHC) preferred.
• At least 5 years of experience in child welfare, young adult services, or human services required.
• Prior leadership experience in a multidisciplinary team setting.
• Strong knowledge of state systems and trauma-informed care practices.
• A passion for serving transition-age youth with compassion, respect, and equity.

Valuing Diversity

We are committed to excellence in diversity, equity, and inclusion, while simultaneously creating a culture that supports those values. We believe the differences we bring enhance our ability to provide exceptional service and care to diverse children, families, and communities. Moreover, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging align with our values and our mission to help vulnerable children and their families build permanent, positive change.

What The Home Can Offer You

In addition to the chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of the youth we serve, The Home for Little Wanderers offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Generous time off including up to 15 days per year for new full-time employees, plus 11 holidays, and 5 sick days
• Health and Dental Insurance that is effective immediately upon hire
• Extensive training to new staff
• Tuition reimbursement of up to $2,400 per fiscal year
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with employer match
• Employer paid Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance, plus Basic Life and AD&D Insurance
• And more!

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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.