Service Area Director - Housing & Homeless Services

Colonial Group; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 81,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

Bay Cove Human Services is seeking a Service Area Director to provide strategic and operational leadership for Housing & Homeless Services programs in the Greater Boston area. You will drive trauma-informed, person-centered services, ensure quality outcomes, and manage partnerships with funders and regulators.

The role requires senior leadership, budget oversight, and compliance with licensing and reporting requirements.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree required in a related field; leadership in homeless housing desired.
• Licensure preferred (LMHC, LADC, LICSW, LCSW, etc.).
• Five years supervisory experience in health or human services required.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, supervision, onboarding, and staff development aligned with mission and goals.
• Oversee Housing & Homeless Services programs, policies, and service standards.
• Ensure regulatory, funder, licensing, and agency compliance across programs.
• Cultivate relationships with community partners, funders, and government entities.
• Support grant proposals, reports, and sustainability activities.

Skills

Leadership

Supervisory experience

Budget management

Regulatory compliance

Data analysis

Trauma-Informed Care

Crisis intervention

Communication

Team development

Education

Master’s degree in a related field

Licensure preferred (LMHC/LADC/LCSW, etc.)

Tools

Word/Google Apps

Job description

Bay Cove Human Services’ mission is to partner with people to overcome challenges and realize personal potential. Bay Cove pursues this mission by providing individualized and compassionate services to people facing the challenges associated with developmental disabilities, mental illness, substance use disorders, and homelessness at more than 175 program sites throughout Greater Boston and Southwestern Massachusetts.

Department/Program: Addictions & Homeless Services

Reports To: Senior Director of Housing & Homeless Services

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Directors of programs in assigned portfolio
• Clinical Director (if applicable)
• Others as assigned

Job Summary

The Service Area Director provides strategic and operational leadership for a portfolio of Housing & Homeless Services programs, ensuring high-quality, trauma-informed services, staff effectiveness, regulatory and fiscal compliance, positive outcomes, and strong community partnerships. The Service Area Director advances Bay Cove’s mission by leading high-quality, person-centered services that empower individuals to secure affordable, stable housing and build a life of their choosing.

This is an exempt position.

Essential Functions of Position

• Provide leadership, supervision, onboarding, and staff development consistent with agency mission, values, policies, and strategic goals.
• Oversee assigned Housing & Homeless Services programs, including development and implementation of effective policies, procedures, and service standards.
• Ensure program compliance with regulatory, contractual, funder, licensing, and agency requirements.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with community partners, funders, government entities, and other stakeholders; represent the agency at meetings and community forums.
• Support grant proposals, project renewals, reports, and other activities related to program funding and sustainability.
• Ensure accurate data collection, analysis, and reporting to evaluate program performance, individual outcomes, and compliance with reporting requirements.
• Develop and monitor program budgets, ensure sound fiscal management, and implement corrective action as needed.
• Ensure services reflect evidence-based practices, Trauma-Informed Care principles, and standards that promote safety, stability, and positive outcomes.
• Provide direct service support, within applicable qualifications and licensure, as operational needs require; assist with resolution of grievances and community concerns.
• Provide crisis assessment and intervention and participate in scheduled rotating night and weekend on-call coverage.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements for the position

• A master's degree in one of the following disciplines or a closely related field: clinical psychology, education-counseling, medicine, mental health, psychology, psychiatric nursing, rehabilitative counseling, or social work preferred. Will substitute Master’s Degree for an additional 5 years experience of leadership in the delivery of homeless and housing services for adults with complex behavioral health, medical, and substance related needs.
• Licensure as a Practitioner of the Healing Arts (LMHC, LADC, LICSW, LCSW, etc.) preferred.
• At least five (5) years of supervisory experience in health or human service-related fields required.
• At least five (5) years experience managing a multidisciplinary program or service, including responsibilities in hiring, supervising, fiscal management, quality assurance and compliance required.
• Demonstrated professional writing, interpersonal, and organization skills.
• Basic proficiency in word processing and other computer functions using Windows, Word, and Google Email and Apps.
• Individuals with lived expertise are encouraged to apply.
• Demonstrated commitment to a sustained effort to seek out, acknowledge, and respect the diverse voices of all stakeholders and to advance inclusivity through every function of the role and the agency as a whole.

Personal Characteristics

• Utilizes a flexible and responsible work style that meets evolving needs of the agency.
• Works with integrity and respects the dignity and value of all individuals.
• Exhibits mission through job knowledge, pride in work role, and advocacy.
• Promotes diversity and inclusion of all individuals.
• Works in a collaborative, compassionate manner with stakeholders/partners.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel on site to various service settings (driving, walking, or using public transportation).
• Must be able to enter and navigate various environments, including multi-story buildings without elevators.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position (e.g., sitting at a desk or in meetings) for extended periods while completing documentation and administrative tasks.
• Frequent communication with individuals, colleagues, and partners, requiring the ability to exchange accurate information in person, by phone, and in writing.
• Occasional lifting or carrying of program materials, supplies, or small equipment (up to 20 pounds).
• Ability to use a computer, tablet, and mobile phone for data entry, communication, and record-keeping.
• Ability to provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and overdose rescue (naloxone administration) if needed.

Bay Cove Human Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, or any other groups as protected by Massachusetts or federal law. All qualified candidates, regardless of background, are encouraged to apply.

Bay Cove Human Services does not offer visa sponsorships at this time and will require candidates to be authorized to work in the United States.

Pay Rate: $90,000 Annual Salary

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