Positions Title: Sanctuary Program Manager
Program/Department: Sanctuary Emergency Shelter (Programs)
Reports to: Director of Program Operations & Reporting
Status: Full-time, Exempt
Salary: $80,000–$84,000 (candidates without LICSW), $85,000–$90,000 (candidates with LICSW)
About the Role:
Under the direction of the Director of Program Operations & Reporting, the Sanctuary Program Manager provides leadership, supervision, and operational oversight for My Sister’s Place’s Sanctuary low barrier emergency shelter program. This role ensures the delivery of high-quality, trauma-informed, case management services to survivors of domestic violence and their children.
The Sanctuary Program Manager leads all aspects of shelter operations, with a strong focus on safety, consistency, and program excellence. This individual is responsible for ensuring that policies, procedures, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are continuously developed, updated, and effectively implemented to maintain a safe, structured, and supportive environment for shelter staff and clients.
This role directly supervises shelter Community Advocates (case managers) and all residential counseling staff (full-time and part-time), ensuring consistent staffing coverage and high-quality service delivery across two shelter sites. The Sanctuary Program Manager plays a critical role in fostering a trauma-informed, collaborative, and accountable team culture while ensuring 24/7 operational coverage of shelter facilities.
About My Sister’s Place
My Sister's Place is a community of staff, volunteers, and advocates committed to eradicating domestic violence. As DC's oldest domestic violence shelter, we have served as a cornerstone of the District's response to this pressing public health issue since 1979. MSP uniquely offers a continuum of care from emergency shelter through transitional to permanent housing. Our experienced team of case managers and residential counselors provide clinical counseling, case management, and comprehensive services to empower survivors to recover and thrive. MSP also provides training, case consultation, and advocacy to engage communities to prevent violence and abuse.
What You’ll Be Doing
Program Oversight and Operations
- Provide leadership and strategic oversight for the daily operations of both emergency shelters, ensuring services align with MSP’s trauma-informed, voluntary service, survivor-centered model.
- Ensure continuous 24/7 staffing coverage across shelter locations by overseeing scheduling, staffing structures, and coverage plans for residential counselors.
- Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of shelter policies, procedures, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), ensuring they are current, clearly communicated, and consistently followed by staff and clients.
- Monitor documentation and data collection to ensure accuracy, quality, and timely submission for grants and contracts (DHS, OVSJG, etc.).
- Track program outcomes, evaluate effectiveness, and recommend program improvements.
- Ensure the safety, security, and well-being of residents and staff through strong operational systems, clear protocols, and proactive problem-solving.
- Provide case management oversight, crisis consultation and intervention support to staff managing high-risk client situations.
- Collaborate with government agencies and partners to facilitate client intakes, transfers, discharges in compliance with industry best practices and applicable laws and regulations.
- Collaborate with other internal departments to ensure smooth coordination of services and communication.
Supervision and Staff Development
- Supervise and support a team of Community Advocates (3), full-time Residential Counselors (3), and part-time Residential Counselors (8–10), providing regular coaching, feedback, and performance evaluations.
- Oversee scheduling and staffing structures to ensure consistent, high-quality coverage and accountability across all shifts.
- Model and promote trauma-informed leadership practices that foster collaboration, accountability, staff wellness, and a supportive team culture.
- Conduct regular individual and team supervision; oversee performance evaluations and goal setting.
- Identify training needs and coordinate ongoing professional development opportunities for shelter staff.
- Provide backup support and coverage for shelter operations as needed.
Facilities Management and Compliance
- Ensure shelter operations and staff practices align with safety protocols, licensing requirements, and funder expectations.
- Maintain strong awareness of shelter facility conditions to ensure spaces are safe, functional, and supportive for residents and staff
- Identify, document, and escalate facility-related concerns (e.g., maintenance, safety issues, cleanliness) to the appropriate internal teams, including the Senior Director of Program Operations & Reporting and Facilities Manager, to ensure timely resolution.
- Partner closely with the Director of Program Operations & Reporting, Deputy Director, and Facilities Manager to communicate programmatic needs that impact the functionality and livability of the shelter spaces.
- Reinforce and uphold procedures that promote resident safety, confidentiality, and dignity within the shelter environment.
Agency Leadership and Collaboration
- Contribute to agency-wide initiatives, strategic planning, and cross-departmental collaboration.
- Support implementation of organizational policies, culture, and priorities as a member of the program management team.
- Promote and model MSP’s values of respect, equity, accountability, and compassion in all work.
Program Administration, Data, and Evaluation
- Prepare monthly and quarterly reports for DHS and OVSJG grants, as well as other funder deliverables.
- Utilize data to assess client outcomes, identify service trends, and guide continuous program improvement.
- Participate in budget planning and grant processes by providing programmatic data, narratives, and recommendations.
Qualifications
Note: Qualifications labeled as “[Grant Req]” are mandated by our funder and are not flexible. Candidates who do not meet these minimum requirements will not be considered for this role.
- [Grant Req] Master’s degree in Human Services, Health Care, Social Work, or a related field required; OR current licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Washington, DC.
- [Grant Req] Minimum of four (4) years of professional supervisory and/or managerial experience in human services and/or social service delivery systems.
- [Grant Req] Minimum of four (4) years of professional experience in homeless services or a closely related field.
- Demonstrated professional knowledge of the theories, principles, techniques, and practices of social service delivery systems, particularly within residential or shelter settings.
- Familiarity with the laws and regulations governing housing and victim services (e.g., VAWA, Homeless Services Reform Act of 2005).
- Experience overseeing day-to-day program operations, including staff supervision, service delivery, and quality assurance.
- Experience ensuring compliance with data collection and reporting requirements, including HMIS or comparable database systems.
- Ability to serve as a liaison with external stakeholders, including government partners (e.g., DHS), and internal leadership.
- Strong understanding of domestic violence dynamics, trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and voluntary service models.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and support diverse teams using a trauma-informed, survivor-centered approach.
- Experience working with ethnically, culturally, and racially diverse staff and client populations.
- Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and sound judgment in complex situations.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to build effective relationships.
Background Check & Drug Testing Requirements
Employment at My Sister’s Place is contingent upon the successful completion of background checks, including FBI and MPD background checks, TB testing, and drug tests. Additionally, due to grant requirements, employees must maintain updated background checks and screenings as required for their position throughout their employment.
What We're Looking For
At MSP, we are committed to our core values, which guide our every action and decision. We’re hiring someone who shares our dedication to these values and embodies them in their work:
- Demonstrate Professionalism, Integrity, and Excellence: You approach your role with the highest level of professionalism and ethical conduct. You should consistently uphold integrity, demonstrate excellence in your work, and adhere to the highest standards of professionalism.
- Support Wellness and Self-care: You understand the importance of self-care and wellness, both for yourself and for the clients we serve. You should promote and model self-care practices and encourage clients to prioritize their well-being.
- Provide Person-centered and Trauma-informed Services: We value a person-centered and trauma-informed approach to service delivery. The right candidate should be skilled in empathetic and client-focused interactions, recognizing the unique needs and experiences of each individual.
- Foster an Environment of Trust, Transparency, and Respect: Building trust and maintaining transparency and respect in all interactions is paramount to our organization. We are looking for someone who can create a safe and respectful environment for clients and colleagues alike.
- Deliver Services Intentionally and Passionately: We seek someone who is passionate about helping others and who approaches their role with intentionality. You should be dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the lives of our clients.
My Sister's Place is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type based upon 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.
Pay: $80,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Do you have a Master’s degree in Human Services, Health Care, Social Work, or a related field required?
- Do you have a minimum of four (4) years of professional supervisory and/or managerial experience in human services and/or social service delivery systems?
- Do you have a minimum of four (4) years of professional experience in homeless services or a closely related field?
License/Certification:
Work Location: In person
