About YWCA Rhode Island: Since 1867, YWCA has focused its efforts to create a more inclusive and just Rhode Island and has advocated on behalf of the most structurally disenfranchised people in our society. YWCA Rhode Island promotes peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.
Job Title : Director of Veteran Affairs
Reports To: Executive Director
General Description: The Director of Veteran Affairs serves as the program director for the Veteran Affairs (VA) funded Grant Per Diem (GPD) Program for Homeless Veterans, and is responsible for planning, overseeing, and evaluating the daily operations, fiscal efficiency, and strategic direction of a 50-bed veterans transitional housing program for homeless male veterans. This role involves comprehensive program development, strategic planning, staff training, and policy implementation to ensure the delivery of high-quality services aimed at promoting self-sufficiency and independence among the veterans served by this program.
This position requires:
· Leadership and Management Skills: The director must have strong leadership abilities to oversee staff, manage daily operations, and implement strategic plans. This includes the ability to inspire and motivate a team, delegate tasks effectively, and manage resources efficiently.
· Strategic Planning: The ability to develop and implement long-term strategies to improve program outcomes is crucial. This involves setting goals, identifying necessary resources, and evaluating program effectiveness.
· Program Development: Experience in developing and enhancing programs to meet the needs of veterans is important. This includes creating new initiatives, improving existing services, and ensuring that the program aligns with best practices and regulatory requirements.
· Policy Implementation: The director must be knowledgeable about relevant policies and regulations and ensure that the program complies with them. This includes staying updated on changes in legislation and VA guidelines.
· Staff Training and Development: Providing ongoing training and professional development opportunities for staff is essential to maintain a high standard of service delivery. The director should be able to identify training needs and facilitate appropriate learning opportunities.
· Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills are necessary to interact with veterans, staff, stakeholders, and external partners. This includes the ability to advocate for the program and effectively convey its mission and goals.
· Problem-Solving Abilities: The director should be adept at identifying issues and developing solutions to address them. This includes handling crises, resolving conflicts, and making informed decisions under pressure.
· Empathy and Compassion: Working with homeless veterans requires a deep sense of empathy and understanding of their unique challenges. The director should be committed to improving the lives of veterans and be sensitive to their needs.
· Financial Acumen: Managing budgets, securing funding, and ensuring financial sustainability are critical aspects of the role. The director should have experience in financial management and grant writing.
· Collaboration and Networking: Building and maintaining relationships with community partners, government agencies, and other stakeholders is important for program success. The director should be skilled in collaboration and networking to enhance service delivery and support.
Key Responsibilities:
Program Management:
· Develop and implement a comprehensive programs that builds upon the strengths of program participants while also providing them with skill building opportunities in areas identified as contributing to their homeless status prior to admission to the program.
· Ensure compliance with all VA GPD program requirements and standards.
· Monitor and evaluate program quality, effectiveness, and efficiency, making adjustments as necessary.
Staff Supervision and Training:
· Recruit, train, and supervise program staff, ensuring they are equipped to provide high-quality services.
· Develop and implement training plans and schedules for staff development.
· Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide ongoing support and feedback.
Policy and Procedure Development:
· Create and update policies and procedures to ensure program efficiency and compliance.
· Ensure all staff are informed of and adhere to organizational policies and procedures.
Budget and Financial Management:
· Oversee the allocation of resources and ensure proper use of grant funds.
· Prepare and submit financial reports as required by funding sources.
Community Engagement and Partnerships:
· Build and maintain relationships with community partners, service providers, and stakeholders.
· Represent the organization at community meetings, events, and conferences.
· Advocate for the needs of homeless veterans within the community.
Data Management and Reporting:
· Ensure accurate data collection and reporting in compliance with VA GPD program requirements.
· Prepare and submit regular reports on program outcomes and performance metrics.
Qualifications and Education Requirements: For the position of Director of Veteran Affairs of the Grant Per Diem (GPD) Program, the qualifications and educational requirements include:
Educational Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree: This position requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, and/or a combination of equivalent education and professional experience in the fields of mental health counseling, psychology, social work, public administration, health administration, business administration, or a closely related field.
- Master’s Degree: Preferred in mental health counseling, psychology, social work, (MSW), public administration, health administration, business administration, (MBA), or a closely related field.
Professional Experience:
- Leadership and Management: At least five years of progressively responsible experience in a leadership or management role, preferably within a social services or veterans’ services organization.
- Program Development: Proven experience in developing and managing programs, particularly those serving homeless or at-risk populations.
- Strategic Planning: Experience in strategic planning and implementation to improve program outcomes.
- Policy Implementation: Knowledge of relevant policies and regulations, with experience ensuring program compliance.
- Staff Training and Development: Experience in training and developing staff to maintain high service standards.
- Financial Management: Experience in managing budgets, securing funding, and financial sustainability, including grant writing.
Position Hours and Location
· This is a full-time, salaried position with benefits.
· Typical hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:00pm. Hours may vary depending on the needs of the agency.
· The position is located at 133 Delaine Street, Providence, RI.
Salary Range and Employment Status: $65,000 - $75,000 (Exempt)
YWCA Rhode Island Ideal Candidate: The ideal candidate is someone who has a passion for serving veterans and for the larger mission of the organization; has a “can do'' attitude; is intellectually curious; is a lifelong learner; is skilled in motivational enhancement techniques, and strength-based approaches to counseling, team-oriented, solution-focused, and able to flexibly respond to funding and regulatory changes.
How to Apply
Send resume to: [email protected]
Pay: $68,750.00 - $78,750.00 per year
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
Work Location: In person
