ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
The Ali Forney Center (AFC) protects LGBTQ+ youth from homelessness and helps them build the tools needed to live independently. Founded in 2002, AFC provides housing, healthcare, and educational support to thousands of youth each year. AFC creates an affirming, supportive environment where LGBTQ+ youth can thrive.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Director of Housing Programs is responsible for the strategic oversight and performance of multiple housing sites. This role centers on program quality, resident progression and staff leadership. The director will ensure residents are meaningfully progressing and housing programs are aligned with AFC’s mission, model and expectations. They will directly supervise Program Supervisors and a Program Coordinator and are accountable for program outcomes, staff development and cross-site consistency.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Staff Leadership & Supervision
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Directly supervise Program Supervisors (Day & Overnight)
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Directly supervise Program Assistant
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Provide weekly supervision focused on leadership development, problem-solving and effective resident management
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Support hiring decision for Program Supervisors and Youth Counselors
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Identify performance concerns and implement supportive action plans
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Build leadership capacity across programs
Program Oversight & Resident Outcomes
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Oversee multiple housing programs to ensure alignment with AFC’s mission & standards of care
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Monitor resident progression, engagement and discharge outcomes
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Lead case conferencing with a focus on movement, barriers & exits
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Oversee census management and coordinate placements in collaboration with Senior Director
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Oversee the resident exits and graduations including the DYCD program appeal process
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Ensure consistent implementation of programming models
Program Quality, Compliance & Audits
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Support site audits and ensure programs meet compliance standards (DYCD, HUD, Internal QAs)
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Ensure documentation quality, incident reporting and data integrity across sites
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Partner with Program Supervisors to address gaps in real time
Crisis Oversight & Escalation
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Provide high-level support during significant incidents, crises, or program disruptions
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Ensure appropriate follow-up, documentation, and systemic response to crisis
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Support complex resident situations (discharges, appeals, high-risk cases)
Cross-Department Collaboration
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Partner with other departments to ensure coordinate care
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Support integration of agency-wide initiatives
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Maintain communication with compliance and evaluation teams
Administrative & Strategic Functions
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Contribute to program development and implementation of new initiatives
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Analyze program data and trends to inform improvements
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Support reporting needs in collaboration with Senior Director
On-Call Requirements
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Participate in a monthly weekend on-call rotation to provide emergency support
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Provide 24/7 on-call support via phone to staff responding to urgent client, safety, staffing, and operational concerns, offering guidance, consultation, and decision-making support and escalating matters as appropriate in accordance with agency protocols.
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Act as back-up for emergency coverage support as needed
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Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays to support Program & Supervisors
BENEFITS & TOTAL REWARDS
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Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
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401(k) with up to a 5% employer match (vested after five years)
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Generous Paid Time Off, Sick Leave, Personal Leave, and 12 Paid Holidays
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Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
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Mission-driven, inclusive workplace culture
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Must have a Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, or a related field.
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Must have two (2) or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience in residential housing, supportive housing, shelter, transitional living, or youth-serving programs.
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Must have two (2) or more years of supervisory experience leading managers, supervisors, or multidisciplinary teams.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS NOT REQUIRED
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Master's degree in Social Work, Public Administration, Human Services, or a related field.
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Licensed Social Worker (LMSW/LCSW)
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Experience leading residential housing programs or sites.
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Experience implementing organizational change and quality improvement initiatives.
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Experience with staff performance management, coaching, and employee development.
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Experience working with youth experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable populations.
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Experience managing programs funded by DYCD, HUD, OCFS, or similar government agencies preferred.
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Experience serving LGBTQIA+ youth experiencing homelessness.
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Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS
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Must be able to remain awake, alert, and attentive throughout the entire scheduled shift, including overnight.
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Ability to travel between AFC residential sites.
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Ability to respond to emergencies outside of normal business hours.
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Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as operational needs require.
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Ability to remain calm and make sound decisions in high-pressure situations.
CORE & ROLE-SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES
AFC Core Competencies
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Mission alignment and commitment to affirming, youth-centered practice
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Cultural humility and ability to work effectively with diverse LGBTQ+ youth populations
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Trauma-informed, strengths-based approach to service delivery and collaboration
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Clear communication, professionalism, and accountability
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Adaptability, sound judgment, and ability to respond calmly in fast-paced environments
Role-Related Competencies
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Leadership & Accountability
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Strategic & Operational Leadership
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Communication & Collaboration
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Coaching & Staff Development
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Crisis Management & Decision Making .
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Compliance & Quality Assurance
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Resident-Centered & Trauma-Informed Practice
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Equity, Inclusion & Cultural Competence
Thank you for your interest in the Ali Forney Center. Due to the high volume of applications received, only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted. We encourage you to apply for any positions for which you meet the qualifications .
Ali Forney Center is an equal opportunity employer committed to a workplace where all employees feel respected, supported, and able to thrive. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.
