Program Manager – Interim Housing Programs
Department: Operations / Programs
Reports To: Chief Program Officer & Director of Programs
Supervises: Case Managers, Housing Navigators, Resident Assistants, Peer Support Specialists, Security Officers, Custodial Staff, and other assigned personnel
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 40+ hours per week. Evenings, weekends, holidays, and after-hours response as needed.
Position Summary
A Step to Freedom (ASF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals and families experiencing homelessness, mental illness, substance use disorders, recidivism, and other social and economic barriers by providing safe, supportive, trauma-informed housing and comprehensive services that promote long-term stability and self-sufficiency.
The Program Manager provides strategic leadership and daily operational oversight of one or more Interim Housing sites. This position is responsible for ensuring program excellence, regulatory compliance, staff development, participant success, fiscal accountability, and contract performance.
The Program Manager leads multidisciplinary teams while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, compassion, and continuous improvement. This position ensures high-quality, housing-focused, trauma-informed services that align with A Step to Freedom's mission, organizational values, and all applicable funding requirements, including Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), Department of Health
Services (DHS), Office of Diversion and Reentry (ODR), Department of Mental Health (DMH), and Coordinated Entry System (CES) standards.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Program Leadership & Operations
● Provide overall leadership and management of Interim Housing operations.
● Ensure compliance with all federal, state, county, city, and contractual requirements.
● Maintain high standards of participant care, safety, and service delivery.
● Ensure achievement of housing placement goals and successful participant exits.
● Monitor occupancy rates and maintain maximum program utilization.
● Conduct daily facility walkthroughs to inspect cleanliness, safety, security, and operational readiness.
● Ensure all facility concerns are reported and resolved promptly.
● Serve as the primary on-site administrator responsible for overall site performance.
● Lead continuous quality improvement initiatives to strengthen program outcomes.
Staff Leadership & Supervision
● Recruit, train, supervise, mentor, and evaluate assigned staff.
● Conduct weekly supervision meetings and routine team meetings.
● Develop staff through coaching, accountability, and leadership development.
● Complete annual evaluations and corrective action documentation when necessary.
● Ensure adequate staffing levels and prepare employee schedules.
● Approve timecards and monitor Paychex attendance, meal periods, overtime, and payroll accuracy.
● Promote teamwork, professionalism, and a trauma-informed work environment.
● Address employee concerns while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.
● Foster employee engagement, retention, and career development.
Participant Services
● Ensure participants receive comprehensive assessments and individualized service plans.
● Monitor participant progress toward permanent housing goals.
● Ensure timely referrals to medical, behavioral health, substance use treatment, employment, educational, and supportive services.
● Support crisis intervention and conflict resolution.
● Ensure resident rights are respected while enforcing program expectations.
● Promote participant engagement through supportive programming and community-building activities.
Compliance & Documentation
● Ensure timely, accurate documentation in HMIS and other required databases.
● Review participant files for compliance and quality assurance.
● Monitor staff documentation, including:
○ Case notes
○ Goal plans
○ Service plans
○ Progress updates
○ Housing documentation
○ Discharge planning
● Ensure compliance with all documentation timelines.
● Prepare and submit weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual reports.
● Participate in audits, monitoring visits, corrective action plans, and quality assurance reviews.
● Ensure ongoing compliance with ODR, LAHSA, DHS, DMH, and other funding agencies.
Housing Navigation & Community Partnerships
● Maintain strong partnerships with:
○ Coordinated Entry System (CES)
○ Enhanced Care Management (ECM)
○ Managed Care Plans
○ Housing Authorities
○ Landlords
○ Community providers
○ Medical and behavioral health partners
● Represent ASF in community meetings and multidisciplinary case conferences.
● Coordinate participant placements and housing opportunities.
● Promote community awareness of ASF programs through presentations, tours, and networking.
Fiscal & Administrative Management
● Assist with development and oversight of program budgets.
● Monitor expenditures and ensure responsible use of agency resources.
● Manage petty cash according to agency policy.
● Oversee site inventory, supplies, equipment, and purchasing needs.
● Ensure responsible stewardship of organizational assets.
● Monitor staff scheduling to control overtime and labor costs.
Facility Management & Safety
● Maintain a safe, clean, welcoming, and trauma-informed environment.
● Work collaboratively with Facilities, Security, Custodial Staff, and Resident Assistants.
● Ensure all maintenance issues are reported immediately and tracked through completion.
● Monitor emergency preparedness procedures.
● Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
● Conduct routine inspections for cleanliness, security, and operational readiness.
Food Services Coordination
● Partner with the Commercial Kitchen and onsite food service staff.
● Ensure nutritional meal standards are maintained.
● Monitor food delivery schedules and participant meal service.
● Ensure compliance with food safety standards.
Leadership Expectations
The Program Manager is expected to:
● Model ASF's Mission, Vision, and Values.
● Lead with integrity, empathy, and professionalism.
● Build a culture of accountability and excellence.
● Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and trauma-informed care.
● Encourage innovation and continuous improvement.
● Support staff wellness and professional growth.
● Make ethical and participant-centered decisions.
● Serve as an after-hours resource for staff and participant emergencies.
Performance Measures
Performance will be evaluated based on:
● Housing placement outcomes
● Program occupancy rates
● Contract compliance
● Audit performance
● Staff retention
● Employee engagement
● Participant satisfaction
● Quality of documentation
● HMIS accuracy
● Budget management
● Timely report submission
● Facility condition
● Safety compliance
● Team development
● Achievement of organizational goals
Minimum Qualifications
Education
Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Public Administration, Sociology, or a closely related field required.
Master's Degree preferred.
Experience
● Minimum three (3) years of management or supervisory experience within homeless services, interim housing, residential services, behavioral health, or related human services.
● Experience supervising multidisciplinary teams.
● Experience with government-funded programs.
● Knowledge of trauma-informed care, Housing First, Harm Reduction, and Motivational Interviewing.
● Experience with HMIS and electronic documentation systems.
● Experience with budgeting, scheduling, payroll oversight, and performance management.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
● Strong leadership and team-building skills.
● Excellent verbal and written communication.
● Conflict resolution and crisis management skills.
● Strong organizational and time management abilities.
● Ability to analyze program data and improve outcomes.
● Knowledge of housing resources and homeless service systems.
● Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
● Strong computer proficiency including Microsoft Office, HMIS, Paychex, Monday.com, Salesforce, and electronic health records.
● Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
Required Certifications
● Valid California Driver's License
● Current automobile insurance
● CPR/First Aid Certification (or ability to obtain)
● Mandated Reporter Training
● TB Clearance
● Criminal Background Clearance
Physical Requirements
● Ability to walk throughout the facility multiple times daily.
● Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
● Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, and climb stairs.
● Ability to respond quickly during emergencies.
Work Environment
This position operates within Interim Housing facilities serving adults experiencing
homelessness and other complex challenges. The Program Manager should be
comfortable working in a fast-paced, trauma-informed environment where flexibility,
professionalism, and strong leadership are essential.
Equal Employment Opportunity
A Step to Freedom is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering an
inclusive workplace where all employees are treated with dignity and respect.
Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex,
gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin,
ancestry, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other
protected characteristic under applicable law.
Employment with A Step to Freedom is at-will, meaning either the employee or the
organization may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without
notice and with or without cause, consistent with applicable law.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $60,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Ability to Commute:
- Los Angeles, CA 90061 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Los Angeles, CA 90061: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
