Program Care Manager Job Description
The Program Care Manager is a strong evangelical Christian responsible for the overall operation, supervision, and coordination of a program that helps individuals and families transition from homelessness to stable housing. The Program Care Manager ensures that the program provides a supportive, trauma-informed environment and meets all grant requirements and agency standards.
Job Summary
The Program Care Manager oversees daily program operations, manages house staff, and coordinates comprehensive, client-centered supportive services. The goal is to help clients move toward self-sufficiency by securing permanent housing, gaining employment, and developing essential life skills. This role requires strong leadership, administrative, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills, along with a solid understanding of the complexities of homelessness.
The Program Care Manager also serves as a liaison among residents, landlords, social services, and other providers as needed. Key responsibilities include assessing client needs, creating and implementing case plans, assisting with housing searches, providing referrals, and maintaining accurate case files.
To apply: Download the application below, complete it, and send to Jeanne Korman at jkorman@ruthshousect.com.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Program Oversight and Administration
Operational management: Oversee the day-to-day operations of the transitional housing program to support effectiveness and safety. Assist in preparing for new participants and those exiting the program.
Program development: Work with the Executive Director to develop, implement, and monitor program goals, procedures, and performance standards.
Budget and reporting: Track program expenditures and work with the Executive Director to manage the program budget. Prepare and submit all required program reports and data.
Recordkeeping: Maintain accurate and confidential client files, including case notes, progress reports, and other required documentation.
Community engagement: Engage with the community to enrich programming through opportunities such as car-seat safety and sewing classes.
Staff Supervision and Leadership
Staff supervision: Assist the Executive Director in providing guidance, coaching, and performance evaluations for house staff.
Training and development: Assist the Executive Director in recruiting, training, and onboarding new employees. Identify training needs and provide professional-development opportunities for the team.
Team culture: Foster a positive, collaborative, and trauma-informed team culture that supports both staff and clients.
Client Services
Client interviews: Participate in interviews with prospective applicants. Work with the Executive Director throughout the process, including following up on drug screenings and reference checks.
Case-management oversight: Provide high-quality, housing-focused case-management services, including client intake, assessment, and the development of goal-oriented service plans.
Client assessment and case planning: Conduct intake interviews to assess client needs, goals, and eligibility. Develop, implement, and monitor individualized case plans covering housing, finances, education, and employment.
Crisis intervention: Provide ongoing support and crisis intervention as needed. Offer clients a supportive, nonjudgmental environment. Manage crises according to established protocols and support staff during and after critical incidents.
Client advocacy: Ensure clients receive appropriate support and connections to internal and external resources for employment, education, healthcare, and financial assistance.
Life-skills development: Support clients in developing essential skills such as budgeting, job searching, and apartment maintenance through one-on-one coaching and group sessions.
Household safety: Identify household repairs, needed updates, and safety concerns.
Housing assistance: Mediate and advocate with landlords on clients’ behalf to help them obtain and maintain housing.
Referral and advocacy: Provide information and referrals to community resources and social-service agencies. Serve as a liaison between clients and other providers, including government-benefit, legal, and healthcare services.
Client Support
Provide loving, motherly leadership to the mothers and their children while effectively managing the home.
Support residents as they plan and carry out daily routines, vocational and educational appointments, activities, and other responsibilities.
Ensure that mothers attend weekly and monthly programs, including Bible study and other programs.
Complete assigned tasks, and delegate and supervise others to support the effective operation of the home.
Work with other staff members to provide comprehensive support for residents.
Encourage women to attend church on Sundays.
Represent the organization as instructed.
Establish strong working relationships with local community volunteers.
Maintain confidentiality and protect the rights and privacy of all people served.
Connect women with food banks and other community resources.
Schedule weekly meetings with participants, write case notes, and file them appropriately.
Daily Household Management
Help clients with schoolwork or job searches as needed.
Work with the Executive Director to establish and maintain programs within the house.
Ensure sanitary conditions are maintained in and around the house and that personal health and hygiene standards are upheld.
Ensure rooms are kept clean.
Support residents in self-managing their prescribed medications, encourage adherence to prescribed treatment, and document medication-related observations as appropriate.
Issue warnings or written notices to participants when necessary.
Maintain financial records of spending.
Help prepare rooms for participants entering and exiting the program.
Have dinner with program participants one to two times per week.
Facilitate life-skills classes and Bible study one to two nights per week.
Qualifications
Education
A bachelor’s degree is preferred but not required.
Experience
Three to five years of experience in the human services sector, preferably in homeless services or housing-focused case management.
Two to three years of supervisory or program-management experience.
Experience working with vulnerable populations, including people affected by substance use, mental health concerns, and trauma-related issues.
Knowledge and Skills
Housing models: Strong knowledge of best practices such as Housing First, harm reduction, and trauma-informed care.
Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Leadership and management: Strong supervisory, organizational, and team-building skills.
Technology: Proficiency with Google tools.
Crisis management: Ability to de-escalate situations, manage crises effectively, and remain calm under pressure.
Cultural competence: Demonstrated ability to work with and appreciate diverse populations.
Organization: Ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain detailed records.
Additional Requirements
Mature evangelical Christian.
Ability to obtain and maintain valid CPR and First Aid certification.
Excellent spoken and written English-language skills.
A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
Willingness to be on call for emergencies.
Spanish-language skills are a plus but are not required.
Ability to climb stairs and lift 25 pounds.
This job description is not exhaustive. It is intended only to indicate the kinds of duties required for this position.