Job Description

JOB TITLE: Director of Access & Engagement Programs

REPORTS TO: Sr. Director of Community Programs

DEPARTMENT: Access Center

SCHEDULE Monday-Friday (9:00am-5:30pm)

LOCATION Venice, CA, On-site

STATUS: Full-Time, 40 hours/week, Exempt

DRIVER POSITION Yes [If yes, please reference driving policy]

SALARY RANGE: $90,000-$95,000 Annually

ABOUT US:

Safe Place for Youth (SPY) is the leading service provider for youth experiencing or at-risk of homelessness in West Los Angeles. Founded in 2011, our agency offers trauma-informed, low barrier programs that support young people in exiting the streets and achieving stability. Our robust continuum of care includes street outreach, drop-in services, health and wellness programming, case management, education and employment services, and housing programs.

SPY is a unique social impact agency that values community collaboration, and a deep commitment to the wellbeing of youth. If you have the skills, passion, and collaborative spirit, join our growing team

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The Director of Access & Engagement Programs will plan, manage and administer empowerment programming including the Access Center, Youth Empowerment Program, Education & Employment throughout SPY, using a youth-focused, trauma-informed model of service delivery, focusing on Outreach and empowerment engagements.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Provide trauma and resiliency informed oversight to SPY’s street outreach program, Access Center direct service, SPY Squad, and Education and Employment
• Establish and maintain appropriate program structure, policies and procedures that ensure high quality services and the safety of staff and members
• Supervise and develop program staff within trauma informed and culturally responsive models, providing comprehensive onboarding, training, support and feedback
• Ensure that youth can continue to receive meals, basic needs resources, housing connection and enrichment services during the week, and offer weekend services
• Ensure that outreach teams are maximizing the number of youth reached and connected to SPY services
• Participate as a member of the Performance and Quality Improvement team, and ensure that all programs are engaged in continuous quality improvement
• Ensure programs comply with all relevant legal, ethical, and best-practice professional standards
• Ensure that programs are meeting contract compliance and funder requirement, as well as objectives established by the organization
• Oversee program budgets and ensure that expenditures are in line with annual budget allocations
• Assist programmatic grant proposals, contributing to narratives, and identifying appropriate goals and staffing
• Provide regular reports on program outcomes for funders and program monitoring
• Ensure quality assurance standards are being met and lead program audit preparation
• Provide crisis intervention and incident debrief, as needed
• Oversee the maintenance of client records, ensuring regular and accurate data entry, chart compliance, and including maintaining records through HMIS
• Maintain records of staff training including trainings provided and staff attendance
• Work collaboratively with diverse groups of partners and stakeholders to develop and promote youth services program design, implementation and evaluation
• Represent SPY at community gatherings, trainings, conference, and coalitions
• Identify and evaluate the risks associated with program activities and take appropriate action to mitigate risks
• Act as part of the after-hours crisis rotation and ensure coverage for 7 days a week access center programming
• Lead performance management for all team members including coaching, disciplinary processes, and assurance that department goals and deadlines are met.
• Provide trauma-informed strengths-based supervision and professional development for supervisees.
• Other duties as assigned to support the mission and goals of the organization

Requirements

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Psychology or any related field is preferred.
• Master’s degree and/or clinical background is preferred
• Minimum of 5 years of experience working with unhoused populations
• Minimum of 3 years working with youth preferred
• Minimum 2 years management experience in social service setting
• Expertise in program development and partnership building
• Background in employment services, and community building preferred
• Understanding of best practice approaches including: Positive Youth Development, Authentic Youth Engagement, Motivational Interviewing, and Trauma-Informed Care
• Working knowledge of policies, systems, and local programs that impact homeless persons and the related public funding sources, regulations, requirements, and procedures
• Strong computer skills and knowledge including word processing, database operations, spreadsheets and other software systems.
• Ability to coordinate and/or oversee the successful completion of projects
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including organizational, detail, and interpersonal
• Must have reliable transportation

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Changes in the environment, such as the office or outdoors.
• Physical effort/lifting, such as sedentary- up to 15-20 pounds at times.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS:

Mandated Reporting Requirements: All SPY employees are ‘mandated reporters’ and are legally required to report any reasonable suspicion of child, elder, or dependent adult abuse or neglect.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements: Effective August 9, 2021, the State Health Officer has mandated that all workers, paid or unpaid, in homeless services organizations must provide proof of vaccination. If eligible for a booster shot, proof of booster is also required. Please submit proof of vaccination to HR@safeplaceforyouth.org. To request a reasonable accommodation or exemption, please get in touch with HR at the same email address. It's important to note that these accommodations are not guaranteed.

Driver Positions

Applicants are required to provide a copy of their driving record from the Department of Motor Vehicles, along with a copy of their valid driver’s license and proof of insurance. Job offers are contingent upon a satisfactory driving record.

For driver positions, driving is an essential job function and cannot be reasonably accommodated, employment may be discontinued.

NOTE: All staff members will be considered introductory employees for the first three months of employment and will not be considered regular employees until the conclusion of this period. SPY reserves the right to extend an employee’s introductory period. In no way does the expiration of this introductory period change the fact that all employees are at-will.

Employees continue to have the right to terminate their employment/business relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, and SPY has the same right. The organization, in its sole discretion, may change the job duties, responsibilities and assignments of any position, at any time.

BENEFITS & PERKS:

Safe Place for Youth offers a competitive benefit package including comprehensive health coverage, 403b with agency contribution, and ample paid time off. We also offer unique perks including professional development opportunities that are tailored to your individual career growth.

EEO STATEMENT:

All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. Safe Place for Youth does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status under federal, state, or local law.

Safe Place for Youth is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. In addition, the organization will consider employment-qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

Please include references in your application