Director of Housing Programs

Position DescriptionABOUT 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

Directly supervise Program Supervisors (Day & Overnight)
Directly supervise Program Assistant
Provide weekly supervision focused on leadership development, problem-solving and effective resident management
Support hiring decision for Program Supervisors and Youth Counselors
Identify performance concerns and implement supportive action plans
Build leadership capacity across programs

Program Oversight & Resident Outcomes

Oversee multiple housing programs to ensure alignment with AFC’s mission & standards of care
Monitor resident progression, engagement and discharge outcomes
Lead case conferencing with a focus on movement, barriers & exits
Oversee census management and coordinate placements in collaboration with Senior Director
Oversee the resident exits and graduations including the DYCD program appeal process
Ensure consistent implementation of programming models

Program Quality, Compliance & Audits

Support site audits and ensure programs meet compliance standards (DYCD, HUD, Internal QAs)
Ensure documentation quality, incident reporting and data integrity across sites
Partner with Program Supervisors to address gaps in real time

Crisis Oversight & Escalation

Provide high-level support during significant incidents, crises, or program disruptions
Ensure appropriate follow-up, documentation, and systemic response to crisis
Support complex resident situations (discharges, appeals, high-risk cases)

Cross-Department Collaboration

Partner with other departments to ensure coordinate care
Support integration of agency-wide initiatives
Maintain communication with compliance and evaluation teams

Administrative & Strategic Functions

Contribute to program development and implementation of new initiatives
Analyze program data and trends to inform improvements
Support reporting needs in collaboration with Senior Director

On-Call Requirements

Participate in a monthly weekend on-call rotation to provide emergency support
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.
Act as back-up for emergency coverage support as needed

Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays to support Program & Supervisors

BENEFITS & TOTAL REWARDS

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
401(k) with up to a 5% employer match (vested after five years)
Generous Paid Time Off, Sick Leave, Personal Leave, and 12 Paid Holidays
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Mission-driven, inclusive workplace culture

Qualifications and Competencies
Must have a Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, or a related field.
Must have two (2) or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience in residential housing, supportive housing, shelter, transitional living, or youth-serving programs.
Must have two (2) or more years of supervisory experience leading managers, supervisors, or multidisciplinary teams.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS NOT REQUIRED

Master's degree in Social Work, Public Administration, Human Services, or a related field.
Licensed Social Worker (LMSW/LCSW)
Experience leading residential housing programs or sites.
Experience implementing organizational change and quality improvement initiatives.
Experience with staff performance management, coaching, and employee development.
Experience working with youth experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable populations.
Experience managing programs funded by DYCD, HUD, OCFS, or similar government agencies preferred.
Experience serving LGBTQIA+ youth experiencing homelessness.
Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.