COVENANT HOUSE TEXAS JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE : Director of Support Services
DATE : October 01, 2024
DEPARTMENT : Programs
REPORTS TO : Chief Program Officer
CLASSIFICATION : Exempt
PRIMARY FUNCTION : In keeping with the Mission Statement and Principles of Covenant House, part of the Covenant House international network, is committed to giving homeless youth a safe haven, absolute respect, unconditional love, and a path to lasting independence through housing programs and providing a continuum of care through supportive services. The Director of Support Services is responsible for overseeing and managing comprehensive support programs, ensuring effective delivery of services to homeless youth. The Director will lead teams in Career Services, Outreach, Prevention, Youth Engagement Center, Training Programs, and LGBTQ services, all while ensuring trauma-informed care practices are embedded in all aspects of service delivery. This role is integral in supporting the holistic development and empowerment of youth facing homelessness, but not limited to, wellness services, outreach, employment, education, and all other services needed to ensure youth can achieve the goal of living independently in the community.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities :
1. Leadership & Management
- Lead, supervise, and provide strategic direction to the Support Services teams, including but not limited to Grant Management, Career Services, Outreach, Youth Engagement Center, Training Programs, and LGBTQ services.
- Develop and implement program goals, policies, and procedures that align with the CHT’s mission and trauma-informed care principles.
- Develop and maintain a system in the support services programs which allows youth to obtain sanctuary and experience an immediate response that includes respect, honesty, and a warm, empathetic welcome to facilitate their transition to independence / self-sufficiency.
- Collaborate with senior leadership to ensure the alignment of Support Services with overall objectives and community needs.
- Monitor, evaluate, and report on program outcomes, ensuring services are meeting the needs of youth and fostering their long-term success.
- Provide guidance and mentorship to staff, promoting professional development and maintaining a positive, supportive work environment.
- Develop relationships and collaborative partnerships with other youth service providers in the community to ensure the most effective delivery of services to youth.
- Build relationships with funders. Manage grants and complete required reports to funders.
- Ensure data integrity and ETO / HMIS compliance.
2. Career Services & Training Programs
Oversee the development and delivery of career services, including job readiness, employment search support, and vocational training, tailored to the unique needs of homeless and at-risk youth.Collaborate with local businesses, organizations, and vocational programs to create internship, apprenticeship, and job placement opportunities for youth.Design and implement training programs to enhance the skills and employability of youth participants, with a focus on soft skills, technical training, and life skills.3. Outreach & Community Engagement
Develop and implement outreach strategies to connect with homeless youth, ensuring access to critical services.Cultivate relationships with community organizations, schools, social services, and governmental agencies to support the needs of homeless youth and promote the shelter’s programs.Coordinate outreach efforts to ensure youth engagement with shelter resources and community-based support.4. Youth Engagement & Empowerment
Oversee the Youth Engagement Center, ensuring a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment for youth to access services, gain skills, and engage in personal development.Promote positive youth development, focusing on empowerment, self-advocacy, and resilience, through one-on-one support, group programs, and activities.Ensure all services are culturally responsive and inclusive, with special attention to the unique needs of LGBTQ youth.5. LGBTQ Services & Trauma-Informed Care
Lead efforts to create and maintain an inclusive and affirming environment for LGBTQ youth, integrating best practices for serving this population into all relevant programs.Ensure that all services are delivered through a trauma-informed care framework, recognizing the impacts of trauma and emphasizing safety, trust, and empowerment in all interactions.Provide staff training on LGBTQ inclusivity, trauma-informed care, and the intersectionality of these issues with homelessness.6. Budget & Resource Management
Develop and manage the budget for Support Services programs, ensuring efficient and effective use of resources.Develop, implement and monitor the operating budget and other fiscal duties for the Support Services Programs.Identify funding opportunities and assist in grant writing or fundraising efforts to secure financial support for program initiatives.7. Data Integrity and Management :
Ensure accurate and timely entry of all client data into the HMIS and ETO data systems, maintaining compliance with organizational and funding requirements.Regularly review and verify data to ensure consistency, completeness, and accuracy, addressing any discrepancies or errors promptly.Monitor data quality and integrity, implementing corrective actions as needed to ensure compliance with reporting standards.8. Grant Compliance and Reporting :
Oversee the compliance of all grant-funded programs, ensuring adherence to grant requirements, timelines, and regulations.Prepare and submit required reports and documentation to funders, ensuring all data and financial information is accurate and up to date.Participate in grant compliance audits and site visits, assisting with documentation and responding to audit inquiries.Maintain a comprehensive understanding of grant terms, conditions, and deliverables to ensure that all services and operations are aligned with funder expectations.9. Grant Management :
Assist in the development and implementation of grant proposals, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and funder priorities.Track grant funding and expenditures, ensuring funds are allocated properly and in accordance with approved budgets.Work with leadership to ensure that grant-related activities are being executed as planned and within the scope of approved budgets.Collaborate with team members to ensure that grant goals and objectives are met and reported accurately to funders.10. Program Model Training
Ensure that all staff understand and are proficient in the shelter’s Program Model work, which is designed to provide holistic, youth-centered care through a trauma-informed approach.Facilitate / Support training sessions on the core components of the shelter’s model, including case management practices, youth empowerment, conflict resolution, and engagement techniques.Work closely with staff to ensure that the shelter’s model is consistently integrated into everyday practices and that staff are confident in applying it in their work with youth.11. Crisis Management and Support :
Provide support and guidance to staff in addressing crises involving youth residents, ensuring the immediate safety and well-being of all individuals involved.Develop and implement emergency protocols and crisis intervention plans to address urgent situations.12. Professional Development :
Pursue ongoing professional development in trauma-informed care, social services, and youth homelessness to remain up-to-date with best practices.Encourage and facilitate professional growth opportunities for staff and practicum students, including attending relevant conferences, workshops, and training programs.13. Self-Care and Professional Development :
Engage in regular self-care practices to manage the emotional demands of the role.Participate in ongoing training, workshops, and professional development opportunities to stay informed about best practices in trauma-informed care and human trafficking prevention.Qualifications :
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, Public Administration, or a related field.Minimum of 5 years of experience in social services, with at least 3 years in a leadership or managerial role, preferably in a youth homelessness or related setting.Strong understanding of trauma-informed care principles and practices.Experience working with LGBTQ youth and communities, with a commitment to inclusive, affirming care.Proven ability to develop, implement, and manage programs for homeless youth, including career services, training, and outreach.Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor staff, fostering a positive, collaborative team culture.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with youth, staff, community partners, and stakeholders.Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.Knowledge of local resources, services, and community-based organizations supporting homeless youth is a plus.Why Join Us :
Covenant House Texas offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities. As the Director of Support Services, you will play a key role in the implementation, data integrity, efficiency, and effectiveness of the
following programs across campus : Youth Engagement Center, Career Services, Prevention, Outreach, Training and LGBTQ awareness. While setting the tone for high quality high touch trauma informed care service delivery and incorporating the strengths-based approach in any and all interaction with youth, staff, and external program resources
REPORTS TO : Chief Program Officer
Supervisor : _______________________Date : __________________
Employee by : _______________________Date : __________________
About Covenant House Texas :
Covenant House Texas (CHT) opened its doors in 1983 to provide shelter for homeless, abused and abandoned youth ages 18 – 24. After more than 35 years of service, CHT offers an extensive continuum of care model for homeless youth including mental health and substance abuse counseling, educational and vocational training, transitional and permanent living programs, street outreach and prevention, pastoral ministry and parenting classes in addition to providing the basic necessities of food, clothing, medical care and safe shelter from the streets for youth in crisis.
Salary : $75,000 - $85,000
