Step Program Director

The Neighborhood Center of West Volusia is, “a place with a heart”, our mission is to feed the hungry, house the homeless, and prevent homelessness.

The Neighborhood Center of West Volusia employs compassionate, skilled professionals who are committed to excellence, enjoy teamwork and contribute daily to our mission and culture of caring. Team members experience a friendly, supportive atmosphere, leadership support, autonomy, flexibility and the privilege of doing meaningful, rewarding work.

Job Purpose:

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Step Program Director manages a grant-funded affordable housing program dedicated to adult individuals with a history of substance abuse. This role involves direct supervision of program staff, oversight of all aspects of client services and case management (including intake, lease management, housing inspections, rent collection, and eviction processes), ensuring program compliance with grant guidelines and regulations, and contributing to the agency's overall leadership team. The role requires strong program and financial management skills, meticulous record-keeping, effective communication, and the ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to support client success and program goals.

The program has obtained secure funding through March 2027; potential for extensions will be discussed in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Duties and Responsibilities:

A. Program and Financial Management

• Lead a grant-funded affordable housing program for adult individuals with a history of substance abuse, providing guidance and support to two full-time employees.
• Supervise the program services and case management, including but not limited to:
  • Client application process, interviews, reference/police check conduct, and home visits with prospective tenants.
  • Completion and management of client lease contracts.
  • Orienting tenants to the program and provide appropriate information for use and care of agency-managed units.
  • Collection of rent, damage compensation, fees, and other tenant/governmental payments.
  • Implementing move-in, periodic inspections, move-out, and eviction proceeding, including arranging and scheduling client moves.
  • Managing program vehicle, client appointment schedules, and client transportation.
  • Establishing a system for assessing tenant readiness status, triage, identifying obstacles, developing individual action plans, assigning objectives, and facilitating clients, tenants, and families’ progress toward goals.
  • Maintain staff adherence to confidentiality and privacy guidelines.
• Collaborate with the Chief Operating Officer and Finance team on grant-funding reports, and ensure all applicable grant guidelines and eligibility criteria are upheld.
• Serve on the agency Leadership Team, which meets twice monthly to report on program success and to receive professional development training.
• In partnership with local agencies, healthcare organizations, and agency departments, develop a resource inventory for resident referral to auxiliary services.

B. Record-Keeping and Communication

• Maintain physical and electronic client files to standards set by agency policies, regulatory, and funding stakeholder requirements, including documentation of:
  • Intake form, application, and supporting documentation
  • Case manager ongoing analysis, case notes, and individual service plans
  • Short- and long-term goal progress
  • Assistance in setting goals and surpassing obstacles
  • Coordination and follow-up
  • Financial payment records
  • Special circumstances and issues as they arise.
• Regularly update client records in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) database.
• Review Service Activity Logs (SALs), client files, financial and billing documents, and other relevant documents for accuracy prior to submission.
• Promptly share required billing documents to the Finance Team by established deadlines.

Qualifications, Experience, and Abilities:

• Education:
  • Minimum required: High School Diploma
  • Bachelor’s degree in social services field preferred.
• Required Experience:
  • Minimum two years’ experience within supportive services, healthcare, substance abuse treatment, housing services, or related fields within last five years.
  • A minimum of two years in a direct supervisor role, preferred.
  • Active credentials as Certified Addiction Professional (CAP), Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CRPS), or related licenses preferred.
  • Support of clients with multiple barriers to income and housing stability.
  • Housing program planning, executing, and evaluating performance for federal, state, and locally funded projects.
  • Knowledge in contract/grant operations, reporting, and compliance.

Qualifications:

• Must pass Florida Department of Children and Family Services (DCF) Level II background check.
• Must pass initial and subsequent random / periodic drug screen.
• Must possess valid state driver’s license and submit a Motor Vehicle Record within 14 days of start date.
  • No more than two moving violations and / or accidents within last three years.
  • No more than three vehicle related suspensions / reinstatements.
  • No DUI, reckless, or felony driving convictions within last five years.
• Specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities:
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams).
  • Prior use of Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS) database.
  • Knowledge of community resources in the Volusia County area.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical demands: sitting, walking, lifting up to 30 pounds independently, reaching, carrying, speaking, listening
• Work environment: an environment of high stress and fast pace of crisis intervention. Protocol for safety and security is a priority. Use of phones, in person assistance, computer, fax and other general office machinery

General Job Performance Evaluation Standards:

• Understand and follow all agency policies and procedures as directed by personnel manual and Chief Operating Officer’s guidance.
• Perform all duties listed in job description.
• Maintain strict client and staff confidentiality at all times.
• Represent the agency in a professional manner consistent with the Neighborhood Center’s mission and vision.
• Attend meetings as required, including: monthly All Staff, any necessary emergency meetings, and staff training. Participate in staff development activities.
• Provide supervision, support, and a safe environment to staff and clients.
• Complete assigned tasks in timely manner.

The Neighborhood Center of West Volusia provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.