Program Manager, Independent Living Services Stability

Job Details:
Level – Experienced | Location – Boston, MA 02118 | Position Type – Full Time | Education Level – 4 Year Degree | Salary Range – $65,000 - $75,000 per year | Job Category – Nonprofit – Social Services

We are seeking an experienced and compassionate Program Manager to lead the BRIDGE program, a community‑based initiative serving clients living in permanent supportive housing communities throughout Boston and the South Shore.

In this role you will develop partnerships with housing providers, establish program systems, supervise staff, and maintain a visible presence within partner housing communities through regular office hours and direct client engagement.

• Maintain regular office hours within partner housing communities.
• Build trusting relationships with clients and help them overcome barriers to program participation.
• Identify clients who may benefit from independent living services and support them through the enrollment process.
• Collaborate with partnering agency’s housing staff, care managers and healthcare providers.

• Build and strengthen relationships with partnering supportive housing providers, state agencies, and healthcare partners.
• Serve as Mainstay’s primary representative with partner agencies.
• Educate partners about available services, eligibility requirements, and referral processes.
• Develop strong referral relationships that support resident participation and long‑term success.

• Design and implement independent living support service delivery systems, workflows, documentation standards, and reporting processes.
• Use data, resident feedback, and partner input to improve services and outcomes.
• Identify operational challenges and develop practical, sustainable solutions.

• Hire, onboard, supervise, and develop staff as the program grows.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and compassion.
• Provide coaching and support to ensure high‑quality service delivery.

• Establish strong working relationships with supportive housing providers and referral partners.
• Create consistent office hours and client engagement practices across partner sites.
• Increase awareness of Mainstay's independent living programs among residents and community partners.
• Meet enrollment and participation goals.
• Build sustainable operational systems that support efficient service delivery and reporting.

• Enjoys working directly in the community and building relationships with clients.
• Understands the challenges faced by individuals who have experienced homelessness, behavioral health concerns, or housing instability.
• Can build trust with clients, partners, and staff.
• Is highly organized and able to manage multiple priorities across sites and stakeholders.
• Takes initiative, identifies opportunities for improvement, and follows through.
• Remains steady, flexible, and solution‑focused when circumstances change.
• Enjoys building programs and creating systems that help people succeed.

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in human services, behavioral health, supportive housing, homelessness services, community‑based healthcare, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of leadership, supervisory, or program management experience.
• Demonstrated experience building partnerships and collaborating across organizations.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

• Master’s degree in Social Work.
• Direct experience in permanent supportive housing, homelessness services, behavioral health, or community mental health settings.
• Experience launching, expanding, stabilizing, or significantly improving programs or services.
• Familiarity with Massachusetts human services systems and community resources.

This position is primarily field‑based. The Program Manager will regularly travel throughout Boston and the South Shore, maintaining a consistent presence within…