Clinical Program Manager; MS

Clinical Program Manager (MS) – First Place for Youth

Location:

Fairfield, California, United States

First Place For Youth is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to supporting foster youth in their transition to adulthood, focusing on education, employment, and housing. We seek a Clinical Program Manager who will supervise Master’s level social work and multi-disciplinary case management staff and manage the operations of an integrated services program for transition-age foster youth (ages 18-24). This role requires energetic leadership, clinical expertise, and a commitment to outcomes for youth in care.

DUTIES + RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Program Staff Supervision (30%)
  • Hire, train, develop and supervise multidisciplinary staff (social work, case management, Youth Advocates, Employment and Education Specialists).
  • Set personal and program-wide goals, conduct regular staff meetings, and perform annual staff reviews.
  • Provide ongoing supervision, field observations, clinical supervision, and support professional growth through data-driven evaluation.
  • Deliver training in trauma-informed care, positive youth development, strength-based approaches, and motivational interviewing; train and coach staff on best-practice strategies.
  • Ensure accurate and timely participant records and data submission; monitor progress and adapt interventions to achieve outcomes.
  • Align staff with mission and serve as ambassadors for the agency; ensure effective use of data and evaluative feedback.
  • Provide direct intervention as needed and participate in meetings with youth, county workers, or other partners; assist with crisis intervention and conflict mediation.

• Program Operations (20%)
  • Oversee day-to-day operations, track outcomes, manage budgets and grants, and ensure compliance with program policies; support youth housing retention.
  • Provide leadership on program components and processes; ensure timely baseline and in-program assessments and action plans.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with community partners (e.g., County Social Work, Probation) and participate in outreach and marketing to promote services.
  • Champion Continuous Quality Improvement and participate in committees as assigned.

• Intake/Pre-Housing (40%)
  • Implement intake and referral systems to maximize census and retention.
  • Collaborate with Social Workers and Probation to process referrals; conduct intake assessments and determine program fit with My First Place.
  • Coordinate with Housing team to understand vacancy and plan placement; manage youth files and ensure compliance with contracts; attend monthly county partner meetings.

• Leadership and Cross-Functional Collaboration (10%)
  • Provide strategic direction with the Director of Programs and Management Team to deliver cohesive housing and support services; set measurable operational goals.
  • Use assessments, reports, and evaluations to improve program outcomes; apply performance management best practices.
  • Ensure compliant program operations and collaborate with referral agencies and internal departments to deliver comprehensive services.
  • Represent the agency at partner meetings and contribute to cross-functional initiatives as needed.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work or related field (MSW or equivalent) or licensure-eligible in a relevant discipline; advanced degree in counseling or psychology preferred.
• Three years of full-time social work or case management experience in family or child welfare services.
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Master’s in Family Therapy (MFT) with two years post-licensure experience preferred.
• Minimum 2-4 years of managerial or supervisory experience; direct service experience with underserved youth, preferably current or former foster youth (5+ years).
• Strong knowledge of local community resources for foster youth; excellent people management and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication; proficient in Microsoft Office; experience with databases or case management systems.
• Availability for occasional evenings, weekends, and travel as needed.

Note:

This role is hybrid, requiring onsite work a minimum of two to three days per week, with flexibility based on departmental needs.