Program Director

BOUT LIFEMOVES

Life Moves is the largest and most effective provider of housing and services for neighbors experiencing homelessness in Silicon Valley since 1987. Our Mission is to end homelessness by providing interim housing, supportive services, and building collaborative partnerships. With 40 programs, Life Moves gives our neighbors experiencing homelessness a temporary place to call home while providing intensive, customized case management through site-based programs and community outreach.

POSITION PURPOSE

Life Moves Palo Alto Outreach programs include

1)
The Opportunity Services Center (OSC), which provides drop-in services for single adults including food, clothing, laundry/shower facilities, and case management

2)
Hotel de Zink (HdZ), which is an emergency program for individual adults that alternates locations through congregations in Palo Alto, and will be sun setting in early 2026.

3) Palo Alto Outreach, which provides outreach services to individuals as well as education and support to businesses.

The OSC Program Director reports to the Director of Outreach and provides oversight to staff in the field at the OSC, HdZ, and Palo Alto Outreach. This management position plays a key role in supporting daily operations, safety, and overall program success. They model the agency's values by treating everyone with respect and care, creating a culture where clients and staff feel welcomed, empowered, and supported.

The OSC Program Director focuses on building strong team relationships, inspiring professional growth, and maintaining a healthy, positive program culture. They provide trauma-informed supervision and coaching to staff, partner with leadership to identify training needs, strengthen communication, and ensure consistent delivery of high-quality, client-centered services and accurate data input. Additionally, this role helps keep the program safe and supportive by working with staff and clients to identify concerns, provide education, and develop solutions.

They maintain positive relationships with community partners and funders, ensure contract compliance, and lead with curiosity, creativity, and collaboration to move the program forward.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Operations, Compliance, and Quality

• Ensure program services are safe, trauma-informed, welcoming, and effective.
• Partner with leadership to manage budgets, data, and other needs that support program goals.
• Support high-quality client services by modeling trauma-informed, strengths-based engagement and maintaining a small caseload as needed.
• Ensure staff documentation and service delivery meet accuracy and compliance standards.
• Ensure compliance with agency, funding, and regulatory requirements (e.g., HUD, Fair Housing).
• Support data collection, audits, and continuous improvement efforts.

Leadership and Supervision

• Provide supervision and coaching to staff using trauma-informed and strengths-based practices.
• Lead meetings, manage hiring, scheduling, and evaluations to maintain clear communication and a positive, professional program culture.

Community and Stakeholder Partnerships

• Build and maintain strong relationships with community partners, businesses, and agencies.
• Represent Life Moves professionally and help educate partners about programs and services.

General Agency Responsibilities

• Participate in agency-wide meetings, initiatives, and training programs as needed or directed including but not limited to partner meetings, board meetings and fundraising events
• Fully participate in all required trainings. This includes completing trainings by assigned deadlines, actively engaging during sessions, and applying what you learn to your daily work.
• Attend continuing education opportunities to grow expertise and uphold agency standards.
• Be available to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed or as schedule describes.
• Perform other duties as assigned to meet program and organizational needs.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field required; or an Associate's Degree with 3-5 years of progressively responsible experience in a related field such as peer advocacy, community outreach, housing services, or homelessness services.
• Comfortable using technology including phone and messaging systems, email, Microsoft and Google Suites, databases, case management tools, reporting/tracking systems, and performance management software.
  Minimum of three years in a leadership role within human or social services supporting vulnerable populations.
• Demonstrates empathy, professionalism, and respect for all individuals.
• Stays calm and supportive in stressful situations and uses de-escalation skills.
• Maintains clear documentation and organization.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and proactive.
• Advocates effectively across systems to secure client benefits and resources.
• Identifies and connects clients to housing, employment, health, and social supports.
• Builds collaborative relationships with partners and providers to strengthen client outcomes.
• Responds calmly and…