Acting Program Manager Jobs in Milwaukee, WI (NOW HIRING)

The Assistant Program Manager supports the overall operation of a residential reentry center serving adults under the supervision of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. This position assists with program administration, staff supervision, case management oversight, regulatory compliance, and the delivery of evidence‑based reentry services. The Assistant Program Director partners with the Program Manager to ensure a safe, professional, and effective environment for residents and staff while maintaining compliance with agency, contractual, and regulatory requirements. This position also serves as the acting Program Manager during periods of absence and participates in an on‑call leadership rotation.

• Manages the day‑to‑day operations of the Residential Reentry Center.
• Maintains familiarity with program curricula and observes/evaluates group sessions to ensure fidelity to program materials and prescribed facilitation methods.
• Ensures compliance with house rules, program expectations, agency policies, and applicable regulations.
• Conducts intake screenings in consultation with the Department of Corrections (DOC) to determine the appropriateness of prospective residents and coordinates admissions.
• Facilitates weekly Community Reintegration Plan meetings with treatment staff and the Division of Community Corrections (DCC) Agent to develop initial Community Reintegration Plans and review resident progress.
• Assists the Program Manager with program planning, audits, staff evaluations, and monitoring compliance with licensing, accreditation, and funding‑source requirements.
• Assists the Program Manager with the training and orientation of employees, student interns, and volunteers.
• Ensures all staff meet required training standards and that required training and certifications are maintained and updated annually.
• May provide direct client services, including individual counseling, group facilitation, and case management, as needed or assigned.
• Provides direct supervision to Resident Monitors.
• Assists with the supervision of Substance Use Counselor/Case Managers, Group Facilitators, Mental Health Counselors, the Office Manager, and the Assistant Program Manager.
• Reviews and approves or denies resident passes in conjunction with Substance Use Counselor/Case Managers, based on resident compliance and program requirements.
• Conducts quality assurance reviews and audits to ensure compliance with agency standards, policies, and procedures.
• Serves as an on‑call supervisor and responds to emergencies as required.
• Assists with planning and facilitating monthly All‑Staff Meetings.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in social work, criminal justice, or a related human services field.
  • A combination of relevant education and experience may be considered in lieu of a bachelor’s degree, subject to funding‑source approval.
  • Minimum of one year of experience working with individuals with co‑occurring substance use and mental health disorders.
  • Strong counseling skills with demonstrated experience in both individual and group counseling.
  • Ability to effectively apply counseling and case management skills when working with adult correctional clients with dual diagnoses.
  • Ability to meet all WCS and funder background checks, drug screening, and employment requirements.
  • Valid driver’s license, automobile, and insurance meeting agency requirements.
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master’s degree in social work, criminal justice, psychology, counseling, or a related social science field.
  • Wisconsin Substance Abuse Counselor‑In‑Training (SAC‑IT) certification or higher credential issued by the State of Wisconsin.
  • Experience working in correctional, reentry, residential treatment, or community‑based human services settings.
• Program‑Specific Knowledge:
  • Knowledge of substance use disorder treatment, mental health services, and co‑occurring disorders.
  • Understanding of evidence‑based counseling practices, case management principles, and community reintegration services.
  • Familiarity with the unique needs and challenges of adult correctional populations and individuals with dual diagnoses.
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Communication – Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively with staff, residents, and external partners.
  • Technological Aptitude – Ability to use general technological skills throughout daily job i.e., Email, Internet, company‑specified systems, e.g., Microsoft 365, Windows, Word, Excel.
  • Managing Priorities/Deadlines – Ability to maintain schedules, meet deadlines and manage multiple projects.
  • Problem‑Solving Skills – Ability to think critically and be solution‑oriented in a fast‑paced environment and adapt to program changes and challenges.
  • Adaptability – Ability to manage change, deal with situations as they arise and work independently or as part of a team.
  • Teamwork – Ability to work as a team participate productively while also managing independent contributing duties and responsibilities.
  • Motivation – Possess a commitment to the assigned job, mission and core values of the organization while also supporting a respectful and harmonious work setting.
  • Professionalism – Ability to conduct oneself with a high level of integrity, ethics and boundaries.
  • Multicultural Sensitivity – The role involves working in the community and interacting directly with diverse populations, including clients, partners, and service providers. As such, the employee must demonstrate professionalism, cultural sensitivity, and strong interpersonal skills while representing the organization in a variety of settings.
  • Program Specific Knowledge, Skills and Abilities – Effective leadership and supervisory skills in a 24/7 environment.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, climb stairs, and use a computer for extended periods. The employee must be able to respond to emergencies, including evacuations, and perform CPR and first aid if required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Work is performed in a residential correctional and supportive housing facility with moderate noise levels and frequent interaction with residents and staff. The position also includes office‑based work and community engagement. Travel is required for meetings, trainings, and program needs. A flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and on‑call responsibilities, is required to meet the needs of a 24/7 operation.

Wisconsin Community Services, Inc. is an equal‑opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.