Homefirst Agency Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position: Associate Director – Permanent Housing

Program/Location: Pioneer, Santa Clara County

Reports to: Director

Status: Full Time, Exempt

Compensation: $116,812.80/Annually

ABOUT HOMEFIRST

Established in 1980, HomeFirst™ is a nonprofit organization passionately working to end homelessness. We serve the Bay Area community through low-barrier programming and systems leadership – meeting each person where they are by offering support and resources that address immediate and long-term housing needs. With nearly 45 years of experience, we view housing as a fundamental human right and understand that solving homelessness requires a collaborative effort.

OUR VALUES

• Kindness: We act with empathy toward others.
• Passion: We ignite change to fulfill our mission.
• Excellence: We deliver exceptional service to our communities.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Under general direction of the Director and in collaboration with the VP of Permanent Housing, the Associate Director supports planning, design, and implementation of Housing Retention Services—comprising Permanent Supportive Housing, Homelessness Prevention, and site-based Resident Services. This position advances performance toward established housing outcome metrics, ensures compliance with all contractual and licensing requirements, and maintains effective partnerships across the agency and community. This role is further responsible for modeling the values and principles of HomeFirst within the agency and broader community.

The Associate Director will provide supervision and oversight to 3–4 Program Managers.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

The position reports to the Director in the Permanent Housing Division.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Management, Leadership

• Under the supervision of the Director, collaborate with the VP of Permanent Housing and the Quality Control Department to monitor, analyze, and evaluate program performance against permanent housing outcome targets
• Lead the development and consistent application of industry best practices in case management and permanent housing interventions
• Ensure full compliance with all contracts, agency, and licensing requirements
• Participate in agency and division level strategic planning sessions alongside the Director and VP of Permanent Housing
• Manage project plans, adhere to deadlines, achieve all program, and position deliverables
• Serve as subject matter consultant to the Director, leadership and staff on case management and housing intervention strategies
• Facilitate collaborative decision making for program development and participant interventions
• Maintain awareness of emerging trends in case management and permanent housing at the local, regional, and national levels
• Report regularly to the Director on internal case management matters and policy changes in homelessness prevention
• Forge and sustain internal and external partnerships to support service delivery and resource coordination
• Recruit, evaluate and mentor 3–4 Program Managers, guiding their teams’ professional growth and performance
• Coordinate clear and consistent departmental communications

 General

• Attend all job-related meetings, including program staff meetings and agency-wide meetings.
• Represent the agency in public speaking events as requested.
• Participate in opportunities for learning and skill maintenance/development, including internal and external training and workshops.
• Assist with other duties assigned.

COMPETENCIES

• Excellence: Commits to high achievement by setting personal standards of excellence, driving results, and continuously improving performance while fostering team success and organizational goals.
• Collaboration: Works effectively to build strong relationships, foster open communication, and create a cohesive and high-performing team.
• Diversity & Inclusion: Cultivates an inclusive environment that values and respects the social identities of all individuals, creating space for authenticity and equity.
• Managing Performance: Ensures team goals are met by proactively addressing concerns, providing guidance, and fostering accountability to achieve desired outcomes.
• Empowering & Developing Others: Delegates authority confidently, provides the freedom for individual styles, and offers recognition and constructive feedback to develop team members effectively.
• Managing Change: Leads teams through organizational shifts by positively guiding others, encouraging adaptability, and aligning priorities with the agency’s mission.
• Risk Management: Evaluates and mitigates risks in operational and strategic areas, prioritizes safety, and raises concerns to address potential issues proactively.
• Technical Expertise: Maintains a high level of skill and knowledge relevant to the role, staying adaptable and current in their field.
• Customer Service: Understands the needs and goals of both internal and external stakeholders, working collaboratively to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
• Planning and Organizing: Develops and adheres to efficient workflows, ensuring deadlines and processes are streamlined for maximum effectiveness.
• Critical Thinking: Approaches challenges with a logical, systematic, and thoughtful methodology to effectively navigate complex situations and make informed decision

Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge:

The Associate Director, Permanent Housing Director, is relentless in their commitment to ending homelessness through the principles of Housing First and harm reduction. They demonstrate this commitment by contributing to strategic program design and applying a data-driven approach to performance improvement. Their active participation in testing, analysis, and refinement of program models reflects a personal pursuit of excellence in all aspects of their work.

The Associate Director adeptly navigates competing demands from internal and external stakeholders, balancing a deep passion for service with strong business acumen. They anticipate challenges, weigh multiple priorities, and make informed decisions that further both program outcomes and organizational sustainability.

The Associate Director actively cultivates the growth of their Program Managers, ensuring they embody HomeFirst’s values and are equipped for career advancement. Through mentoring, feedback, and professional development opportunities, they build a leadership pipeline that strengthens site-based resident services.

HomeFirst serves a richly diverse community, and the Associate Director values working with people from a wide range of social and economic backgrounds. They foster an inclusive environment where all participants and staff feel respected, supported, and empowered.

BENEFITS

HomeFirst provides comprehensive benefits, including 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage and additional wellness options like chiropractic care, mental health support, pet insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program. We offer a 401(k)-retirement plan with generous matching, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, commuter benefits, and workers’ compensation. Employees enjoy 12 holidays, sick leave, and PTO starting at 15 days annually, increasing with tenure, plus 8 hours of civic engagement leave annually to volunteer.

ORGANIZATIONAL EQUITY STATEMENT

At HomeFirst, diversity, equity, and inclusion guide our services, workplace, and decisions. Recognizing housing as a social justice issue, we prioritize equitable practices, honor lived experiences and uphold dignity for all. By fostering belonging, accountability, and continuous improvement, we embed DEI values in our processes, recruitment, and leadership, striving for excellence at every level.

HomeFirst is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. Additionally, HomeFirst participates in the E-Verify program, as required by law.

HomeFirst is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please let your recruiter know.

QUALIFICATIONS (YOU HAVE)

• People with lived experience encouraged to apply
• Bilingual in Spanish and bicultural preferred, not required
• 3 years leadership experience
• Bachelor's degree in social work or related human services field, degree may be substituted by 4 years' experience in human services.
• Knowledge of homelessness and/or housing services
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and basic uses of Excel
• Valid CA driver's license and insurance, and reliable transportation
• Able to perform sedentary work;
• Able to lift up to 30 lbs. on occasion;
• Ability to use keyboard and read computer screens for extended periods;
• Able to stand/sit for extended periods, kneel, reach and bend related to the completion of duties

Other:

• Able to perform sedentary work;
• Able to lift up to 30 lbs. on occasion;
• Ability to use keyboard and read computer screens for extended periods;
• Able to stand/sit for extended periods, kneel, reach and bend related to the completion of duties;