Transition Program Manager Jobs in Santa Clara, CA

About First Place for Youth, we’re a leading non-profit organization dedicated to supporting foster youth in their transition to adulthood, with a focus on education, employment, and housing. We believe that all young people deserve the opportunity to thrive and lead successful, independent lives. Our comprehensive programs empower foster youth to overcome the unique challenges they face and build the skills, confidence, and connections they need to succeed. 

Why Work at First Place For Youth:

• Meaningful Impact:  Help to transform the lives of foster youth on the cusp of adulthood. Your role will support them in their journey to conquer challenges, achieve independence, and fulfill their aspirations.
• Innovative Approach: We thrive on innovation, pushing the boundaries of foster care support. Your voice here matters, and you’ll contribute to programs that redefine the futures of these young lives.
• Collaborative and Supportive Environment: Embrace a dynamic and supportive workplace, where every team member is valued. Together, we're a force dedicated to uplifting youth. Expect professional growth, fueled by teamwork and collaboration.
• Comprehensive Benefits: We value the well-being of our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package. From health and wellness benefits to retirement plans, we ensure that our team members are taken care of so they can focus on their important work supporting foster youth.
• Culture of Diversity and Inclusion: We celebrate diversity in every form. At First Place for Youth, inclusivity reigns, creating a workplace where all voices are heard, respected, and empowered.

POSITION SUMMARY: The County Program Manager is an energetic, collaborative and results-oriented leader who will supervise Master’s level social work and multi-disciplinary case management staff and manage overall operations of an integrated services program including housing, employment and education, intensive case management, My First Place, for 18-24-year-old transition-age foster and former foster youth. The Manager provides leadership to a staff team of 5-8 professional and additional support staff ensuring effective, accurate program implementation, excellence in participant care, adherence to First Place for Youth policies, and efficient operations. The Manager is responsible for monitoring outcomes toward achieving program and individual youth outcomes. The Manager participates on the middle management team and is responsible to coordinate with other agency departments, hire and evaluate staff teams, develop resources and implement training to ensure a well-trained high functioning team, and to provide direct oversight of all aspects of program to ensure quality and compliance. The County Manager reports to the Director of Programs. This position requires a clinical professional whose passion for First Place’s vision is matched with energetic leadership, sound judgment in the face of complex challenges, and a proven track record of successfully managing direct-service teams. This is currently a hybrid position requiring onsite work at a minimum of two-three days per week-and/or as needed depending on business need. However, it is subject to change depending on the needs of the department and the organization.

DUTIES + RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Program Staff Supervision 

• Hire, train, develop and supervise/coach a multi-disciplinary team of social work and case management staff including Youth Advocates/Social Workers and Employment and Education Specialists. Lead team members in setting personal and program-wide work goals and in maintaining accountability for goal achievement. Facilitate regular weekly program staff meetings. Conduct annual reviews of direct reports.
• Ensure fidelity to program model through weekly individual supervision with each staff person including routine field observations of staff. Lead or co-lead a clinical supervision group for clinical staff and staff working toward licensure, as assigned. Monitor staff effectiveness and support professional growth through review of outcome and practice data.
• Provide training and consultation grounded in evidence-based practice and First Place for Youth guiding principles including but not limited to trauma-informed care, positive youth development, strength-based approach and motivational interviewing. With management team, implement, train, and coach staff in best practice strategies.
• Ensure quality of services and accuracy and timeliness of all aspects of participant records including timely submission of all utilization, fidelity and outcome data. Participate in meetings to review participant progress and utilize data to evaluate progress and consider strategies to recalibrate intervention to ensure success. Include development of team-based strategies and excellent collaboration among team members.
• Ensure that all My First-Place staff are aligned with mission, values, and goals of First Place, capable of acting as ambassadors for the agency at all times, and focused on achieving outcomes, including integrated use of data and evaluative feedback.
• Provide direct intervention as needed including consultative support, crisis intervention, participation in or facilitation of meetings with youth, county workers, or others, and conflict mediation.

Program Operations 

• Oversee day-to-day operations and effective functioning of assigned team; track outcomes, manage budget and grants, implement case plans for youth working in conjunction with their support team, contribute to and ensure compliance with program policy and ensure retention of youth in housing.
• Provide leadership and guidance to staff on all components and processes of First Place for Youth programs with particular emphasis on assigned program.
• As assigned, implement intake and referral system to ensure full census, low vacancy, and retention of youth in program. Effectively manage team to ensure baseline and in program assessments, summaries and action plans are timely and accurate.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with community partners including County Social Work and Probation staff and supervisors.
• Participate in the implementation of First Place’s outreach and marketing strategy to promote referrals, education about services, and utilization of First Place programming and services as assigned.
• Champion Continuous Quality Improvement and participate on other committees as assigned.

Leadership and Cross-Functional Collaboration 

• Work closely with the Director of Programs and the Management Team to provide leadership to the organization’s programs. Support on-going development and evaluation of highly effective programs and organizational systems. Collaborate to ensure that housing and support services are being effectively and cohesively delivered to all youth in the region. Contribute to the development of and ensure adherence to aggressive, measurable, and strategic operational and performance goals. Actively participate in regularly scheduled Managers meetings, agency staff meetings, and individual supervision with the Regional Director of Programs.
• Provide strategic direction to First Place’s programs, utilizing data from assessments, reports and evaluations to recommend improvements to the program and interventions employed with youth participants. Incorporate performance management best practices in the management and delivery of services to improve retention and increase outcomes.
• Ensure efficient and reliable program operations through compliance with First Place policies and protocols and all regulatory requirements.
• Work with referral agencies, community resource organizations and First Place staff to develop creative ways for participants to practice and strengthen their independent living skills.
• Work collaboratively with the Housing Manager to ensure cohesive delivery of property management services according to First Place policies and guidelines.
• Provide local leadership including ensuring safe office environment. Liaise with Finance, Housing, Compliance, Talent, Development and other departments to achieve effective, efficient programming.
• Professionally and effectively represent the agency as needed at regularly scheduled meetings with collaborative partners, and at other meetings as deemed important to the advancement of First Place’s mission and goals.
• Other duties as needed and assigned.

• A master's degree in: Social work or social welfare; Marriage, family, and child counseling; Child psychology, child development; Counseling psychology, social psychology; Clinical psychology or educational psychology; Education with a counseling emphasis; or Equivalent master's degree in human services or behavioral science degree as determined by the licensing agency.
• Three years of full-time social work or casework employment in the field of family or child welfare services required.
• A strong dedication to cultural competency that creates conditions that remove barriers and increase a sense of belonging.
• 2-4 years managerial experience required
• Direct Service Experience – at least 5 years’ experience working with underserved and disadvantaged youth, preferably current and former foster youth.
• Knowledge of which local community referral resources will best meet the needs of youth in the My First-Place program.
• People, Project and Program Management Skills - Exemplary people management skills, and effective team leadership skills. Cross-functional collaborative capacity. Ability to either take direction or work independently as the situation requires. Strong supervisory skills and proven success supporting staff development and empowerment.
• Field knowledge - Understanding of social service systems, with particular emphasis on the foster care system and services for young adults and young parents.
• Leadership – Flexible, energetic, and outcomes-oriented self-starter who brings a creative approach to solving problems.
• Strong communication Skills – Exceptional oral and written communication skills including the demonstrated ability to research, assimilate, and analyze information, compose reports and correspondence, and present proven data in a clear and inspiring manner.
• Computer Skills – Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including MS Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Project, and Outlook. Experienced with database systems
• Availability for occasional evening and weekend work and some travel as needed.

 Benefits