Position: Temporary Program Manager
Location: Overnight Warming Location (OWL), San Jose
Employment Type: Temporary, Full Time, Exempt
Compensation: $103,744.37/Annually
This is a temporary benefited role for the term of the program from current date thru April 2026. These dates are subject to a slight change in the dates due to program needs.
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
In coordination with the Emergency Shelter Services Director, the Program Manager will oversee and ensure the on-going development and daily operation of the Overnight Warming Location (OWL) services and assist in the creation and implementation of new and innovative programs and support services to meet the ongoing and emerging needs of homeless adults.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
The position reports to Director of Emergency Shelter Services.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILTIES
- Directly supervise shelter staff including Shift Supervisors, Case Managers, Resident Coordinators, and Resident Advocates.
- Assist with the supervision and guidance of other program staff, as necessary.
- Ensure sufficient shelter oversight on every shift.
- Conduct staff meetings, supervision, and performance appraisals. Assist with recruitment, hiring and training efforts, as directed.
- Review and analyze reports in HMIS to improve program outcomes
- Assist staff with supporting participant efforts through a strengths-based framework, promoting values of self-sufficiency and empowerment throughout work with guests.
- Reinforce principles of Housing First and Harm Reduction in supervision, meetings, and with external partners as appropriate
- Monitor and approve employee timecards, PTO and administrative activities
- Implement progressive discipline including verbal warning, written warning, and Corrective Action Plans
- Respond to community and participant concerns regarding site or program participants
- Ensure facilities are effectively managed, including the upkeep of the grounds
- Assist in representing the agency/shelter to funders, volunteers, visitors, and donors as needed.
- Conduct and/or oversee appropriate crisis interventions and emergency responses. Act as an on-site resource for staff by assisting with and directly handling escalated individuals providing knowledge, keeping abreast of, and communicating changes in working procedures and regulations.
- Participate in the development and implementation of administrative and reporting systems. Produce and submit reports and information documenting services and progress.
- Participate in the development and implementation of new shelter service programs.
- Research nationally recognized or best practice shelter facilities to integrate high quality strategies in to the shelter.
- Identify staff training needs, work in collaboration with HomeFirst training department and Emergency Services Director to ensure all shelter staff are trained accordingly
- Implement and ensure adherence to the shelter grievance procedure. Ensure program is in compliance with funding objectives and expected outcomes relevant to the department. Oversee and ensure the program maintains accurate records, files, correspondence, and data collection. Assist Shelter Services Director in developing and revising policies and procedures, operations manuals, emergency procedures and program materials.
- Serve as an information resource by conducting research, assembling data, and performing special projects; prepare and deliver presentations, reports, correspondence, and documents.
- Shelter program operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week and may require the Shelter Manager to serve as an “on-call” supervisor for assistance after hours and on weekends. This entails responding to calls regarding emergencies and requests for immediate consultation from shelter staff. Also includes managing and addressing facility-related emergencies that may arise.
Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge:
- Able to coordinate, implement, assist, supervise, and evaluate program activities and diverse staff.
- Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of individuals and groups;
- Able to make regular entries and oversee the Homeless Management Information System database.
- Demonstrated ability to exercise appropriate authority when needed, to uphold program and personnel policies and procedures and to support staff in doing so;
- Experience in a crisis setting and able to respond appropriately to emergencies including contacting appropriate staff and/or contacting and interacting with police, fire, and medical personnel as needed;
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel, etc.) is a must.
- Strong interpersonal skills and oral presentation skills.
Other:
- Valid CA Driver License
- 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;
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 decisions.
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 4 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.
