Assistant Program Manager

Assistant Program Manager

About Our Organization: 

Sasha Bruce Youthwork is one of the largest and most experienced providers of services to youth in Washington, DC. Our mission is to improve the lives of runaway, homeless, abused, neglected, and/or at-risk youth and their families in the Washington, DC area. We achieve this by providing shelter, counseling, life skills training, and positive youth development activities to approximately 1,500 youth and 5,000 family members each year. With more than 30 years of experience meeting the growing needs of DC’s youth and families with innovative programs, Sasha Bruce Youthwork is always willing to listen and ready to help. 

Job Summary:

As Assistant Program Manager at Bruce House, a 24/7 low-barrier crisis residential facility for youth aged 12-17, you will play a critical leadership role in supporting our case management system. Your focus will be on ensuring high-quality care, fostering a safe and positive environment, and facilitating the vital goal of family unification. You will provide clinical support, manage data integrity using HMIS, and guide a dedicated team of case managers and residential staff.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Case Management Leadership & Family Unification Focus: 
  • Oversee the day-to-day operations of the case management system, ensuring adherence to agency policies and best practices.
  • Assign cases to Case Managers, monitor progress toward individualized service plans, and ensure timely documentation.
  • Lead regular case conference meetings to review client progress, address challenges, and coordinate services.
  • Develop and implement strategies to support family reunification, including facilitating family meetings, providing resources, and advocating for client needs.
  • Ensure that all case management activities are aligned with the goal of achieving successful family reunification.
  • Demonstrate empathy and understanding in all interactions with youth and their families.

• HMIS & Data Management: 
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for data management, ensuring accuracy and thoroughness in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and other electronic case management systems.
  • Conduct regular audits of client files to ensure data integrity and compliance with reporting requirements.
  • Generate and analyze HMIS reports to track program outcomes, identify trends, and inform program improvements.
  • Proven experience utilizing HMIS or similar client database management systems is highly preferred.

•  Youth Engagement & Support: 
  • Provide crisis intervention, ongoing assessments, and on-site counseling to youth and families.
  • Develop and implement individualized counsel support and behavioral goals for residents, in collaboration with case managers and other service providers.
  • Demonstrate a strong understanding of youth engagement strategies, including motivational interviewing and trauma-informed approaches.
  • Possess a working knowledge of common mental health conditions affecting adolescents, trauma-informed care principles, and substance use prevention strategies.
  • Approach youth with empathy and respect, creating a safe and trusting environment.

• Team Leadership & Support: 
  • Provide consistent support, coaching, and resources to case managers and residential staff.
  • Create and manage staff schedules, ensuring adequate coverage and efficient program operations.
  • Effectively balances taking initiative and providing guidance with supporting the program manager's vision and directives, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability in various situations.
  • Foster a positive and supportive team environment, promoting open communication and professional development.
  • Work collaboratively with staff, youth, families, and external stakeholders.
  • Assume leadership responsibilities in the Program Manager's absence, ensuring continuity of services and effective crisis management.

1. Under the direction of the Program Manager, review client profiles to determine appropriateness for admission to or discharge from Bruce House.
2. Demonstrate empathy and understanding when dealing with staff challenges and needs.

• Program & Facility Management: 
  • Assist in the development and implementation of program policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Maintain a safe and healthy environment for residents, conducting regular facility inspections and addressing any safety concerns.
  • Manage client referrals, intakes, and discharges, ensuring a smooth transition for residents.
  • Oversee administrative tasks, including record-keeping, supply management, and facility maintenance.
  • Provide office coverage, answer and record all phone calls and visitors, enforce house rules and ensure house safety

• Compliance, Training, and Flexibility: 
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date client records, ensuring compliance with confidentiality and privacy regulations.
  • Participate in at least 40 hours of training provided or recommended by the Agency yearly.
  • Demonstrate flexibility in scheduling to meet the needs and demands of the program.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Manager.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services or related field (Master’s  preferred).  
• A minimum of 5 years experience can be substituted for a bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum 5 years of clinical counseling/case management experience with adolescents, preferably in a residential setting.
• Minimum 2 years of supervisory/leadership experience.
• Strong understanding of youth engagement, mental health, trauma-informed care, and substance use prevention.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in crisis intervention and conflict resolution.
• Ability to provide and receive constructive feedback.
• Valid driver's license and good driving record.
• Ability to work Monday-Friday (11 am-7 pm), one Saturday per month, and rotating on-call weekends.

Essential Personal Attributes:

• Resilience and adaptability.
• Strong ethical and professional standards.
• Cultural sensitivity and awareness.
• A genuine commitment to helping at-risk youth.

Physical Requirements:

• Requires ability to participate in physical work, lifting and moving.
• Requires ability to perform tasks involving bending and climbing stairs and ladders.
• Requires ability to work outside in rain, heat and cold as needed.
• Requires ability to speak audibly and listen actively.
• Requires ability to use computers, telephones and other office equipment.
• May require ability to sit for extended periods of time.
• May require periodic weekend and evening work..