Director of Long-Term Housing job

The Office of Homeless Services (OHS) works collaboratively with a broad-based network of public and private providers focused on utilizing practices that are data-informed, honor diverse perspectives, and are trauma-informed. OHS maximizes resources, monitors emerging trends, tracks progress, and shifts priorities as needed. As the Collaborative Applicant for the Philadelphia Continuum of Care, OHS is part of the Health and Human Services Cabinet.

About the role

The Housing Services Division implements and supports contracted programs with a Housing First, trauma-informed, and person-centered approach. This position directs the Long-Term Housing Programs, overseeing over 3,700 long-term housing beds for individuals and families, as well as the Housing Inspection Unit. The Director plans, organizes, and directs program implementation, establishes goals, manages budgets, and supervises staff, including the Inspection Supervisor and Social Service Program Analyst Supervisor.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate programmatic needs to ensure housing contracts and providers maximize service quality and compliance with federal, state, and local standards.
• Analyze administrative, operational, and managerial problems affecting permanent housing programs using data to guide decisions.
• Initiate policy and operational changes within the unit and contracted programs as necessary.
• Communicate changes in philosophy, process, program, or contract requirements to staff and providers.
• Manage fiscal, staff, and program resources through budgets, reports, and performance goals.
• Ensure staff effectively utilize data systems and participate in data planning and improvement efforts.
• Participate in contract negotiations with public and private agencies to ensure alignment with program needs.
• Meet with union officials to discuss operational and disciplinary issues.
• Provide guidance and support to contracted housing providers.
• Direct or participate in divisional, interdepartmental, and external agency meetings to evaluate service providers and program achievement.
• Support, encourage, and build staff capacity.

Requirements

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Social Work, Public Administration); Master’s Degree preferred.
• Minimum five years of experience in housing, social services, or programs for individuals/families experiencing homelessness.
• At least three years of experience in supervision, coaching, evaluation, and team building.
• Experience administering federal grants, understanding program regulations, and implementing programs.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and maintain a goal-oriented, positive attitude.

Skills

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work closely with internal staff, service providers, participants, and the public.
• Excellent administrative skills and familiarity with MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strong project management skills, including independent work and seeking guidance when needed.
• Ability to balance attention to detail with big-picture thinking and multitasking.
• Knowledge of federal housing regulations and homeless programs.
• Ability to adapt to, manage, and lead change with an understanding of the change process.
• Critical and strategic thinking with timely decision-making.
• Commitment to performance measurement, best practices, and trauma-informed approaches.
• Creative problem-solving with advocacy for people experiencing homelessness and poverty.
• Ability to develop professional relationships and work as a team player.
• Ability to travel locally and nationally as needed and work beyond regular hours.

Benefits

• Unlimited free public transportation via SEPTA’s Key Advantage program.
• 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Comprehensive health coverage for employees and eligible dependents.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Generous retirement savings options.
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
• Tuition discounts and scholarships (10%–40%) through partnerships with local colleges and universities, extending to spouses and dependents in some cases.

Pay

Salary Range: $100,000 – $115,000

The successful candidate must be a City of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire.