Program Manager - Workforce Development

About the role

LifeWorks of Austin, TX is seeking a Program Manager to join the Workforce Development team. The Program Manager coordinates and directly supervises a team that utilizes the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model of Supported Employment and Supported Education for youth and young adults who have experienced homelessness, systems involvement, mental health challenges, substance misuse, and/or trauma. The role ensures good program outcomes through training, supervision, data oversight, quality‑improvement planning, client‑outcome monitoring, and field mentoring. The manager also ensures the team is actively engaged in the community and equipped to support clients in navigating community resources and internal supportive services.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates and assists in the development, delivery, and management of program services.
• Promotes a healing‑ and person‑centered culture that uplifts the dignity and strengths of clients at all times.
• Responsible for the hiring, orientation, training, supervision, evaluation, and dismissal of direct reports in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
• Reviews individual client outcomes with direct reports during supervision.
• Ensures direct reports provide appropriate support to clients and utilize program resources efficiently.
• Holds staff accountable for meeting individual and program performance objectives by coaching, planning, monitoring, and appraising job results.
• Enforces and complies with all requirements outlined by funding sources, licensure and accrediting bodies, the program, and the agency, including data, paperwork, training, processes, and procedures.
• Is readily available and provides guidance and case consultation to staff on a daily basis.
• Builds the team’s strength in de‑escalation and mediation to effectively manage highly complex crisis situations.
• Completes file reviews and ensures that direct reports collect and enter required data in agency and funder databases in a timely, complete, and accurate manner.
• Updates training materials, assists with delivery of training, and tracks all staff training records and due dates.
• Maintains current knowledge of best practices in a range of philosophies and modalities, such as housing‑first approaches, harm reduction, and positive youth development.
• Acts as a liaison to other internal programs and establishes and maintains relationships with partner organizations, service providers, referral sources, and other external stakeholders.
• Provides temporary coverage and direct client services during staffing transitions or outages.
• Assists with the compilation, analysis, and reporting of program outcomes on an as‑needed basis.
• Assists the Program Director and/or Vice President of Education and Workforce with coordinating client files and other materials for funders, monitoring visits, and internal or external audits.
• Represents the program at leadership meetings and communicates agency and leadership decisions to the team, as appropriate.
• Provides community training, presentations, and outreach activities, as appropriate.
• Prepares for and actively participates in supervision meetings and all other required meetings or trainings.
• Other duties as assigned.

Additional Essential Responsibilities

• Regularly provides in‑field supervision, support, and field mentoring to direct reports.
• Ensures program staff deliver services in accordance with fidelity standards for all relevant evidence‑based or evidence‑informed models.
• Maintains a small caseload, providing employment and educational support services to clients.
• Facilitates weekly team meetings following the principles of IPS supported employment.
• Assists the Program Director with coordinating fidelity reviews and developing fidelity action plans based on recommendations.
• Assists the Program Director with coordination of steering committee meetings to support IPS implementation and sustainability.
• Works with the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation to coordinate services as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, or a related field with at least three (3) years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Preferred minimum of one (1) year of supervisory experience.
• Experience with databases and a proficient level of skill with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).

Core Competencies and Skills

• Ensures Accountability and Results – holds self and others accountable, delivers timely and clear feedback.
• Amplifies Talent – engages and motivates staff, supports growth, promotes collective success.
• Integrates Diverse Perspectives – seeks, considers, and incorporates varied viewpoints.
• Demonstrates Self‑Awareness – uses feedback and reflection to improve leadership style.
• Client Focused – builds strong client relationships and delivers client‑centered solutions.
• Instills Trust – gains confidence through honesty, integrity, humility, and authenticity.
• Makes Quality and Sound Decisions – applies sound judgment, makes collaborative and equitable decisions.
• Drives Vision and Purpose – paints a compelling picture of vision and strategy to inspire action.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Must possess or be able to obtain a valid driver’s license within 30 days.
• Must possess or acquire standard First‑Aid and CPR certification as required by the program.
• Licensed in a mental health discipline for clinical & therapeutic programs (preferred).

Pay

This full‑time, exempt position offers a competitive salary ranging from $62,245 to $87,904, depending on experience.

Benefits

• 24 paid time off (PTO) days per year (accrued).
• 11 paid holidays per year.
• Premium‑free employee medical plan with a $100 per month HSA contribution (plus additional affordable medical, dental, and vision options for employees and families).
• Retirement savings plan with a 50% match on the first 6% of contributions.
• Additional benefits and perks as part of the overall compensation package.

About LifeWorks

With more than 50 years of experience serving youth experiencing homelessness, youth aging out of foster care, young adults, and young parents, LifeWorks is committed to solving youth homelessness through housing, mental health, education, and workforce services. The organization’s vision is a Central Texas where every young person has a place to call home, a sense of belonging, and the support to pursue a life they love. LifeWorks provides a full range of support services for vulnerable youth, ensuring safe housing, healing opportunities, and pathways to learn and work. Through innovative problem‑solving, shared accountability, and evidence