Program Director - Individual & Family Support Network (IFSN)

Location:

Santa Rosa, California Employment Type:

Half-Time Compensation:

Full-time compensation range for this position is $75,000 to $80,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications. This VA position is a .5 Full-Time Equivalent. The role includes Health/Dental/Vision benefits, Paid Time Off, and 401k/403b matching after one year.

Start Date:

November 2026 About IFSN Individual & Family Support Network (IFSN) is a 37‑year‑old nonprofit organization dedicated to providing housing, stability, and supportive services to homeless and housing‑insecure individuals and families in Sonoma County. Founded through a collaboration of faith‑based organizations, IFSN has evolved from a drop‑in shelter to a multi‑program housing and services provider. The organization currently owns three homes and maintains 12 master‑leased properties, serving diverse populations including: Santa Rosa Junior College students Justice‑involved individuals referred through Sonoma County Probation Families in reunification Foster youth through Child Protective Services Rapid Re‑Housing participants through the Department of Health Services Homeless Veterans referred through the VA or street outreach Our mission: "To provide housing and a hand‑up for homeless and housing insecure individuals and families living in Sonoma County and neighboring areas; in an atmosphere of dignity, respect and kindness; toward an outcome of empowerment, self‑sufficiency, and independence." Position Summary The Program Director for the VA Grant & Per Diem (GPD) Program oversees all daily operations of the agency's GPD-funded transitional housing services, ensuring full compliance with VA requirements, grant contracts, and all applicable regulations. This role manages referrals, supervises transitional housing operations, and ensures consistent implementation of program policies and procedures. The Program Director provides leadership and support to Case Managers and program staff, oversees individualized service planning for Veterans, and maintains strong partnerships with landlords, property managers, county agencies, and community organizations to enhance service delivery. Responsibilities include monitoring program budgets, preparing required reports for VA and other stakeholders, ensuring timely documentation, and coordinating access to resources such as budgeting support, wellness activities, and vocational opportunities. Through effective oversight, collaboration, and Veteran-centered practice, the Program Director ensures high-quality services that promote stability and successful housing outcomes for Veterans participating in the GPD program.

Key Responsibilities Program Management:

Oversee the day-to-day operations of the individual programs in accordance with grant contracts and other legal requirements. Implementation of program policies and procedures. Coordinate program referrals. Manage day to day operations of transitional housing houses.

Client Support:

Develop and manage individualized service plans for program participants, providing support and resources to ensure successful housing placements, where appropriate.

Partnerships:

Collaborate with community partners such as landlords, property managers, community organizations, and county staff to support services for clients. Also, with community organizations that can provide budgeting support, mental health and wellbeing support such as Yoga, Tai Chi, or Meditation, Volunteer and Vocational Opportunities.

Budget and Reporting:

Monitor and manage program budgets, ensuring efficient use of resources. Prepare regular reports and updates for stakeholders and funders.

Staff Supervision:

Lead and mentor a team of case managers and support staff, providing training and guidance to ensure high quality service delivery. Responsible for ensuring timely case note preparation.

Compliance:

Ensure program compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and guidelines related to housing and support services. Required Competencies

Person-Centered Engagement:

Demonstrates the ability to build trusting, respectful relationships with individuals experiencing homelessness, severe and persistent mental illness, substance use disorders, cognitive or physical disabilities, and complex trauma histories.

System Navigation & Advocacy:

Skilled in helping clients access and move through multi‑layered systems including Coordinated Entry, Sonoma County Behavioral Health, VA medical centers, CPS, Department of Rehabilitation, DMV, and public benefits programs.

Housing Case Management:

Competence in developing individualized housing plans, conducting housing search activities, and supporting clients through the full housing process from application to move‑in.

Crisis Response & Risk Assessment:

Able to identify, assess, and respond to crises using de‑escalation, harm reduction, and trauma‑informed approaches.

Documentation & Compliance:

Maintains timely, accurate, and complete electronic case notes, files, and service documentation consistent with agency, funder, and regulatory requirements.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration:

Works effectively with internal teams and external partners including mental health providers, substance use treatment programs, social service agencies, and veteran‑serving organizations.

• Skill‑

Building & Coaching:

Supports clients in developing daily living skills, financial literacy, employment readiness, and self‑advocacy.

Cultural Humility & Equity:

Demonstrates awareness of systemic inequities and provides services that are culturally responsive, trauma‑informed, and grounded in harm reduction.

Professional Judgment & Boundaries:

Exercises sound decision‑making, maintains professional boundaries, and adapts to changing client needs and program priorities. Education & Experience Minimum 2-3 years of experience providing direct services in homeless services, behavioral health, substance use treatment, veteran services, or related fields. Experience working with individuals with severe and persistent mental illness, co‑occurring disorders, cognitive or physical disabilities, or high‑acuity needs. Experience conducting intakes, developing service plans, and maintaining electronic case files. Experience navigating public systems such as Coordinated Entry, Medi‑Cal, VA services, CPS, Department of Rehabilitation, or other county/state agencies preferred. Lived experience in homelessness, recovery, or behavioral health systems is valued and welcomed. Additional Requirements

• Valid California driver's license (or ability to obtain one) and reliable transportation.
• Ability to pass background checks required by partner agencies when applicable.
• Proficiency with electronic records systems and basic computer applications.

Who You Are You are a compassionate, organized, and mission‑driven professional who believes in meeting people where they are. You thrive in environments where every day is different, and you bring patience, creativity, and persistence to your work with clients who face significant barriers. You understand that progress is not linear, and you celebrate small wins while helping clients stay focused on long‑term goals. You are comfortable navigating complex systems and advocating for clients in settings ranging from behavioral health clinics to the DMV. You communicate clearly, maintain strong documentation practices, and collaborate naturally with colleagues and community partners. You value harm reduction, trauma‑informed care, and culturally responsive practice, and you approach each client with dignity, respect, and an unwavering belief in their potential. Most importantly, you are someone who shows up—consistently, reliably, and with genuine care—for people who need support to stabilize, heal, and move toward housing and wellness.

Pay:

$75,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person