Chief Program Officer

Job Overview

The CPO leads all HFH's housing and shelter programs and the staff who deliver them. This is a hands-on clinical and operational leadership role. The CPO turns the organization's direction into strong programs, good supervision, clear practice, and real results for the people we serve. Direct reports include Manager of Program Operations, Manager of Shelter Operations and the Short-term Housing Program Manager.

Essential Functions

1. Set the practice standard across all programs, grounded in trauma-informed, person-directed, low-barrier practice that helps people move quickly into stable housing.
2. Keep program policies, participant agreements, and handbooks current, clear, and aligned with that standard and with funder requirements.
3. Provide case consultation on complex situations and guide decisions about participant safety, program transitions, and exits.
4. Lead training and professional development for program staff.
5. Oversee day-to-day operations of all housing, shelter, family and youth engagement programs.
6. Make sure programs are staffed, safe, and well run across all shifts and sites.
7. Own program policies and procedures and make sure they are applied fairly and consistently.
8. Strengthen systems for participant feedback, incident response, and continuous improvement.
9. Provide regular individual supervision to direct reports.
10. Lead group supervision and case consultation for all case managers together with the Manager of Program Operations, who provides their day-to-day and individual supervision.
11. Recruit, develop, and retain a skilled team, and value lived experience as expertise.
12. Lead staff through change with clear expectations and respect for the people doing the work.
13. Lead the program portion of HFH's strategic plan and develop a multi-year program plan with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team.
14. Turn plans into clear work plans with owners and timelines and see them through.
15. Partner with the Chief Advancement Officer so the program needs shape grant development, and weigh in on program design, staffing, and budgets for new opportunities.
16. Represent HFH with the Maryland Balance of State Continuum of Care and in local coordination, including coordinated entry and case conferencing.
17. Build strong working relationships with the Harford Community Action Agency, the school system, behavioral health and recovery providers, workforce partners, landlords, and county agencies.
18. Make sure programs meet HUD, Continuum of Care, and other funder requirements.
19. Use program data to guide decisions and improve results, working with the Sr. Director of Grants and Development Operations, who leads data and reporting.
20. Help the CEO and board understand how programs are performing, through both outcomes and participant stories.

Technical/Job Competencies

1. Excellent at strategic planning and implementation

1. Strong ability to build, lead and manage/direct a team or teams

1. Ability to motivate, coach and develop others

1. Strong influencing skills, including ability to articulate complex issues and incorporate feedback

1. Strong ability for detail to review accuracy of financials reporting deficiencies or abnormalities

1. Highly skilled in multitasking, problem solving and discerning priorities and urgency

1. Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact professionally and comfortably with individuals at all levels

1. PC skills: Microsoft applications (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word) and ability to become proficient in company-related technology

1. Keeps current on Homelessness trends and utilizes best business practices

Behavioral Competencies

1. Value-driven practice

   Believes systems can change and people deserve dignity and brings that into hard decisions.

2. Builds

   structure

   Creates clear standards and routines that help staff do their best work.

3. Develop people.

   Supervises with warmth and clarity and grows staff into leaders.

4. Get things done.

   Break big plans into steps and follow through.

5. Collaborates

   Works as a true partner across departments and with outside agencies.

6. Steady under pressure.

   Makes sound, humane decisions in a crisis.

7. Communicates plainly

   Speaks and writes clearly to participants, staff, the board, and funders.

1. Ability to maintain positive mindset and a pleasant disposition when relating to clients, volunteers, community partners, residents, vendors, visitors, employees and management

1. Self-motivated, proactive, and collaborative
2. Ability to maintain professionalism, confidentiality and integrity, always

1. Maintains flexible and collaborative work ethic

1. Commits to exceeding expectations

1. Adhere to all Standards of Conduct from the Harford Family House Employee Handbook, page 17, Section 4.1

Physical Demands

This is mostly a sedentary role with an occasional active walking or standing role during events. Bending, stooping, reaching may be needed for filing and use of office technology. Finger dexterity needed for keyboard typing. Lifting to 25lbs for office and event supplies.

Travel/Schedule

This Job often travels regionally using a personal vehicle. Some weekend and evening work required to include participation in an on-call rotation for program emergencies. Some work will be conducted off site and at various locations.

Required Education and Experience

1. Master's degree in social work, counseling, psychology, or a related human services field.
2. At least 8 years of experience in homeless services or supportive housing, including direct work with people experiencing homelessness.
3. At least 5 years of supervisory experience, including supervising supervisors or managers.
4. Deep experience delivering low-barrier, person-directed, trauma-informed services.
5. A track record of putting complex plans into practice and leading teams through change.
6. Working knowledge of HUD Continuum of Care programs, coordinated entry, fair housing, and funder compliance.
7. Comfort using data to manage programs. Technical data expertise is not required.

Strongly Preferred Education and Experience

1. Maryland clinical licensure (LCSW-C or LCPC), or licensure in another state with eligibility for Maryland licensure.
2. Board-approved status to provide clinical supervision toward licensure.
3. Experience in emergency shelter and permanent supportive housing.
4. Experience with Maryland Balance of State or a similar Continuum of Care.
5. Lived experience of homelessness or housing instability.