Kennedy Shelter - Assistant Director of Programs

Title:  Assistant Director of Programs (ADP)  

Level:  Mid 
Department: The Kennedy Shelter 
Reports to: Program Director, Kennedy Shelter 
Salary Range: $64,000–$69,000 
Location: Ft Belvoir - Alexandria, VA 
FLSA Status: Exempt 

About Us: 

Shelter House was established in 1981 as a grassroots responder to the homelessness crisis in Fairfax County.  Since the organization’s inception, we have adapted and grown to meet community needs, all while working in partnership with government and private partners and community members. Today, Shelter House is a successful and reputable organization of over 200 employees committed to preventing and ending homelessness and domestic violence.  In the last year, our compassionate team of individuals changed the lives of nearly 2,000 individuals, half of which were children. Our Culture is built from our Core Values of Inclusivity, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, and Empowerment (iC.A.R.E.) 

About the Role: 

The Assistant Director of Programs (ADP) supports the day-to-day programmatic operations of the Eleanor Kennedy Shelter, an emergency shelter serving adults experiencing homelessness in Alexandria, VA. The ADP provides leadership and oversight to direct service staff, ensures high-quality, trauma-informed service delivery, and supports the safe and effective operation of the shelter. 

The ADP directly supervises case management and program staff and works closely with the Program Director of the Kennedy Shelter to ensure consistent, client-centered services, regulatory compliance, and continuous program improvement. The ADP may carry a limited caseload as needed and serves as a key on-call and leadership presence for the shelter. 

Responsibilities:  

Program & Staff Leadership 

• Supervise and support direct service staff, including case managers and program staff, using a trauma-informed and housing-focused approach 

• Provide leadership, coaching, and professional development through regular one-on-one meetings, performance evaluations, and team meetings 

• Support staff in managing complex client situations and crisis interventions 

• Assist with staff scheduling, coverage planning, and on-call support as needed 

Service Delivery & Client Support 

• Oversee case management services focused on housing stabilization, resource connection, and individualized service planning 

• Support intake, assessment, and service coordination for shelter participants as needed 

• Meet with participants to address concerns related to shelter stay, safety, or service delivery 

• Ensure services are delivered with dignity, respect, and cultural responsiveness 

Shelter Operations & Compliance 

• Support the safe, efficient, and orderly operation of the shelter in collaboration with shelter leadership 

• Ensure compliance with agency policies, contract requirements, and local/state regulations 

• Monitor documentation, case files, and data entry to ensure accuracy and timeliness 

• Collaborate with data and quality staff to support reporting and program outcomes 

Collaboration & Program Development 

• Work collaboratively with internal departments and community partners to support participant needs and housing exits 

• Assist the Program Director in identifying service gaps, program improvements, and new initiatives 

• Support hiring, onboarding, and training of program staff 

• Serve in an on-call capacity to support staff during emergencies or critical incidents 

Administrative Responsibilities 

• Review and approve staff timesheets and leave requests 

• Maintain accurate program documentation and reporting 

• Proficiently operate a personal computer and Microsoft Office products (email, calendar, Word, Excel, Teams, etc.) 

• Exemplify Shelter House’s iC.A.R.E. values in all interactions 

• Perform other duties as assigned to support the shelter and agency 

About You: 

Required 

• Bachelor’s degree in human services, social work, or a related field, or equivalent experience 

• At least 3 years of experience working in homeless services, emergency shelter, or related human services settings 

• At least 3 years of supervisory or program leadership experience 

• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills 

• Ability to manage competing priorities and make sound, timely decisions 

• Valid driver’s license 

• Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and on-call shifts as required 

Preferred 

• Master’s degree in Social Work or related field 

• Experience working in adult emergency shelter or residential programs 

• Experience supervising staff in a 24/7 or congregate care environment 

• Familiarity with HMIS or comparable client data systems 

Physical Requirements: 

• Annual TB Test is required 

• Ability to sit or stand for long periods 

• Ability to lift items weighing 10-20 pounds 

Benefits: 

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance 

• 401K contributions with a 4% employer match 

• 13 Paid Holidays, 2 Floating Holidays and the opportunity to take your Birthday Off 

• Two Semi-Annual Team Building Events 

Equal Employment Opportunity: 

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy: Shelter House is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants. All employment-related decisions will be made and carried out without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age (over 40), sex, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability unrelated to the individual's ability to perform his or her job or any other legally protected status. Shelter House will also provide reasonable accommodations to pregnant and qualified employees with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of their job, and to employees with respect to their observance of their religious beliefs, in accordance with applicable law. Any job applicant or employee who would like or needs an accommodation may request an accommodation by contacting the Human Resources department. 

Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace Policy:  

Drug-Free Workplace: Shelter House is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace. Employment is contingent upon compliance with our Drug-Free Workplace Policy, which prohibits the unlawful manufacture, sale, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of controlled substances or marijuana in the workplace. Additionally, all subcontracts and purchase orders over $10,000 must include provisions ensuring a drug-free workplace.