Kennedy Shelter - Assistant Director of Programs

Level: Assistant Director
Department: The Kennedy Shelter
Reports to: Program Director, Kennedy Shelter
Salary Range: $64,000–$69,000
Location: 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 agencies, private partners, and community members. Today, Shelter House is a successful and reputable organization of over 100 employees committed to preventing and ending homelessness and domestic violence. In the last year, our compassionate team impacted the lives of nearly 2,000 individuals, half of whom were children.

Our culture is grounded in 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.

How You Will Contribute

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 required
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods
• Ability to lift and carry items weighing 10–20 pounds