Program Director

Refuge for Women is a non-profit, faith-based organization providing specialized care for women who have escaped human trafficking or sexual exploitation. With multiple locations across the U.S., Refuge for Women offers safe housing, at no charge to the resident, with around-the-clock care as clients progress through evidence-based, trauma-informed programming. The compassionate staff is trained to help residents work through the program to reclaim their identities and reach their goals to overcome addictions, heal from trauma and develop life skills leading to healthy, balanced living and financial independence. Refuge for Women strives to help each woman complete the program with a vision for her future, equipped to succeed and sustain a life marked with dignity and hope.

Refuge for Women is a faith-based organization and it is important for staff to share the same basic values and expectations held by Refuge for Women. We require that all staff are believers in Jesus Christ. Read our Statement of Faith.

Must be able to successfully pass a background check and drug test upon receiving an offer of employment.

To view Refuge for Women's benefits, click HERE.

Position Overview:

The Program Director oversees and directs staffing, administration and execution of the program and house operations in accordance with the mission, values and goals of Refuge for Women. This position supervises program staff and volunteers to help conduct and coordinate day-to-day program and house activities with the residents. The Program Director models healthy and loving relational boundaries in a home environment as residents heal and learn successful life skills. 

Your team contribution:

The Program Director leads the charge in terms of running a Refuge for Women home. This position is responsible for both leading the team of program house employees as well as overseeing the residents as they progress through the program. The Program Director sets the tone for how a home runs.

You’ll be successful if:

You love leading a team, and at the same time, are able to connect one-on-one and meet women where they are in their recovery. This position flexes between both the big picture goals of the home and the individualized care we provide to residents. You hold firm boundaries and know when to be tough and when to be tender. 

Program Responsibilities:

• Review applications and conduct interviews with potential residents


• Direct the intake process and oversee orientation period of new residents


• Direct programming and scheduling of day-to-day activities with the residents


• Oversight and/or direct involvement in crisis situations with residents


• Work with other staff, volunteers or Direct Care Associates to schedule residents’ appointments and arrange transportation for medical, recovery meetings, church, grocery shopping, training and employment activities

• Work with staff and volunteers to plan activities and find individual volunteers as needed for transportation, teaching classes or other house operations


• Coordinate and consult with other Program Directors to ensure smooth transition of residents to the next phase


• Lead classes, teach, coach and counsel the residents as they progress through required program components 

Staff and Leadership Responsibilities:

• Work with Executive Director to provide orientation, training and development for program house staff and volunteers according to established HR policies and Refuge for Women program requirements


• Participate in staff meetings, trainings and development activities


• Maintain positive, functional working relationships with community, government and referral agencies


• Supervises, trains and evaluates the Direct Care Associates at the program house

Administrative Responsibilities:

• Planning, budgeting, goal setting, assessing, reporting on the program to Executive Director, board and national tea


• Track, review and report resident data quarterly to Central team


• Participate in regular audits of program and house operations


• Organizing and implementing the policies, processes, procedures and reporting mechanisms of the program


• Grant and funding source reporting as needed

Skills & Qualifications

• Strong written and verbal communications skills including Word, Excel and Google email and applications


• Strong project management, servant leadership and teamwork skills


• Self-motivated, organized, persistent


• Ability to adapt to frequently changing priorities and handle crisis situations

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in counseling, social work or related field preferred but will consider related experience


• Certification or experience working with women in recovery from addictions (e.g. CR, AA, 12-step program)


• Demonstrated understanding and implementation of trauma-informed, recovery-oriented therapeutic practices


• Willingness to engage in ongoing training in trauma informed practices, mental health and/or recovery issues 


• Possession of a valid state driver’s license and safe driving record


• Successful completion of a background check