Program Director

Primary Job Functions

The Program Director is responsible for the overall leadership, operation, and development of HERO House Seattle in alignment with the mission of HERO House NW and the Standards for Clubhouse Model of Psychiatric Rehabilitation established by Clubhouse International.

The duties listed below describe the primary responsibilities of the position but are not intended to be a comprehensive or exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or activities required of the position. Responsibilities may change or additional duties may be assigned based on organizational and program needs.

Leadership and Clubhouse Operations

• Uphold and advance the mission, goals, objectives, values, and policies of HERO House Seattle and HERO House NW.


• Provide leadership and direction for the daily operation of the Clubhouse consistent with Clubhouse International Standards.


• Develop, implement, and maintain operational procedures that support effective Clubhouse programming.


• Maintain current knowledge of and ensure compliance with HERO House NW organizational policies and procedures.


• Promote a Clubhouse culture centered on meaningful relationships, member participation, recovery, choice, hope, opportunity, and community.


• Ensure Clubhouse operations actively reflect the Standards for Clubhouse Model of Psychiatric Rehabilitation.


• Work collaboratively with the CEO, CPO, staff, members, community partners, and other stakeholders to strengthen and develop the Clubhouse.


• Identify opportunities for program improvement, growth, member engagement, and community partnerships.


• Participate in meetings, trainings, conferences, and professional development activities as appropriate.


• Represent HERO House Seattle with community partners and local, state, national, and Clubhouse-related organizations.

Staff Leadership and Development

• Hire, onboard, train, supervise, evaluate, develop, and, when necessary, discipline or terminate Program Generalists in accordance with HERO House NW policies.


• Provide staff with clear expectations, regular feedback, coaching, and opportunities for professional development.


• Ensure Program Generalists effectively support members in the Work-Ordered Day, employment, education, outreach, housing, community support, advocacy, social/recreational opportunities, and other Clubhouse services.


• Foster a collaborative staff culture that encourages initiative, accountability, adaptability, teamwork, and meaningful member participation.


• Ensure staff understand and consistently implement Clubhouse International Standards and HERO House NW policies and procedures.

Program and Member Engagement

• Work side by side with members and staff throughout the Clubhouse Work-Ordered Day, including participation in assigned units such as Hospitality/Kitchen and Business/Clerical.


• Maintain the Clubhouse's primary responsibility of helping members experience being needed, valued, and meaningfully involved in the work and community of the Clubhouse.


• Actively build productive partnerships with members and encourage participation, leadership, and ownership of Clubhouse activities.


• Facilitate tasks and projects in ways that maximize members' skills, talents, interests, engagement, and leadership.


• Provide positive, supportive relationships that promote hope, choice, wellness, recovery, self-determination, and personal growth.


• Support programming related to employment, education, housing, outreach, advocacy, social and recreational opportunities, and other member-identified goals.


• Train, job coach, and support members at employment sites, including Transitional and Supported Employment placements.


• Provide education and resources that support illness self-management, self-advocacy, self-determination, wellness, and shared healthcare decision-making.


• Help members identify and connect with community-based services and supports, including primary care, behavioral health services, substance use treatment, housing, financial benefits, transportation, and other resources.


• Provide and model effective advocacy to help members access needed services and supports.


• Assist members in identifying, maintaining, or reconnecting with family, friends, and other natural supports when desired by the member.


• Provide or coordinate transportation to employment, appointments, Clubhouse activities, social events, conferences, and other activities when appropriate.

Compliance, Contracts, and Administration

• Provide regular reports and updates to the CEO and CPO to support organizational decision-making and program oversight.


• Collaborate with the CEO and CPO to ensure compliance with funding contracts, regulatory requirements, licenses, certifications, reporting requirements, and program standards.


• Ensure required documentation is complete, accurate, timely, and consistent with HERO House NW policies, contractual requirements, and applicable regulations.


• Maintain appropriate records related to Clubhouse operations, program outcomes, member services, staffing, and contractual obligations.


• Ensure concerns involving member safety, emergencies, crises, service gaps, or significant barriers are communicated promptly to appropriate organizational leadership.

Financial and Resource Management

• Operate the Clubhouse within its approved budget.


• Monitor program expenditures and the operating budget on a regular basis.


• Promptly communicate significant budget variances, financial concerns, or resource needs to the CEO and/or CPO.


• Use organizational resources responsibly and support effective stewardship of program funds, equipment, facilities, and other assets.

Scheduling and Travel

• Maintain flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends based on program needs, employment responsibilities, social activities, special events, or other Clubhouse functions.


• Travel locally and, when necessary, regionally or nationally with members and/or staff for conferences, trainings, social events, employment activities, and other Clubhouse-related functions.


• Perform other duties as assigned based on the needs of HERO House Seattle and HERO House NW.

Education, Training, and Experience

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in psychology, sociology, social work, human services, or a related field.


• Minimum of four years of experience working with individuals living with serious mental illness or psychiatric disabilities.


• Supervisory, program leadership, or management experience strongly preferred.


• Valid Washington State driver's license and ability to meet organizational driving requirements.


• Ability to successfully complete required criminal history and background checks.


• Basic computer proficiency, including experience using Microsoft Word and other standard workplace technology.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in psychology, social work, counseling, nonprofit management, human services, or a related field.


• Previous experience supervising or managing staff in a behavioral health, psychosocial rehabilitation, nonprofit, or human-services setting.


• Previous experience with the Clubhouse Model or Clubhouse International Standards.


• Training or experience in Trauma-Informed Care.


• Experience with employment services, community-based behavioral health, psychosocial rehabilitation, or recovery-oriented services.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The successful candidate must demonstrate the ability to:

• Listen effectively and communicate clearly, professionally, and respectfully in both verbal and written communication.


• Lead, motivate, supervise, and develop staff while building a collaborative team environment.


• Establish strong working relationships with members, staff, community partners, and organizational leadership.


• Approach members from a strengths-based, recovery-oriented perspective in both words and actions.


• Facilitate individual, small-group, and larger Clubhouse activities.


• Work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a collaborative team.


• Solve problems, exercise sound judgment, and respond effectively to changing program needs.


• Manage multiple priorities and responsibilities simultaneously.


• Break large projects and organizational goals into achievable tasks and measurable steps.


• Demonstrate initiative in identifying needs, developing solutions, and completing responsibilities.


• Work with an appropriate sense of urgency while maintaining enthusiasm for the mission and work of the Clubhouse.


• Adapt to change and help staff and members navigate organizational and programmatic change constructively.


• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with members, staff, colleagues, and community partners.


• Maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion with sensitive member, personnel, and organizational information.


• Adhere to HERO House NW philosophy, policies, procedures, and applicable federal, state, and local requirements.


• Promote meaningful member participation rather than completing Clubhouse work independently when opportunities exist to involve members.


• Travel and participate in conferences, trainings, employment activities, social events, and other Clubhouse functions as required.