Director of Women's Transitional Housing - #306351

Mission Statement

Through the use of social and restorative justice principles, Five Keys provides traditionally underserved communities the opportunity to improve their lives through a focus on the Five Keys: EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT, RECOVERY, FAMILY, COMMUNITY.

Five Keys Overview

Five Keys is a nonprofit organization that operates an extensive network of programs across California. With a presence in 14 counties and over 120 locations, Five Keys focuses on various initiatives aimed at empowering individuals and families to overcome poverty and inequity. The organization's programs encompass a wide range of services, including public charter schools, restorative justice programs in jails and prisons, shelters, permanent supportive housing, and the development of new housing and support programs. At Five Keys, the overarching objective is to uplift individuals and families by providing them with essential resources. This includes education, housing, employment, and the necessary tools to sustain their progress. By offering these fundamental elements, the organization aims to create positive and lasting change in communities, making them better places for everyone.

Home Free is a transitional housing program founded in 2020 for criminalized survivors of domestic violence and/or human trafficking. Today, the Home Free residence, on Treasure Island, San Francisco, provides housing for up to 25 women who have survived domestic violence, spent long and excessive sentences in prison, or are impacted by the criminal justice system. Our residents are referred from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the San Francisco Adult Probation Department, and the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office. Home Free provides safe and vibrant co-housing that underscores the women’s worth, humanity and dignity for their successful reintegration and where the women will create pathways to their self-determination.

Our Core Competencies

A well qualified candidate has the capacity to communicate effectively, collaborate with others while building positive relationships, demonstrates strong problem solving skills, has a dynamic learning mindset, and remains committed to a high level of cultural and social awareness. A successful candidate will work well under pressure, observe appropriate boundaries and operate with a high degree of emotional intelligence.

What it’s really like to join our agency…

At Five Keys, culture matters. Culture is at the very core of everything we do and impact on a daily basis. We’ve made a commitment to building an inclusive culture that seeks collaboration over hierarchy to create empowered work teams. We serve vulnerable populations daily and we strive to approach everyone with compassion, patience and a trauma informed approach. We choose to push past discomfort to have difficult conversations to impact the greater good. This allows us the opportunity to collaboratively create an inclusive culture and transform the world around us.

BENEFITS

We offer very low monthly costs for medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with generous time off! Various pre-tax flexible spending accounts and retirement account 403(b) are available. We provide annual reimbursements up to $100 towards gym membership, smoking cessation, and weight loss programs. Annual athletic event participation and annual massages are reimbursed up to $50. Other Company-paid benefits, including free wellness-related apps, an Employee Assistance Program, and a comprehensive mental health care platform, are available to you and your dependents.

JOB SUMMARY

The Director of Women’s Transitional Housing reports to the Vice President of Programs and Partnerships and is responsible for providing leadership and oversight to the women’s transitional housing programs that include the Home Free and Project Restore programs, including supervision of the Home Free Program Director, Assistant Director, and Care Coordinators. This role oversees clinical assessments, case conferences, crisis intervention services, referral coordination, management of multiple funding contracts, and collaboration with system partners. The Director also provides strategic leadership to ensure the delivery of effective gender-responsive, trauma-informed housing services while developing and sustaining strong community partnerships.

A critical component of this role is minimizing the impact of emergencies and helping residents regain stability during their 28- to 120-day stay at Home Free. The Director is responsible for developing systems and processes that support high-quality care and facilitate client-centered case conferences to address complex resident needs. This position also provides ongoing training, guidance, and support to senior leaders and Care Coordinators to strengthen service delivery and staff development.

This is an in-person leadership role that requires frequent engagement with staff and residents, the ability to foster a supportive and collaborative environment, and strong knowledge of clinical and community-based resources available throughout San Francisco County. The Director will lead efforts to build trust, strengthen community, and develop resource-rich programming that promotes the health, safety, and well-being of Home Free residents. All staff within the program are expected to work collaboratively to maintain a trauma-informed environment that supports residents in transitioning successfully into permanent housing and long-term self-sufficiency.

We are looking for someone who insists on maintaining a positive attitude and enjoys supporting a diverse group of people. This job is for you if you are a positive, compassionate, and collaborative leader who is dedicated to addressing the physical, emotional, and mental health needs of women impacted by the criminal justice system and/or who are survivors of domestic violence or crime. You also possess advanced clinical knowledge, experience with systems-based practices for substance use and mental health, and excel in communication and rapport building while maintaining professional boundaries. Five Keys promotes a respectful and equitable work environment, encouraging creative and critical thinking.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design, develop, implement, and oversee comprehensive transitional housing and supportive services programs for women returning from incarceration, with a focus on survivors of domestic violence, trauma, and behavioral health challenges.
• Direct daily operations of the Home Free program and residential facility in accordance with Five Keys principles, contractual requirements, program policies, and the organization’s mission.
• Oversee organizational compliance with all applicable funding, contractual, and regulatory requirements across government, institutional, and agency partnerships, ensuring adherence to grant obligations, interagency agreements, and program accountability standards.
• Oversee compliance with all funding, contractual, regulatory, and reporting requirements, including fiscal accountability, data tracking, quality assurance, documentation standards, and program outcomes.
• Supervise, support, train, and evaluate program staff and care coordinators, ensuring adequate staffing and 24/7 facility coverage.
• Foster a collaborative, trauma-informed, gender-responsive, and client-centered team culture focused on exceptional resident care, empowerment, safety, and stability.
• Provide leadership, consultation, and guidance regarding crisis intervention, de-escalation, behavioral health support, treatment planning, psychosocial assessments, and referral coordination.
• Conduct regular staff meetings, case conferences, chart audits, and clinical reviews to ensure high-quality service delivery, documentation accuracy, professional development, and compliance with agency standards.
• Coordinate, develop, and continuously improve educational, vocational, life skills, wellness, and survivor empowerment programming that supports resident rehabilitation, independence, and successful community reintegration.
• Establish program schedules, training opportunities, workshops, and community events that encourage resident participation and engagement.
• Build and maintain collaborative partnerships with community agencies, service providers, and stakeholders to expand resources and supportive services available to residents.
• Assist with program growth and sustainability efforts, including identifying and pursuing new funding opportunities, grants, contracts, and strategic partnerships.
• Oversee facility operations and maintenance to ensure a safe, secure, clean, and supportive residential environment for participants and staff.
• Promote a positive residential community environment that respects resident individuality, personal growth, accountability, and pro-social development.
• Represent Five Keys and the Home Free program at meetings, conferences, public events, and community stakeholder engagements.
• Prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities effectively, develop realistic action plans, and respond flexibly to operational needs, including evenings and weekends as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Ability to comfortably work in a facility which houses and serves women who are survivors of violence, the criminal justice system, and/or human trafficking
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries, including confidentiality while working in an environment where frequent contact with residents and clients is inevitable
• Self-starter who is able to independently drive initiatives forward and seek input when appropriate
• Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team with sensitivity to a diverse population of clients and staff
• Demonstrates adaptability, curiosity, and a willingness to learn in dynamic environments
• Able to maintain professional, respectful, and transparent interactions with participants, staff, leadership and external agencies
• Advanced communication skills and the ability to engage a diverse audience
• Advance skill and the ability to teach others excellent customer service, de-escalation, crisis intervention, anger management, mental health awareness, compassion fatigue, implicit bias harm reduction and trauma informed care
• Strong charting and record-keeping skills
• Highly proficient in leadership, service delivery, case management principles, and clinical support practices within trauma-informed and client-centered environments
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills with keen attention to detail
• Demonstrates flexibility and a willingness to take on additional responsibilities to support high-quality program operations and service delivery
• Highly proficient in professional clinical knowledge and applicable laws and regulation
• Strong clinical understanding of adult mental health, substance use, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to the challenges faced by individuals with substance abuse and/or mental health issues such as PTSD, psychosis, borderline behaviors, bipolar, etc.
• Excellent collaboration skills and ability to demonstrate a genuine interest in finding solutions
• Advanced proficiency in MS Office, Gmail, and Google Drives/Docs with excellent verbal and written communication
• Able to maintain strict confidentiality and take all precautions when handling sensitive information
• Outstanding customer service skills, with a commitment to thorough follow-up and support

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE

• 5 years of leadership experience
• 3-5 years experience in program design, development and implementation
• Licensed Mental Health Provider through the CA Board of Behavioral Sciences (I.e. LCSW or LMFT) preferred
• Comprehensive professional experience in behavioral health and trauma-informed care
• Prior experience working with homeless populations, formerly incarcerated individuals, returning citizens (reentry) or with other marginalized populations required
• Prior experience working with people facing mental health challenges, disabilities, domestic violence and human trafficking survivors and substance abuse issues highly desired

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must wear provided PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and adhere to all safety guidelines and requirements, when needed
• Occasional reaching with hands and arms
• Travel to multiple sites required
• Frequent and prolonged standing, walking, and sitting
• Long periods of walking, sitting at a desk and/or computer station
• Lifting items that weigh up to 25 lbs.; reaching, bending, carrying and stooping within the daily routine of tasks and activities
• Long periods of moving throughout the site and remaining stationary at a desk and/or computer station

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

This position is contingent upon:

• Submitting proof of clear TB results. Results dated within 60 days prior to hire date are acceptable
• Satisfactory results of a Live Scan (criminal background investigation)

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Moderate to high noise level
• Work environment varies from site to site
• Some personal safety risk working in high-crisis environments

GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES

At Five Keys, we understand that when our employees grow, the agency has a greater capacity to thrive and accomplish its mission. It is for this reason that we remain committed to providing ongoing professional development opportunities for all of our employees. These include but are not limited to: conferences, staff development training, and coaching plans that allow incumbents to grow into new positions within and across programs within the agency-wide (i.e., charter schools, housing services, programs, transitional employment, nonprofit administration, etc).