Program Manager

SAWC Program Manager Position Description

Reports to: Program Director

The Shelter Association of Washtenaw County is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

About Us:

Eight million Americans are one paycheck away from becoming homeless. In Washtenaw County, 5000 people are experiencing homelessness. The Shelter Association of Washtenaw County (SAWC) was established in 1982 and is the primary provider of services and emergency shelter for Washtenaw County individuals. SAWC is housed at the Robert J. Delonis Center in downtown Ann Arbor. SAWC works with a diverse range of people struggling with homelessness, including first-time homelessness, veterans, domestic violence survivors, and people with substance use and/or mental health issues. Services are offered through our core programs: Residential Emergency Shelter, Non-Residential, Shelter Diversion, Recuperative Care, and Warming Shelter. SAWC serves almost 1500 people annually.

Mission:

Ending homelessness, one person at a time.

Position Profile:

The Program Manager directly supervises a team of various program specialty coordinators, case managers, and other team members who facilitate referrals, outcomes, and specialty service provisions. Program and team oversight includes Shelter Diversion, Housing Crisis and Mental Health Services, and Community Health. In tandem with the shelter’s Program Director, the Program Manager will ensure quality client services, coordinate and strengthen key partnerships, and empower the program team members to meet required and desired outcomes. The Program Manager will coordinate with health system partners and support healthcare focused roles, including medical and behavioral health services. The Manager, in concert with remaining leadership team members monitors agency and program outcome measures so that they are in alignment with the overall agency mission. They are expected to set the highest possible example of responsible and ethical work practice and to operate in accordance with agency values. The Shelter is a 24/7 operation and does not close. his role may require flexible hours at times and participates in a rotating on‑call schedule, serving as the designated manager on call periodically. During these periods, the individual may be contacted to provide guidance or support on staff‑related issues when a manager is not on site. Preferrable schedule includes 10a-6:30p Monday through Friday with occasional weekends and holidays as needed.

Pay & Benefits:

The is a salaried, exempt position with an annual salary ranging between $55,000-$62,000. The Shelter Association of Washtenaw County offers a strong benefits package that includes: platinum medical, dental, and vision insurance with very low deductibles and health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) paying half of the total deductible; Simple IRA retirement matching; flexible spending accounts, generous paid time off, disability & life insurance, and employee assistance program. We are dynamic work environment that works to inspire hope in those we serve.

Duties & Responsibilities:

General Responsibilities:

• Assist where necessary with the orderly running of the Delonis Center.
• Transport clients in personal vehicle, as needed.
• Meet with clients in the community, as needed.
• Do real-time data entries in MSHMIS system to ensure that case record is complete, accurate ,and updated.
• Support other managers and coordinators, as needed.
• Work weekends and/or evenings during winter months, and holidays, as assigned.
• Perform other assignments as directed by the Program Director.

Program Manager Responsibilities:

• Adhere to NASW Code of Ethics. Model and act according to low barrier shelter principles. Work diligently to aid clients in removing barriers to service provision.
• Manage and supervise team of program staff to facilitate a team culture centered around the agency mission, vision, and values
• Directly assist all staff in crisis situations. Help empower agency team members to handle crisis situations and directly engage in crisis situations as needed.
• Oversee the successful delivery of program outputs within agency new and data-driven programs. Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness.
• Hire, orient, and onboard, and facilitate ongoing professional development of team members effectively to ensure the highest program effectiveness and efficiency
• Ensure internal consistency of programs and new service deliveries including level of quality, within budget, and in accordance with program plan and funder requirements
• Collaborate with community organization sand health system partners and build/maintain strong relations with community partners to serve our population most effectively
• Participate in SAWC’s management collaboration meetings and responsibilities such as being on call
• Administrative duties as required, including payroll reviews and scheduling support
• Assist with Front Desk Coverage and Community Meal dining room monitoring as needed

Qualifications:

• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related human services degree required. Related or alternative equivalent experiences to degrees also considered.
• Minimum two years of working within human services; behavioral health and healthcare experience preferred.
• Have strong diagnostic skills especially related to mental health and substance use issues.
• Experience with HMIS or similar electronic records systems.
• Experience in data and evaluation including continuous quality improvement
• Minimum of one-year supervisory experience
• Knowledge of health care system and community resources.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong critical thinking skills.
• Positive attitude, be open to change, and eager to be a part of achieving greater mission of ending homelessness.

• Computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Access.
• Strong organizational skills
• Willingness to adhere to the NASW Code of Ethics.

Additionally, the person that fills this position must be:

• Both assertive and empathetic in approach to clients we serve
• Able to work as a team member
• Utilize good judgment and clear thinking in crisis situations
• High degree of cultural competency and equity lens, including working with those who are living with mental health challenges, actively using substances or living with a substance use disorder, criminal justice impacted individuals, or those who have varying gender identifications or sexual preferences.
• Able to be mindful of personal boundaries, ethical obligations and the primacy of client needs.
• Commitment to economic justice, civil and human rights issues.
• Mature in nature and professional in action.
• Ability to occasionally transport clients, with a Valid Michigan driver’s license and access to a vehicle with proof of insurance and registration.
• Able to carry up to approximately 50 pounds for limited distances.
• Have reliable transportation and willingness to transport clients in own vehicle.
• Be reliable and willing to work required shifts, including holidays and weekends.

Application Process:

Please go to annarborshelter.org/employment and submit your resume and cover letter. Please note that the application deadline is February 28th, 2026. Please apply early as interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.