County Program Manager

Position

County Program Manager – First Place for Youth, Fairfield, California, United States
About First Place for Youth

First Place For Youth is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to supporting foster youth in their transition to adulthood, with a focus on education, employment, and housing. Our programs empower foster youth to overcome the unique challenges they face and build the skills, confidence, and connections they need to succeed. We value diversity, inclusion, and collaboration, and offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support staff well-being.
Position Summary

The County Program Manager is a dynamic, energetic, and results-oriented leader who supervises Master’s level social work and multi-disciplinary case-management staff and oversees the operations of an integrated services program including housing, intake, employment, and education for 18-24 year old transition-age foster and former foster youth. The Manager leads a staff team of 5-8 professionals and additional support staff to ensure high-quality program implementation, excellent participant care, policy compliance, and efficient operations. The Manager monitors outcomes toward achieving program and individual youth outcomes and coordinates with other departments. This is a hybrid position requiring onsite work a minimum of two to three days per week, subject to business needs.
Duties and Responsibilities

Program Staff Supervision (30%)
Hire, train, develop, and supervise a multidisciplinary team of social work and case management staff, including Youth Advocates/Social Workers and Employment and Education Specialists.
Lead team members in setting personal and program-wide goals and maintaining accountability for achievement.
Facilitate regular weekly program staff meetings and conduct annual reviews of direct reports.
Ensure fidelity to the program model through weekly supervision, field observations, and supervision groups as assigned.
Monitor staff effectiveness and support professional growth through review of outcomes and practice data.
Provide training and consultation grounded in evidence-based practice and First Place for Youth guiding principles (trauma-informed care, positive youth development, strength-based approaches, motivational interviewing).
Implement, train, and coach staff in best-practice strategies; ensure quality of services and accuracy of participant records and data submission.
Participate in meetings to review participant progress and adjust interventions based on data to improve outcomes.
Align My First Place staff with mission and values; act as ambassadors for the agency at all times; foster collaboration and data-informed evaluation.
Provide direct intervention as needed, including crisis intervention, meetings with youth or county partners, and conflict mediation.
Program Operations (20%)
Oversee day-to-day operations of the assigned team; track outcomes, manage budget and grants, implement case plans, and ensure housing retention and policy compliance.
Provide leadership and guidance on program components and processes.
Ensure timely, accurate assessments, summaries, and action plans; maintain effective working relationships with county Social Work and Probation staff.
Participate in outreach and marketing efforts to promote referrals and service utilization.
Champion Continuous Quality Improvement and participate in committees as assigned.
Intake/Pre-Housing (40%)
Implement intake and referral systems to maintain census, reduce vacancy, and retain youth in the program.
Collaborate with Social Workers and Probation partners to process referrals; conduct intake assessments and team meetings; determine fit for My First Place; coordinate moves-ins.
Work with Housing Team to manage vacancy and slate youth; maintain files for new and current participants; ensure compliance with contracts and attend monthly county partner meetings.
Leadership and Cross-Functional Collaboration (10%)
Provide leadership to the organization’s programs in collaboration with the Director of Programs and the Management Team.
Ensure cohesive delivery of housing and support services; develop and adhere to strategic operational and performance goals.
Participate in managers’ and staff meetings; provide data-driven program improvements; ensure compliant operations.
Represent the agency with partners and at meetings to advance First Place’s mission; liaise with Finance, Housing, Compliance, Talent, and Development to achieve effective programming.
Maintain a safe, professional office environment and lead cross-functional collaboration with Housing and other departments.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications

A master’s degree in social work or related fields (as listed) or an equivalent master’s degree in human services or behavioral science as determined by the licensing agency.
Minimum of three years of full-time social work or casework experience in family or child welfare services.
Strong commitment to cultural competency and removing barriers to belonging.
2-4 years of managerial experience; direct service experience of at least 5 years with underserved and disadvantaged youth, preferably current or former foster youth.
Knowledge of local community referral resources and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Excellent people management and leadership abilities with strong supervision skills.
Field knowledge of social service systems, especially foster care and services for young adults and young parents.
Flexible, energetic, outcomes-oriented self-starter with creative problem-solving skills.
Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to analyze information, prepare reports, and present data effectively.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and familiarity with database systems; ability to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends as needed.
Benefits

15 days of vacation in the first year
12 days of sick leave
2 floating holidays and 15 paid holidays
Health benefits including Kaiser or UCH plans with premium contributions; dental and vision coverage
Health Savings/ Flexible Spending accounts; life insurance options; Employee Assistance Program
401(k) retirement savings plan; paid sabbatical
Note: Relocation assistance not offered. Local candidates preferred.
Salary: Pay will be determined based on education and experience. If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of transition age foster youth, apply now. For more information and current openings, visit www.firstplaceforyouth.org/careers. We are unable to sponsor work visas now or in the future. First Place will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history under applicable fair chance laws. See the Fair Chance Act and related guidance for more information.

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