Program Director, New Horizons -… at Community… · Location…

Job Description:

JOB SUMMARY

New Horizons is a 24-hour nonprofit organization that has been providing service to individuals and families impacted by domestic or intimate partner violence for over 45 years. From a 24-hour hotline and emergency shelter to court advocacy, safety planning, support groups, and housing resources, we are dedicated to empowering safety and healing for those who experience violence. We are part of Community Health Center, Inc and leverage the healthcare resources of CHC to support the needs of the individuals and families we serve.

In order to continue the life-saving and life-changing work of New Horizons, we are seeing a Director that will provide strategic leadership, operational oversight, and programmatic direction for our community-based domestic violence center serving survivors of domestic violence and their families.

The Director is responsible for ensuring that all services are survivor-centered, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, confidential, and accessible. This position oversees the daily operation and safety of the shelter, supervises and supports staff, manages organizational resources, develops community partnerships, ensures compliance with applicable Connecticut and federal requirements, and advances the organization's mission of promoting safety, stability, empowerment, and long-term independence for survivors.

The Director serves as a key representative of New Horizons and Community Health Center in the community and works collaboratively with service providers, funders, government agencies, and other stakeholders to strengthen the local response to domestic violence.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Program Leadership and Service Delivery

• Provide overall leadership and oversight of the organization's domestic violence programs and services.

• Ensure the delivery of high-quality, survivor-centered, trauma-informed services that respect each individual's autonomy, dignity, cultural identity, and right to self-determination.

• Oversee crisis intervention, safety assessments, individualized escape and safety planning, advocacy, and referrals to appropriate community resources.

• Ensure survivors receive assistance accessing housing, public benefits, healthcare, mental health services, legal assistance, employment resources, childcare, transportation, and other essential supports.

• Develop and monitor program goals, service standards, outcome measures, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.

• Promote equitable access to services for individuals with disabilities, people with limited English proficiency, and survivors from diverse backgrounds.

2. Emergency Shelter Operations and Safety

• Oversee the daily operation of an emergency shelter with an approximate capacity of 15 residents.
• Ensure that shelter operations promote a safe, secure, respectful, and supportive environment for residents, children, staff, and visitors.
• Establish and maintain shelter policies and procedures addressing admissions, resident rights, confidentiality, crisis response, incident reporting, visitor access, discharge planning, and other operational matters.
• Monitor occupancy, staffing coverage, facility needs, resident services, and the availability of essential supplies.
• Ensure appropriate emergency preparedness, fire and life safety procedures, facility maintenance, and response protocols.
• Oversee the development and implementation of individualized safety plans in coordination with survivors and relevant service providers.
• Protect the confidentiality of shelter locations, resident information, and other sensitive program information.
• Coordinate referrals and transition planning to permanent housing and other appropriate living arrangements.

3. Crisis Intervention, Advocacy, and Community Referrals

• Ensure that survivors have access to crisis support, emotional support, information, advocacy, and practical assistance.
• Oversee individualized escape planning and safety planning that account for the circumstances and preferences of each survivor.
• Facilitate access to legal advocacy, restraining or protective order information, court accompaniment, and referrals to qualified legal service providers, as appropriate.
• Build relationships with housing agencies, social service organizations, healthcare providers, behavioral health programs, law enforcement, courts, schools, and other community partners.
• Coordinate referrals for benefits, food assistance, transportation, employment, education, childcare, and other services that support survivor stability.
• Promote coordinated, appropriate responses to complex cases while maintaining confidentiality and survivor choice.

4. Staff Supervision and Development

• Recruit, hire, supervise, and evaluate staff.
• Establish clear performance expectations, work schedules, and accountability standards.
• Ensure adequate staffing and appropriate coverage for shelter and crisis services, including after-hours response arrangements where applicable.
• Provide training, coaching, and professional development in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, de-escalation, confidentiality, cultural responsiveness, mandated reporting, and workplace safety.
• Promote a respectful, collaborative work environment that supports staff well-being and recognizes the emotional demands of domestic violence services.
• Address performance concerns, workplace conflicts, and personnel matters in accordance with CHC policies and applicable law.

5. Financial Management and Resource Development

• Develop and manage program budgets in collaboration with Finance and Grants staff.
• Monitor expenditures, staffing costs, shelter expenses, and program resources to ensure responsible use of funds.
• Identify and pursue grants, contracts, donations, sponsorships, and other funding opportunities.
• Oversee required grant reporting, program documentation, and financial or performance reports in collaboration with appropriate personnel.
• Develop relationships with donors, foundations, public agencies, and community partners.
• Support fundraising initiatives and communicate new Horizons’ impact, needs, and accomplishments.

6. Compliance, Policies, and Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with applicable Connecticut and federal laws, regulations, contractual obligations, grant requirements, and organizational policies.
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality, recordkeeping, data security, incident reporting, and records-retention practices.
• Oversee the development, review, and implementation of program policies and procedures.
• Ensure that applicable requirements governing victim services, client confidentiality, nondiscrimination, workplace safety, and mandatory reporting are understood and followed.
• Monitor relevant developments in domestic violence services, survivor rights, shelter standards, and funding requirements.
• Coordinate with legal counsel, auditors, licensing or oversight agencies, and other professionals as necessary.
• Identify organizational risks and implement appropriate corrective and preventive measures.

7. Community Relations and Public Representation

• Represent New Horizons in community meetings, coalitions, professional networks, public forums, and relevant statewide initiatives.
• Develop and maintain partnerships that strengthen access to services and improve outcomes for survivors.
• Educate community members and stakeholders about domestic violence, available resources, prevention, and the organization's mission.
• Advocate for policies and resources that improve safety, housing stability, and access to services for survivors.
• Maintain professional relationships with relevant Connecticut domestic violence service networks and community organizations.

8. Strategic Planning and Organizational Development

• Work with senior leadership to establish New Horizons’ priorities, strategic goals, and program objectives.
• Evaluate community needs and identify opportunities to expand or improve services.
• Monitor program effectiveness through appropriate performance indicators, feedback, and outcome measures.
• Support organizational sustainability, succession planning, staff development, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure that New Horizon’s mission, values, and commitment to survivor empowerment guide decision-making at all levels.

QUALIFICATIONS

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• Bachelor's degree in social work, human services, psychology, public administration, nonprofit management, or a related field; equivalent relevant education and experience may be considered.

• At least three to five years of progressively responsible experience in domestic violence services, victim advocacy, shelter operations, human services, nonprofit program management, or a closely related field.

• Demonstrated supervisory or management experience, including staff development and performance management.

• Knowledge of domestic violence dynamics, trauma-informed services, crisis intervention, safety planning, and community-based support systems.

• Experience coordinating referrals and collaborating with social service agencies and community partners.

• Strong organizational, communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to manage competing priorities, respond effectively to crises, and make sound decisions in sensitive situations.

• Commitment to confidentiality, cultural responsiveness, equity, and survivor self-determination.

• Ability to meet the position's essential job functions, including occasional evening, weekend, or after-hours availability as required.

Preferred Skills and Education

• Master's degree in social work, counseling, public administration, nonprofit management, or a related field.
• Experience directing or managing a domestic violence shelter or comparable residential human services program.
• Experience with nonprofit budgeting, grant administration, fundraising, and contract compliance.
• Familiarity with Connecticut domestic violence service systems, relevant state agencies, and statewide referral networks.
• Experience developing policies, monitoring program outcomes, and preparing reports for funders or governing boards.
• Training in trauma-informed leadership, crisis response, domestic violence advocacy, or related areas.

Required Licenses/Certifications

• Employees must have a current driver’s license with a clean driving record at time of hire and throughout employment

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

· Frequent and alternating standing, walking, and sitting and stair climbing

· Occasional bending, squatting, kneeling, lifting.

· Daily and regular computer use.

· Daily and regular telephone use.

· Travel throughout state of CT

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICIATIONS

· Staff provide 24/7 emergency on-call services, but Director is expected to respond to staff requests for consults, advice, or support during emergency situations, including coming on-site when necessary.

· Participation in quality improvement projects.

· Participation in on going education activities.

· Provides training to CHC staff, as requested, on domestic violence

Confidentiality of Information

Confidentiality of business information is a requirement. Confidentiality must be maintained according to CHC policies

Organizational Summary:

Community Health Center, Inc. (CHC) with offices in Connecticut, Colorado and California, is one of the country’s most creative and dynamic providers of primary medical, dental, and behavioral health services, and a leader in practice-based research, health professionals training, and use of innovative technologies to advance health and healthcare. CHC is designated as a federally qualified health center and a patient-centered medical home by HRSA, the Joint Commission, and NCQA, respectively. We deliver more than 500,000 patient visits per year from primary care hubs and community clinics across the state of CT, all connected by technology and common standards for quality. We employ several hundred medical, dental, and behavioral health providers who are engaged in practice, teaching, and research. Our Weitzman Institute is devoted to research and practice transformation and is recognized around the country as one of the premier research institutes focused on improving health care and health outcomes for special and vulnerable populations. In addition, the organization has developed three wholly owned subsidiaries from the original pilot developments within the Weitzman Institute: the National Nurse Practitioner Residency and Fellowship Training Consortium (NNPRFTC), and the National Institute for Medical Assistant Advancement (NIMAA).

Location: Community Based Services Admin City: Middletown State: Connecticut

Time Type: Full time

Compensation and Benefits: $75,000 - $80,000 This pay range represents both the base hourly rate or base annual full-time salary, as well as the top hourly rate or annual full time salary for all positions which this job grade or position falls within. The actual base salary offer will depend on a variety of factors including experience, education, geography and other relevant factors.

At Moses/Weitzman Health System, we are committed to supporting the health, well-being, professional growth, and financial security of our employees. Eligible employees may have access to a comprehensive total rewards package that can include competitive compensation, health and wellness benefits, retirement savings opportunities, paid time off, professional development and tuition assistance programs, employee assistance resources, flexible work arrangements where applicable, and other company-sponsored benefits. Specific benefit offerings and eligibility requirements may vary based on position, work location, scheduled hours, and applicable plan terms. Learn more about our benefits and career opportunities on our Careers website.