Program Director

Job Posting: Program Director Wardlaw Residences (Full-time, On-site, M-F, On-call) Summary: YWS is looking for an experienced Program Director to help launch and run new supportive housing in Etobicoke North - a rare and exciting opportunity to build something meaningful for the community from the ground up! Join this exciting project and help shape innovative programs, foster a positive and inclusive culture and make a lasting impact in the lives of youth, adults and seniors. If you are experienced and energized by creating new services, building and leading high-performing teams and developing a community where residents feel safe, supported and empowered to thrive, please apply to be part of bringing this ambitious vision to life! Ideal start date: August 24, 2026 or ASAP. Qualified applicants should upload their resume and cover letter. Interviews will only be granted to top candidates with desired qualifications. *Our recruitment and selection process is conducted by people. We do not use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to evaluate or make hiring decisions. * Application deadline: July 29, 2026. If you have a disability that needs to be accommodated in order to participate in the hiring process or employment, please let us know so we can work to make the appropriate accommodations. ______________________________________________________________________________ Title: Program Director Reports To: General Manager Contract Length and Job Type: Full-time hours: 40 hours per week, Monday -Friday plus rotating on-call responsibilities. Etobicoke, ON Type: On-site, in-person Compensation: Annual salary: $85,000 -$90,000, paid time off, health and dental benefits Position Summary The Program Director is an experienced operational senior leader responsible for the strategic development, implementation, oversight and evaluation of all resident programs and support services at Wardlaw Residence. This includes primary case management, wellness initiatives, life skills development, employment supports, housing stability, community integration and resident engagement. The Director ensures that all programming is trauma-informed, client-centered, culturally responsive and aligns with the organization’s mission, values and strategic priorities. The role provides leadership and supervision to the primary case managers, support workers and program staff, fostering a collaborative, accountable and high-performance team culture. This position is also responsible for operational planning, budget oversight, policy development, quality improvement and cultivating strong partnerships with community organizations, funders and stakeholders to enhance resident outcomes. Key Responsibilities Program Leadership & Strategy Program Leadership & Oversight a) Provide strategic leadership for the design, implementation, evaluation of all resident programming. b) Develop innovative programming that promotes housing stability, health and wellness, life skills, employment readiness, social inclusion and community partnership. c) Ensure all programs align with organizational priorities, trauma-informed care and anti-oppressive approaches. d) Lead annual program planning and establish measurable goals, outcomes and performance indicators. e) Supervise and support primary case managers and program staff to ensure high-quality, consistent and equitable service delivery. f) Develop systems to monitor program effectiveness. g) Oversee the daily operations, scheduling, coordination and delivery of all program activities. h) Identify emerging community needs and recommend program enhancements. Resident Services & Case Management a) Oversee primary case management, including intake, assessment, individualized service planning, referrals, goal setting and ongoing support. b) Ensure residents receive coordinated, client-centered services. c) Support staff in delivering life skills, employment, housing and community integration services. d) Oversee resident engagement, recreational programming, educational opportunities and wellness initiatives. e) Ensure services are equitable, accessible, culturally responsive and reflect residents’ diverse needs. Staff Leadership & Development a) Provide leadership, supervision, coaching, mentorship and performance management to all program staff. b) Foster positive, collaborative, inclusive and mission-driven workplace culture. c) Partner with Human Resources to recruit, hire, onboard and retain high-quality staff. d) Conduct regular supervision meetings, and annual performance evaluations while supporting professional development. e) Ensure staff receive ongoing training in trauma-informed care, harm reduction, crisis intervention etc. f) Promote accountability, teamwork and excellence in service delivery. Safety & Crisis Management a) Ensure staff respond effectively to crisis using trauma-informed de-escalation techniques while maintaining residents’ dignity and respect. b) Promote safety of staff, residents and visitors at all times. c) Ensure compliance with all workplace health and safety policies and report concerns to the GM or JHSC committee. d) Maintain confidentiality in accordance with organizational policies. e) Support staff during critical incidents and participate in incident reviews. Collaboration Partnerships & Advocacy a) Develop and maintain strong relationships with community agencies, healthcare providers, educational institutions, employers, funders and other service partners. b) Expand community partnerships to increase opportunities and resources available to residents. c) Advocate for residents and promote integrated, collaborative service delivery across sectors. d) Represent Wardlaw Residences at community meetings, collaborative initiatives, and sectors. Administration, Compliance & Financial Management a) Assist in developing, monitoring and managing program budgets while ensuring responsible stewardship of financial resources. b) Ensure compliance with funding agreements, reporting requirements, accreditation standards and regulatory obligations. c) Contribute to funding proposals and program development opportunities. d) Maintain current knowledge of relevant legislation, including the Residential Tenancy Act (RTA), privacy legislation, employment standards and occupational health and safety requirements. e) Develop, review and update program policies, procedures and operational documentation. f) Identify operational risks and implement appropriate mitigation strategies. g) Prepare reports, program evaluation and performance metrics for funders. h) Ensure accurate documentation, data collection and reporting using organizational information systems. Qualifications & Core Competencies a) Bachelor's degree in social work, Social Services, Community Development, Gerontology, Public Administration, or a related field. b) Master’s degree is considered an asset. Experience a) Minimum 5–7 years of progressive leadership experience in housing, transitional housing, social services, community services or a related sector. b) Demonstrated experience in developing, implementing, and evaluating programs. c) Proven experience supervising multidisciplinary teams. d) Experience managing departmental budgets and financial resources. e) Experience working with vulnerable populations, including seniors and youth. (Experience supporting both populations is strongly preferred.) f) Experience within supportive housing, transitional housing, shelters, or community-based organizations is considered an asset. g) Knowledge of the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) and its application within supportive or transitional housing settings. h) Experience working with vulnerable populations, including seniors and/or youth; experience with both populations is strongly preferred. i) Experience in transitional housing, supportive housing, shelters, or community-based services is considered an asset. Knowledge & Skills a) Strong understanding of Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) and its application within supportive housing environments. b) Knowledge of community resources and service systems. c) Training and demonstrated application of trauma-informed practice, harm reduction, anti-oppressive practice and culturally responsive service delivery. d) Understanding of the barriers experienced by youth facing homelessness, including racialized, Indigenous, LGBTQ2S+, newcomer and other marginalized communities. e) Formal training and experience in crisis prevention, intervention and de-escalation. f) Strong leadership, coaching, conflict resolution, and decision-making skills. g) Excellent interpersonal, communication, presentation, and relationship-building abilities. h) Strong organizational, analytical and problem-solving skills. i) Experience with case management systems (data systems). j) Experience managing data collection, performance measurement and reporting systems. k) Ability to respond effectively to urgent operational issues as required. Certifications a) Current CPR and First Aid Certification. b) Satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check. Working Conditions a) On-site, in-person position. b) Work requires regular interactions with residents, staff and community partners in close proximity. c) Frequent movement throughout the residence, including climbing stairs as required. d) Fast-paced, emotionally demanding environment requiring sound judgement, resilience, professionalism and healthy boundaries. e) Manual efficiency required to operate computers and office equipment. f) Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. g) Participation in occasional evening, weekend, on- call and emergency response duties as required.

The Program Director is responsible for the strategic development, implementation, oversight, and evaluation of all resident programs and support services. This includes leading a team, ensuring high-quality service delivery, and fostering community partnerships.

Candidates should have a bachelor's degree in a relevant field and a minimum of 5-7 years of progressive leadership experience in social services or a related sector. Experience with vulnerable populations and knowledge of the Residential Tenancies Act is preferred.

• Paid Time Off • Health Benefits • Dental Benefits

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Program Development
• Leadership
• Crisis Management
• Community Engagement
• Budget Management
• Team Supervision
• Trauma-Informed Care
• Client-Centered Services
• Culturally Responsive Services
• Conflict Resolution
• Analytical Skills
• Communication Skills
• Relationship Building
• Problem Solving
• Data Management
• Performance Measurement

• Management & Leadership
• Social Services
• Healthcare

Minimum education

Bachelor’s degree

Minimum experience

5+ years

Apply by

Jan 12, 2027

Posting language

English

Working hours

40 hours per week

Seniority

Director

Application method

Direct apply is available