Shelter Care Assistant Program Director

Shelter Care Assistant Program Director

Job Code: 2025-YS-004
Location: Milwaukee
Department: Shelter Care
Job Type: Full Time (FT/PT)

WCS Is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All Qualified Applicants Will Receive Consideration For Employment Without Regard To Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, National Origin, Disability, or Protected Veteran Status.

Wisconsin Community Services (WCS) – Milwaukee, WI provides a continuum of care and support to individuals navigating adversity, including substance use challenges, mental health needs, criminal justice involvement, and employment barriers. We empower people to break cycles and create change for themselves, their families, and their communities.

We are looking for a professional with a social work or human services background to deliver client-centered, trauma-informed care. You’ll partner with justice-involved individuals to restore dignity and nurture resilience, helping them achieve stability and reach self-defined goals. The program director will lead staff and support youth at two state-licensed facilities.

• Supervise and mentor shelter staff, ensuring coverage and compliance with state standards
• Act as a positive role model, engaging with youth in a therapeutic, trauma-informed way
• Oversee daily operations, safety procedures, and incident reporting
• Collaborate with county partners, families, schools, and community providers
• Step in when needed to provide shift coverage and hands‑on support

• Strong leadership and organizational skills
• Experience in youth services or social services preferred
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting
• Flexibility to work some evenings, weekends, and respond to after‑hours needs

Education/Training Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Psychology, or related field (required).
• Minimum 2–3 years supervisory experience (3+ preferred).
• 2–3 years working in a 24/7 residential facility (4–5 preferred).
• At least 3 years working directly with youth (5+ preferred).
• Skills:
• Strong leadership and decision‑making in complex situations.
• Proficiency with databases, Excel, Microsoft Teams, and other tracking/reporting tools.
• Ability to guide and support staff in a fast-paced environment.
• Trauma-informed, person-centered approach to youth care.
• Other Requirements:
• Valid driver’s license, personal vehicle, and insurance (per agency policy).
• Must pass reference checks, background check, drug test, and driver’s license verification.
• Certification in Vistelar Safety or similar training preferred.

• Make a real impact in the lives of youth
• Lead a supportive and mission-driven team
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• Health, dental, and vision insurance coverage

Staff may be required to use physical intervention in extremely rare situations if there is immediate physical harm posed to clients or staff. Ability to lift 30 pounds. Driving an agency vehicle is required.