Shelter and Advocacy Programs Director

The Women's Center

Accompanying survivors of domestic and sexual violence on the journey to safety, hope, and empowerment.

Job Description

Job Title:  Shelter and Advocacy Programs Director
FLSA Classification: Exempt
Reports To: Executive Director
 
  • 35 hours per week, generally 8:30am – 4:30pm
  • 3 weeks paid vacation, 6 days paid personal time, paid sick time
  • Health and dental, life insurance, 4013(b)

 
Job Purpose
 
The Advocacy and Shelter Programs Director provides strategic leadership and oversight of The Women’s Center’s shelter services, domestic and sexual violence counseling advocacy, and community-based advocacy programs. This position ensures the development, integration, and quality improvement of client-centered, trauma-informed services that support survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
 
Direct Reports
 
  • 6 Shelter Managers (across all shelter locations)
  • Court Advocacy Manager
  • Counseling Advocacy Manager
  • Housing Advocate
  • Civilian Police Advocacy Manager
 
Responsibilities
 
   Organizational Leadership
 
  • Develop and implement the strategic vision and goals for shelter and advocacy programs in alignment with The Women’s Center’s mission and values.
  • Interview and train new staff, providing ongoing coaching and feedback. 
  • Foster a team culture of accountability, collaboration, and equity.
  • Ensure that all staff receive clinical supervision, training, and professional development to deliver high levels of service. 
  • Collaborate with other Directors to facilitate integrated services and coordinate client care.
  • Monitor program effectiveness, compliance, and outcomes; lead continuous quality improvement initiatives.
  • Other duties as assigned by Executive Director
 
   Program Coordination & Compliance
 
  • Oversee the programs and teams that provide:
    • Emergency shelter (including case management, 24/7 hotline, referrals from Department of Children and Families, specialized substance misuse services)
    • Counseling advocacy (including non-therapeutic counseling, safety planning, resource navigation)
    • Medical advocacy in partnership with local hospitals and UMass Dartmouth volunteers
    • Court advocacy in compliance with SAFEPLAN
    • Civilian police advocacy in partnership with District Attorney’s office
    • Transitional housing 
  • Ensure services are delivered in accordance with all relevant state, federal, and funder guidelines, including DPH contract requirements.
  • Oversee and review client intake and referral processes; ensure equitable access and consistent standards of care.
  • Ensure coordinated, survivor-centered services across shelter, community advocacy, and counseling programs.
 
   Partnership & Collaboration
 
  • Build and maintain strong working relationships with community partners, including law enforcement, medical providers, and social service agencies.
  • Coordinate with other departments to support survivor pathways and share insights from frontline work.
  • Participate in multidisciplinary case consultations as appropriate.
 
Skills and Abilities
 
  • TWC core competencies: Adaptability, collaboration, communication, equity and social justice mindset, mission orientation, ownership
  • Demonstrated ability to lead survivor-centered, trauma-informed programs
  • Experience managing multi-site teams and navigating complex service delivery systems
  • Strong supervision skills, with an emphasis on empowerment coaching and performance management
  • Excellent communication, planning, and problem-solving skills
  • Proficiency in Microsoft 365 and client data systems
  • Ability to maintain professional boundaries and manage confidential information appropriately

 
Education and Experience
 
  • Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, public administration, or a related field (Master’s preferred)
  • Minimum three years of experience coaching leaders, supervising staff, and managing programs
  • Minimum five years of experience in domestic violence or sexual assault advocacy or shelter services
  • Familiarity with trauma-informed care and non-clinical survivor services
  • Experience working in culturally responsive and survivor-centered environments