Program Manager - Forensic and Supportive Housing Programs

SLCS is seeking an experienced individual to join our leadership team in the role of Program Manager to lead the Forensic residential and supportive housing programs as well as the Mental Health Justice Supportive Housing (MHJSH) program. The role will work closely with our community partners and direct support workers to transition clients out of hospital or other institution/service to a community residential facility and/or into supportive housing.

Position Overview:

Reporting to the Senior Director of Operations, this role would oversee day to day operations and service delivery of our Forensic Community Residential Facility (CK Clarke Centre) and two supportive housing programs.  Your responsibilities would include:

• Supervising staff and supporting their professional development.
• Managing program budgets and operations.
• Ensuring health and safety for employees, clients, and visitors.
• Developing and evaluating programs to support client reintegration into the community.
• Collaborating with community partners to address systemic challenges and improve service delivery.
• Program, funder, and statistical reporting

You will be required to work “on-call” which entails being available to respond to urgent or emergency calls from agency staff across all programs after regular business hours (i.e. evenings, weekends, 24 hours per day / 7 days per week).  This duty will be assigned as per an established schedule of approximately one rotation per 8 weeks.

Required Skills/Expertise:

Candidates must demonstrate:

• In-depth Knowledge: Forensic mental health care systems, Ontario Review Board processes, harm reduction and housing first philosophies, restorative justice, and trauma-informed care.
• Leadership Skills: Strong ability to lead teams, communicate effectively, and handle complex situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Advanced Training: Preferred in mediation/conflict resolution.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in a related field (university degree preferred)
• At least 5 years of progressive experience in social services (e.g. justice/corrections, mental health, addictions, developmental services, homelessness)
• Previous supervisory/leadership experience
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, web applications, and virtual platforms; experience with data systems (e.g., EMHWare, HIFIS) is an asset.
• French language skills an asset
• Valid G class driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle

Required Competencies

Human Resources Management:

• Foster a culture of safety, wellness and teamwork
• Support employee performance through coaching, team-building, and performance management.

Program Delivery:

• Lead, evaluate and improve programs to enhance client outcomes
• Strong understanding of restorative justice, harm reduction philosophies, trauma and violence-informed care, housing first philosophies, and crisis intervention and prevention skills
• Develop evidence-informed programs aligned with SLCS strategic goals.
• Ensure compliance with policies, legislative requirements, and reporting standards.

Community and Relationship Building:

• Build and enhance partnerships with community organizations, funders and stakeholders
• Advocate on behalf of SLCS’ programs and raise awareness of services

In accordance with SLCS’ policy on Police Background Checks, this position requires that the individual provide, at their own cost, a clear Police Check which includes vulnerable sector screening as a condition of employment.  We also adhere to the French Language Services Act.

SLCS is committed to promoting equity and diversity in our employment practices. As well, we are an equal opportunity employer which is committed to an inclusive and barrier-free workplace, in support of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

We strongly encourage applications from members of equity-seeking groups, including but not limited to African, Caribbean, Black, First Nations, Inuit, Métis, 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, individuals with disabilities, and those with lived experiences such as addiction, sex work, or incarceration. We encourage you to introduce yourself, your story and your lived/living experiences to your level of comfort.