Program Director

About Lutheran Services Florida

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) envisions a world where children are safe, families are strong, and communities are vibrant. The organization provides comprehensive support services across multiple counties including Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton.

Role Purpose and Key Responsibilities

The Program Director will ensure comprehensive and culturally competent service delivery through coordination and oversight of care continuums. Acting as a liaison among stakeholders in local systems of care, they maintain program quality via management, monitoring, data evaluation, training, and technical support. This role partners closely with the Regional Program Director to identify service trends and improvements. Directors of clinical or 24-hour shelter programs must hold appropriate licensure. The position involves technical expertise and leadership across the agency and is non-direct care.

• Supervise daily program operations and staff activities, including individual and group meetings as well as case consultations.
• Ensure compliance with all licensing, quality assurance, and fiscal standards set by regulatory bodies (e.g., Office of Refugee Resettlement, Department of Children & Families, Department of Health, Council on Accreditation).
• Manage client case assignments following organizational policies and treatment models.
• Support staff with crisis intervention and complex cases, providing after-hours assistance as needed.
• Conduct clinical services such as assessments, diagnoses, case coordination, and therapy (individual, group, family).
• Lead or facilitate training in evidence-based clinical practices for network providers.
• Guarantee adequate staffing and appropriate training in accordance with applicable regulations.
• Serve as liaison to external regulatory and partner organizations to foster collaboration.
• Oversee program development, budgeting, contract compliance, and data reporting.
• Maintain positive relationships with community organizations and funding sources.
• Ensure adherence to agency policies, manage performance and compensation, and participate in program planning.

Physical and Work Requirements

• Ability to work irregular hours, participate in on-call rotations, and travel as required.
• Teamwork across internal and external partners at various organizational levels.
• Effective and cost-conscious management of program budgets.
• Strict adherence to licensing and quality standards.
• Timely submission of statistical reports and documentation.
• Responsible use of agency cell phone and participation in on-call schedules.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a human services field is mandatory; master’s degree preferred in social work, education, psychology, sociology, or related behavioral sciences.
• Preference for candidates with relevant program certifications.
• For clinical program directors, appropriate state licensure (LCSW, LMST, LMHC) and at least five years of behavioral health leadership experience is required.
• 5 to 7 years of program management or related field experience (refugee services, migrant services, child welfare, child protective services).

Skills and Competencies

• Proficiency with Microsoft Windows applications such as Word and Excel.
• Valid state driver’s license required for client service facilitation.
• Flexible availability to meet program service schedules.
• Knowledge of community resources with ability to connect families.
• Strong clinical and crisis intervention capabilities.
• Excellent oral and written communication.
• Critical thinking and analytical assessment skills.
• Bilingual English/Spanish fluency preferred or required depending on program.

Additional Details

• Reports to the Regional Program Director.
• Independent work with minimal supervision expected.
• Monthly goal achievement and adherence to personnel policies required.

Benefits and Work Culture

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 24/7 telehealth access for employees.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Employer-paid life insurance equivalent to one times salary.
• 13 paid holidays plus one floating holiday.
• Generous paid time off starting at 16 working days annually (note: Head Start employees have different PTO and holiday schedules).
• 403(b) retirement plan with 3% discretionary employer matching or 3% student loan repayment option.
• Tuition reimbursement opportunities.

Legal and Compliance

LSF conducts mandatory background screenings in compliance with Florida statutes and follows federal employment law notifications for applicant rights.