Program Director of Prevention

Larkin Street Youth Services•San Francisco, CA

3d•$95,000 - $100,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Program Director of Prevention is a senior leader who, under the guidance of the Chief of Programs, leads Larkin Street Youth Services’ prevention strategy across Outreach, Direct Cash Transfer (DCT), and Aftercare. The role advances an approach to ending youth homelessness by intervening early with youth at high risk, identifying and engaging youth through outreach after they become unhoused, and supporting youth exiting Larkin Street programs so they do not return to homelessness. The Director sets programmatic vision, develops external partnerships, promotes fidelity to evidence-based practices, and drives collaboration across departments. The position provides senior oversight of the Outreach, DCT, and Aftercare programs; establishes program standards and monitors quality, outcomes, and compliance; and guides continuous quality improvement. It also represents the agency in planning bodies and external forums, cultivates relationships with government, philanthropic, research, and community partners, and supports advocacy, funding, and contract work. The Director supervises and develops Program Managers and contributes to agency-wide strategy, budget development, and equity work. This is a full-time position eligible for full benefits. The work arrangement is hybrid, with four days onsite and one day working from home. The role includes an after-hours on-call supervisor rotation of seven days every six to eight weeks and occasional holiday work.

Requirements

Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive experience in program leadership, social services, or a related field, with demonstrated program management and staff supervision experience.
Bachelor’s degree in social work, public health, public policy, or a related field.
Ability to translate data and evaluation findings into program improvements.
Experience managing government contracts and/or philanthropic grants.
Comfort engaging diverse audiences, including funders, city partners, and community stakeholders.
Deep knowledge of youth homelessness and populations served, including QTBIPOC youth, youth involved in child welfare and/or juvenile justice systems, and youth without stable housing histories.
Strong foundation in prevention frameworks, harm reduction, trauma-informed care, Housing First, and Positive Youth Development.
Willingness to serve as an After Hours On-Call Supervisor for seven days every six to eight weeks.
Willingness to work holidays occasionally.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.
Experience with HMIS, ETO, or similar data systems is a plus.
Lived experience with homelessness or systems involvement is valued.

Responsibilities

Set and advance the strategic vision for the prevention continuum in alignment with the agency’s mission, strategic plan, and equity commitments.
Serve as the agency’s internal and external authority on youth homelessness prevention and translate research, policy developments, and practice innovations into program strategy.
Represent Larkin Street in city-wide planning bodies, coalitions, and funder convenings related to prevention, outreach, DCT, and aftercare.
Partner with the Chief of Programs and senior leadership to identify opportunities to expand and deepen prevention impact.
Contribute to agency-wide strategic planning, budget development, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives.
Provide senior oversight of Outreach, DCT, and Aftercare, ensuring high-quality, trauma-informed, and equity-centered services.
Establish and monitor program standards, policies, and procedures, and promote consistent use of harm reduction, Housing First, Positive Youth Development, and Motivational Interviewing.
Review program data, outcomes, and client feedback; lead continuous quality improvement efforts.
Ensure prevention programs comply with contract, grant, and regulatory requirements.
Consult with Program Managers on complex cases and program challenges, and escalate issues to the Chief of Programs when appropriate.
Ensure street-based and community outreach is responsive, trauma-informed, and designed to rapidly identify and engage newly or recently unhoused youth.
Build partnerships with community organizations, city agencies, hospitals, juvenile justice, and child welfare systems to expand outreach and connect youth to services.
Work with Program Managers to develop and refine outreach protocols responsive to youth at greatest risk, including QTBIPOC youth, youth involved with justice or child welfare systems, and youth without stable documentation.
Oversee DCT implementation, focusing on youth at highest risk of homelessness, particularly those without a high school diploma or GED and those with child welfare or juvenile or criminal justice system histories.
Ensure the cash transfer model is implemented with fidelity and that optional supportive programming addresses participants’ housing, health, education, and employment needs.
Manage relationships with research and evaluation partners and integrate evaluation findings into program design.
Lead or support development of a replicable and scalable DCT model that can inform agency advocacy and the broader field.
Direct development and refinement of the agency’s aftercare model so youth exiting programs connect with stable housing, benefits, and community supports.
Establish consistent agency-wide aftercare protocols, including individualized transition planning, structured follow-up, and clear re-engagement pathways.
Ensure aftercare practices reflect current evidence on exit stabilization and youth lived experience.
Cultivate relationships with city agencies, philanthropy, research partners, and peer organizations to advance prevention goals and secure resources.
Collaborate with Government Relations and Development teams on policy advocacy, grant applications, and contract negotiations related to prevention.
Represent Larkin Street’s prevention work in external forums and contribute to the agency’s standing as a field leader.
Directly supervise, coach, and manage the performance of Program Managers in the prevention portfolio.
Foster a team culture centered on agency values, staff wellbeing, reflective practice, and youth voice.
Assess team training needs and provide access to professional development.
Participate in hiring and onboarding prevention team staff.
Serve in assigned and scheduled rotation as an on-call manager.
Perform other duties as required.

Benefits

Full benefits eligibility.
Annual salary of $95,000–$100,000.
Clipper Bay Pass for free commuting.
Choice of Kaiser and Sutter medical plans, plus dental and vision coverage.
Three weeks of vacation annually, 11 paid holidays, and three floating holidays.
403(b) retirement plan with employer matching.
Healthcare and Dependent Care flexible spending accounts.
Life insurance.
Employee Assistance Program for counseling services.
Health Advocate Service.
Paid sabbatical after five and ten years of employment.