Program Manager - Access Team

Housing Resources•Kalamazoo, MI

24d

About The Position

The Program Manager – Access Team is responsible for overseeing the team and processes that connect individuals and families experiencing homelessness from the Coordinated Entry System to housing and service programs. This position leads eligibility determination, enrollment, referral management, housing navigation coordination, and program matching efforts to ensure timely and equitable access to available resources. The Program Manager works closely with housing providers, case managers, outreach teams, and community partners to facilitate successful program enrollment, reduce barriers to services, and support positive housing outcomes. The position ensures compliance with funding requirements, program eligibility standards, and community policies while promoting a client-centered and housing-focused approach.

Requirements

Experience in program management, preferably in housing or homelessness services.
Knowledge of coordinated entry systems, housing programs, and eligibility requirements.
Strong understanding of federal, state, and local funding regulations (e.g., CoC, ESG).
Experience with data analysis and reporting, including HMIS.
Supervisory and staff development experience.
Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to promote equitable access and address barriers to services.

Responsibilities

Manage the daily operations of the Access Team, ensuring effective coordination of participant referrals, eligibility screening, enrollment, and placement activities.
Oversee the process of transitioning households from the Coordinated Entry prioritization list into appropriate housing and supportive service programs.
Ensure timely review of referrals and facilitate program matching based on eligibility requirements, household needs, vulnerability, and resource availability.
Supervise and support staff responsible for eligibility determination, enrollment, documentation collection, housing navigation, and referral coordination.
Develop and maintain standardized procedures for participant intake, eligibility verification, enrollment, and program placement.
Monitor enrollment pipelines and program vacancies to maximize resource utilization and reduce delays in housing placement.
Collaborate with housing providers, shelter programs, outreach teams, case managers, and community partners to coordinate referrals and facilitate successful enrollments.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, local, Continuum of Care (CoC), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), and program-specific eligibility and documentation requirements.
Review and verify program eligibility documentation to ensure accuracy, completeness, and adherence to funding regulations.
Monitor participant movement through the referral and enrollment process and implement strategies to improve efficiency and outcomes.
Facilitate case conferencing and housing placement meetings to support coordinated decision-making and problem-solving for households facing barriers to enrollment.
Track key performance indicators, including referral acceptance rates, enrollment timelines, program occupancy, housing placements, and participant outcomes.
Analyze system and program data to identify trends, service gaps, bottlenecks, and opportunities for process improvement.
Prepare reports and performance summaries for leadership, funders, community stakeholders, and governing bodies.
Ensure accurate and timely entry of participant information into HMIS and other required databases and reporting systems.
Provide training and technical assistance to staff and partner agencies regarding eligibility requirements, referral processes, enrollment procedures, and housing programs.
Identify and address barriers that prevent eligible households from accessing housing and supportive services.
Promote equitable access to programs and monitor enrollment practices to ensure compliance with fair housing, nondiscrimination, and community equity goals.
Support strategic planning initiatives related to housing access, system performance, program utilization, and community homelessness response efforts.
Serve as the primary point of contact for enrollment-related questions, referral issues, and program access concerns.
Build and maintain strong partnerships with housing providers, service agencies, funders, and community stakeholders to strengthen referral pathways and housing opportunities.
Supervise, train, coach, and evaluate assigned staff while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and customer service.
Perform other related duties as assigned to support organizational and community goals related to housing stability and homelessness resolution.