The Continuum of Care (CoC) Program Director provides strategic leadership, coordination, and oversight for the PA-508 Lackawanna/Scranton Continuum of Care, guiding the community-wide response to homelessness in alignment with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations and best practices. Employed by United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA, the Program Director serves as the primary convener, administrator, and systems leader for the CoC, fostering collaboration among homeless service providers, housing partners, public agencies, and community stakeholders.

The Program Director is responsible for ensuring CoC compliance with HUD requirements, strengthening system performance, advancing data-driven decision-making, and supporting the CoC’s mission to prevent and end homelessness in Lackawanna County through coordinated, equitable, and effective housing strategies.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

System Leadership and Governance

• Provide leadership, strategic guidance, and policy recommendations to the CoC Executive Board and membership.
• Support and strengthen CoC governance structures, including bylaws, policies, procedures, and subcommittees.
• Facilitate consensus-building and collaborative decision-making among diverse stakeholders.
• Ensure CoC activities align with HUD regulations, federal and state priorities, and local strategic plans.
• Monitor system performance and recommend improvements to enhance housing stability, access, and equity.

HUD Compliance and Funding Administration

• Lead the development, coordination, and submission of the annual HUD CoC Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) application.
• Coordinate ranking, review, and evaluation processes for CoC-funded projects in accordance with HUD requirements.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the CoC and HUD (regional and national offices, help desk, and technical assistance providers).
• Ensure timely and accurate completion of all HUD-required reports, including but not limited to:
  • Housing Inventory Count (HIC)
  • Point-in-Time (PIT) Count
  • System Performance Measures (SPMs)
  • Longitudinal System Analysis (LSA)
  • Annual Performance Reports (APRs)
• Support CoC-funded agencies with compliance monitoring, performance improvement, and corrective action planning as needed.

HMIS Oversight and Data Management

• Serve as the CoC’s HMIS Lead, providing oversight of the Homeless Management Information System.
• Manage relationships and contracts with HMIS/database vendors, including negotiations and performance oversight.
• Develop, implement, and monitor the CoC Data Quality Plan and related policies.
• Collaborate with program staff, case managers, and supervisors across CoC agencies to ensure accurate, timely, and complete data entry.
• Oversee data analysis and reporting to inform system planning, funding decisions, and performance evaluation.
• Ensure data security, confidentiality, and compliance with HUD and HMIS standards.

Planning, Coordination, and Community Engagement

• Facilitate and coordinate monthly CoC membership meetings, Executive Board meetings, and subcommittee meetings.
• Provide ongoing technical assistance and capacity-building support to CoC member agencies.
• Collaborate with local government, housing authorities, healthcare providers, behavioral health systems, and other partners to strengthen system integration.
• Serve as liaison between the CoC and housing consultants, evaluators, and external technical assistance providers.
• Promote coordinated entry best practices and support continuous improvement of coordinated entry processes.

Training, Communication, and Technical Assistance

• Develop and deliver trainings for CoC agencies on HUD regulations, HMIS, data quality, coordinated entry, and best practices in homeless services.
• Communicate timely updates regarding HUD guidance, policy changes, funding opportunities, and system expectations.
• Represent the CoC at local, regional, state, and national meetings, conferences, webinars, and trainings.
• Prepare written reports, presentations, and communications for stakeholders, funders, and the broader community.

Equity, Performance, and Continuous Improvement

• Advance equity, inclusion, and person-centered approaches across the CoC system.
• Use data and system performance metrics to identify gaps, disparities, and opportunities for improvement.
• Support strategic planning efforts aimed at reducing homelessness, improving outcomes, and strengthening cross-system coordination.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human services, public administration, social work, public health, planning, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience working with homeless services systems, housing programs, or community-wide initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of HUD CoC Program regulations, HMIS, and federal grant compliance.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to facilitate meetings and prepare complex reports.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and project management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience serving in a leadership or administrative role within a Continuum of Care or similar collaborative system.
• Experience with government grant writing, evaluation, and performance management.
• Familiarity with data analysis, system performance measurement, and outcome-based planning.
• Demonstrated ability to build partnerships and navigate complex stakeholder environments.

Benefits:

Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time Off
Holidays (11)
Health Insurance
Dental Benefits
Vision Benefits
401(k) Salary Deferral
401(k) 5% Company Contribution
Group Term Life Insurance
Free Child Care Services
Employee Assistance Program
LifeMart Employee Discounts
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

UNC of NEPA is equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.