Assistant Director, Temporary Shelter Care

At Wayfinder Family Services, we understand the unique challenges facing some of our state’s most vulnerable children, youth and adults. Those with disabilities, those without a home of their own, those who have been abused and many, many more. We answer the call for them. We believe in the amazing potential in, and for, each and every one of them. And, together, we find a way to turn that potential into reality.  

Program and Role Summary:

Wayfinder’s Temporary Shelter Care is a 10-day temporary shelter care program on our Los Angeles campus for boys and girls ages 0 through 17 who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. These children need temporary refuge until they can be placed with family members or foster families. Our professional staff stabilize children in crisis so they are ready to transition to a placement. Wayfinder is one of only four agencies selected by the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services to provide this service—and the only shelter licensed to care for infants and toddlers. Thus, The Cottage receives all children under age 5 in the county who are removed from their homes due to maltreatment and cannot be immediately placed with a friend or family member.

The primary focus of the Assistant Director will be providing comprehensive oversight of daily program operations, staff supervision, administrative management, and compliance for the Temporary Shelter Care (TSC) program. Additionally, this position will support the development and implementation of training for the Therapeutic Shelter Home (TSH) program. The position ensures a trauma-informed, strength-based, family-friendly environment that integrates mental health treatment and promotes youth development. This role supports both the direct care staff and administrative training functions, ensuring safety, regulatory compliance, and staff development.

This is a limited-term role through December 31, 2025. 

Primary Responsibilities:

• Participates in agency-wide activities and initiatives, including all-staff meetings, working groups, or task forces and implementation of strategic initiatives.
• Leads Group Home staff in meeting the objectives of our federal obligations and standards, in accordance with external and internal agreements, in a manner that respects and encourages their individual gifts and skills and educates them regarding the tasks and skills required to meet objectives.
• Actively works to develop a team atmosphere within the unit and establish a supportive and productive work environment.
• Develops consistent, effective, and efficient practices regarding program service delivery and support to the partners who are implementing programs.
• Other duties as outlined in the position description.

Education and Experience:

• Master’s degree in a relevant field (Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, etc), from an accredited graduate school required.
• Three+ years in a residential setting as a supervisor/manager, preferred
• Pro Act trained and or Pro Act trainer (preferred).
• Ability to work collaboratively with members of interdisciplinary teams.