Director of Programs

About Winston-Salem Rescue Mission:

Winston-Salem Rescue Mission (WSRM) is a Christian, non-denominational service ministry, existing to help hurting men find healing in the gospel of Jesus Christ and hope through the new life Christ gives. WSRM considers every position one of ministry and a vital and valued part of our staff. Therefore, it is essential that all employees of WSRM have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and subscribe to our Mission, Core Values, and Statement of Faith.

Overview

The Director of Programs, key member of Leadership Team reporting to the Executive Director, provides strategic and day-to-day leadership for WSRM’s men’s residential recovery services (currently a 6-month and a 12-month track, serving approximately 70 men). This role is responsible for unifying the two tracks into one cohesive, staged recovery program, strengthening and standardizing curriculum, processes, and staff execution, and driving measurable resident outcomes consistent with WSRM’s Mission and Statement of Faith.

A critical responsibility of this position is the redesign of Work Therapy into a structured, therapeutic and vocationally-formative component of recovery (not merely work output). This role will also build and launch an expanded Aftercare/Transition model and help prepare WSRM’s program model for future growth, including potential transitional housing and 2–3x program expansion.

What Success Looks Like (First 12-18 Months):

• A unified program is launched with clear phases, expectations, milestones, and consistent execution across staff.
• Curriculum is standardized with a documented map (weekly rhythm, learning objectives, groups, assignments, assessments).
• Work Therapy is redesigned with clear goals, coaching structure, supervision standards, safety protocols, and resident progression.
• An Aftercare/Transition framework is operating with measurable engagement (alumni follow-up, mentorship, employment/housing supports, relapse response).
• Staff are aligned and unified—operating with consistent standards, communication rhythm, and accountability.
• Program metrics are being reviewed monthly and used for continuous improvement.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Strategy, Integration & Continuous Improvement

• Lead the integration of the 6-month and 12-month programs into one cohesive, staged program model with defined phases, requirements, and advancement criteria.
• Evaluate, improve, and standardize program curriculum; develop a curriculum map and ensure staff can teach/lead it consistently.
• Implement a continuous improvement rhythm (case review cadence, curriculum review, staff coaching, outcomes review, and corrective action plans).

Work Therapy Redesign

• Redesign work therapy into a therapeutic vocational pathway that supports recovery and discipleship outcomes.
• Create practical tools: training checklists, skill progression, work-ethic rubric, supervisor coaching notes, and resident feedback loops.
• Partner with operations/retail leadership (as applicable) so work therapy supports mission outcomes while maintaining excellence and stewardship.

Aftercare and Transition

• Design and launch an expanded Aftercare/Transition model, including alumni follow-up cadence, mentorship/peer support, relapse response, employment readiness, and community reintegration supports.
• Create a transition pipeline for residents (documents/IDs, recovery supports, employment plan, budgeting, housing steps, transportation, community connection).

Program Operations

• Lead, coach, and unify program staff through change—establish a culture of clarity, consistency, accountability, and servant leadership.
• Hire, train, supervise, evaluate, and (when necessary) discipline or terminate staff in alignment with policies and best practices.
• Ensure accurate and timely data entry in Mission Tracker, and oversee compiling/reporting of program statistics.
• Prepare the program model for growth (staffing ratios, SOPs, training system, facility/program requirements) in anticipation of expansion and potential transitional housing.

Other

• Provide oversight of Food Services leadership to ensure compliance with ServSafe and Second Harvest Food Bank policies and procedures (where applicable).
• Support budget preparation and monitoring of program-related fiscal activities; manage resources responsibly.
• Participate in Leadership Team meetings and carry out other duties as assigned.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Evident Christian maturity; able to model servant leadership; active member of a local church.
• Bachelor’s degree required in social work, human services, biblical counseling, or a related field.
• Master’s degree preferred (social work, human services, biblical studies, counseling, or related field).
• CADC (intern or full) preferred or comparable substance-use counseling credential/experience.
• 7+ years in recovery/addiction-related services preferred, including 3–5+ years leading teams in a residential or similarly complex environment.
• Demonstrated success building or rebuilding programs (curriculum, systems, staff alignment, accountability, measurable outcomes) strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of addiction recovery, relapse dynamics, behavior change, and the realities of residential programming.
• Ability to communicate and counsel with both grace and truth; excellent judgment, conflict resolution, and de-escalation skills.
• Highly organized; strong written and verbal communication; able to write SOPs and train staff to execute them.
• Data-aware and outcomes-focused; able to use resident data to drive improvements.
• Willing to become CPR certified (if not already).
• Valid driver’s license; driving record acceptable to WSRM’s insurance carrier.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL FACTORS:

The work is typically performed indoors, with a displaced and low-SES population, while sitting, standing, or stooping. The employee occasionally lifts light and heavy objects, weighing up to 25 pounds, and requires good physical health, and the ability to climb stairs numerous times per day. May require occasional travel, the majority of which is within the Triad area.