Director of Veteran Services

Job Description

Job DescriptionDescription:

DIRECTOR OF VETERANS SERVICES, SOUTH COUNTY

Department: Operation Health Homecoming / SSVF / Veterans
Reports to: Chief Programs Officer, South County
FLSA Status: Exempt
Category: Administrative and Direct Service
Supervision: Direct supervision of program managers and oversight of Long Beach Veteran Services

Summary

The Director of South County Veterans Services is a proactive leader responsible for advancing MHALA’s mission to end veteran homelessness through strategic oversight, cross-sector collaboration, and high-impact service delivery. This role leads multidisciplinary teams across South County and Long Beach, ensuring veterans and their families receive comprehensive, trauma-informed support that promotes housing stability, wellness, and long-term reintegration.

Strategic Leadership & Program Oversight

• Champion a unified vision for veteran services across South County, aligning program goals with MHALA’s strategic priorities and community needs.
• Lead the implementation of evidence-based, person-centered service models that address the complex needs of homeless and at-risk veterans and their families.
• Oversee program budgets, spending plans, and fiscal performance to ensure alignment with funding requirements and agency goals.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including those of the Veterans Administration and private funders.

Community Engagement & Systems Collaboration

• Serve as a key liaison to the Veterans Administration and other regional partners, fostering strong relationships to enhance service coordination and advocacy.
• Represent MHALA in community coalitions and regional initiatives focused on ending veteran homelessness, often taking a leadership role in capacity-building efforts.
• Cultivate partnerships with housing providers, veteran organizations, and community-based agencies to expand access to critical resources.

Team Development & Operational Excellence

• Recruit, mentor, and lead a diverse team of program managers, case managers, outreach workers, and administrative staff.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement through coaching, training, and performance development.
• Collaborate with the North County Senior Director of Veteran Services to implement quality assurance systems that ensure audit readiness and service excellence.
• Lead site planning, staff development, and cross-functional coordination to enhance operational efficiency and morale.

Data-Driven Impact & Continuous Improvement

• Oversee timely and accurate data reporting for all programs, ensuring compliance with funder requirements and internal benchmarks.
• Analyze program outcomes and service trends to inform strategic decisions and drive continuous quality improvement.
• Partner with agency leadership to evaluate and refine service models, ensuring responsiveness to emerging needs and best practices.

Requirements:

Position Requirements

• Minimum five years of progressive leadership experience in social services, with a strong preference for experience in veteran services or homelessness response.
• Demonstrated success in managing complex programs, supervising multidisciplinary teams, and building high-performing cultures.
• Strong fiscal management skills, including budget development, monitoring, and reporting.
• Deep knowledge of community resources, housing systems, and veteran-specific services.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with data systems and reporting platforms preferred.
• Veteran status is valued but not required.
• Must possess a valid Class C driver’s license, reliable transportation, and meet MHALA’s insurance requirements.
• TB clearance and annual re-testing required.
• Flexible schedule, including occasional evenings, weekends, and on-call availability.
• MHALA is no longer requiring COVID-19 vaccinations or booster shots; however, this may become a requirement in the future.