Program Director

The Program Director is responsible for supervising the shelter/program under his/her jurisdiction. This includes supervision of personnel, facility management, fiscal management, client services, liaison with funding sources, and community relations. Adhere to and comply with ALL contract requirements.

The essential functions of the job include but are not limited to the duties listed in the job description.

Duties and responsibilities include:

• Exercise overall responsibility for the safe operation and effective results of all program operations at the facility
• Maintain a healthy and safe environment for residents and staff while ensuring that residents all are moving towards attainment of independent living, or an appropriate living status beyond the Tilden Hall Residence shelter.
• Operate the facility and programs within the approved limits established by the annual budget.
• Serve as the primary program liaison to DHS.
• Work alongside the Human Resources Department in 1) adhering to the HR Policies and Procedures established in the Employee Handbook and 2) the selection process in filling vacant positions.
• Responsible for maintaining effective communication and interaction with staff in all areas of the shelter while ensuring the staff receives the necessary training and professional development that will equip them to be successful in their job descriptions.
• Assure the shelter remains in compliance with City and State regulations and that the program and the facility are maintained at a level of excellence that will surpass the requirements of all inspections.
• Assess program needs and identify potential funding streams to enhance services.
• Serve as liaison to local service providers and community leaders to ensure a good relationship with the community.
• Assure that the physical environment of the shelter is maintained and respond to quality assurance questions in a timely manner.
• Ensure shelter maintains its contractual compliance regarding program goals and objectives.
• Direct supervision of the following personnel: Social Services Director, Client Care Coordinator Supervisor, Security Supervisor, Childcare Supervisor, Intake Specialist and Maintenance Facility Manager.

Personnel and facility management includes:

1. Direct supervision of department heads.
2. Conduct and ensure provision of relevant training programs for staff (orientation, career development, on-going training)
3. Perform and review all aspects of personnel management (hiring, terminations, performance reviews, progressive discipline, etc.)
4. Ensure implementation of and adherence to all Quality Assurance initiatives.

Fiscal management includes:

1. Ensure timely submission of all financial reports.

Liaison with funding sources includes:

1. Review program sub-contracts with Administrative Director as applicable.
2. Liaison between contract holder and Highland Park Community Development Corporation.

Client services includes:

1. Supervise all client services.
2. Ensure confidentiality of all client program records and files.

Community relations includes:

1. Develop and maintain community linkages in which the shelter/facility is located.
2. Establish and maintain relationships with support agencies and facilities (day treatment programs, victim services, vocational/educational programs, community-based services, etc.)
3. Attends Highland Park Community Development Corporation Advisory Council Meetings, and local community board meetings as required.
4. Establish and maintain shelter/program Community Advisory Board.
5. Develop Volunteer Programs.

Employee may be required to carry out additional duties as assigned by Supervisor.

Qualifications include:

• A minimum of 7-10 years' successful experience in the fields of: services to homeless people; clinical social work with medically frail, mentally ill, or at-risk populations; or in senior-level shelter administration. In addition, successful experience with budget management is strongly desired.
• Excellent computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Cares and ADP Workforce now platform or similar platforms.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with emphasis on face-to-face, empathetic communication with shelter residents.
• Exceptional leadership skills in dealing with both staff and residents coupled with a personal commitment to serving the poor and disadvantaged.
• Experience with MICA. Mentally ill and chemical abuse.
• Master's degree or higher in Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, Non-profit Operations Nursing, Public Health, Public Policy, or a related field with a related License. A minimum of 3 to 5 years post-masters work experience in the behavioral health and criminal justice field with progressively increasing responsibilities, preferably with the target population
• Knowledge of mental illness and serious emotional disturbances and substance use disorders
• In depth knowledge of NYC behavioral health and community support programs and systems
• Knowledge of homeless resources, NYC shelter systems, and MTA transit systems
• Experience working with homeless and precariously housed populations.
• Knowledge of treatment, rehabilitation, and community support programs as they relate to consumers/residents, families, and staff
• Knowledge of multi-disciplinary team experience preferred
• Knowledge of techniques for identifying and preventing potentially violent behavior, including crisis management techniques
• Ability to prepare accurate and timely reports
• Ability to manage multiple projects and ask for help when needed
• Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders
• Competency in written, interpersonal, verbal, and computational skills to present and document records in accordance with program standards
• Available to work a flexible schedule in response to participant and staff needs
• This position will require travel as needed

Preferred education of a shelter director includes:

• Masters level in Social Work or Non-Profit Business Operations, or appropriate, equal experience.

Competencies include:

1. Customer Service Orientation: Manages difficult or emotional situations with internal and external stakeholders; Responds promptly to customer needs; Responds to request for service and assistance. Maintains and communicates a positive "can do" attitude with internal and external stakeholders.
2. Problem Solving: Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Uses reason when dealing with emotional topics.
3. Systems Thinking: Demonstrates an ability to (a) see how organizational systems ( e.g., internal/external conditions, processes, people ) interact and influence each other, and (b) how these systems create and contribute to specific issues ( e.g., high voluntary turnover ) and strengths ( e.g., strong customer focus ).
4. Planning / Organization: Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently: Plans for additional resources; Develops realistic action plans. Leverages tools to manage workflow and reprioritizes accordingly.
5. Service and Teamwork - Understands the needs and wants of the organization, customers, co-workers, and supervisors in order to provide accurate, complete and timely service and to further the mission, values and goals of the organization.
6. Oral Communication: Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification.
7. Written Communication: Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
8. Ethics: Treats people with respect: Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
9. Dependability: Follows instructions; Responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments.
10. Computer Skills: Proficient in computer software programs (Word, Excel, Power Point, CARES, etc.)
11. Language skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Reads and comprehends simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos; Writes simple correspondence; Presents information in one-on-one and small groups situations outside stakeholders, clients, and other employees. Bilingual is preferred

General physical requirements and working conditions include:

1. General working hours: Generally, this position is Monday through Friday.
2. Working from home: Most essential functions of this job cannot be completed working from home.
3. Travel: May be required to travel about 5% of the time to purchase items or to attend a training or go to the post office as needed.