Assistant Program Director (P.S. 197 The Ocean School - Far Rockaway, Queens)

Child Center Residential Treatment Facility•Queens, NY

20h•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Program Director (APD) supports the Program Director in managing daily operations and ensuring safe, high-quality programming. The APD supervises staff, helps monitor compliance, and maintains effective communication with stakeholders. The APD also serves as the site’s Inclusion Coordinator, ensuring participants—including those with disabilities and English Language Learners (ELLs)—receive appropriate accommodations and equitable access to program services. The APD works with the Associate Vice President of Youth Development, School-Based Wellness Programming (AVP of YD SBMH) to access guidance, resources, and training that strengthen inclusion and behavioral health supports. The role supports planning and monitoring program activities, staff scheduling and supervision, program logistics, safety, service quality, coaching, and compliance with agency and DYCD requirements. It coordinates accommodation plans, behavioral support plans, direct and indirect specialized services, and collaboration with families, staff, school partners, community providers, and agency teams. The APD also supports staff onboarding, training, and coaching in inclusive practices and behavior support strategies; models professional development focused on inclusion, equity, and trauma-informed care; communicates with families about student needs and progress; and helps organize family and community events. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Requirements

Associate’s Degree or equivalent experience required.
At least 3 years of experience working with youth in educational or community settings.
Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Experience supporting children and youth with disabilities and/or English Language Learners.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and basic data entry systems.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Social Work, or a related field.
Bilingual in Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Bengali, Haitian Creole, or other languages relevant to the community.

Responsibilities

Assist in planning, implementing, and monitoring program activities to align with agency mission and participant needs.
Support staff scheduling, supervision, and program logistics.
Maintain a visible presence during program hours to promote safety, engagement, and quality of service.
Observe programming, provide coaching and feedback, and help ensure compliance with agency and DYCD requirements.
Serve as Inclusion Coordinator and help participants, families, and staff identify and access tools and resources to address special needs.
Develop and manage Individualized Accommodation Plans and maintain Student Behavioral Support Plans and Logs.
Coordinate direct services, such as paraprofessionals for students with disabilities and bilingual staff for ELLs, as well as indirect supports such as referrals to NYCPS professionals for screening or diagnosis.
Communicate with DYCD about specialized supports, such as paraprofessionals, nurses, or transportation, beyond the program’s reasonable accommodation capacity.
Collaborate with The Child Center’s Behavioral Health Division, AVP of YD SBMH Programming, school partners, and community providers to support inclusive services for youth.
Support the Program Director in onboarding, training, and coaching staff on inclusive practices and behavior support strategies.
Participate in and model professional development focused on inclusion, equity, and trauma-informed care.
Promote positive communication and collaboration among staff, families, and school teams.
Communicate regularly with families about student needs, accommodations, and progress.
Collaborate with school-based partners and community organizations to strengthen access to specialized services.
Support the planning and facilitation of family and community events that highlight inclusive practices and celebrate diversity.