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

The Child Center of NY•New York, NY

2d•$26 - $27•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, helping ensure that participants—including those with disabilities and English Language Learners—receive appropriate accommodations and equitable access to program services. The role works closely with the Associate Vice President of Youth Development, School-Based Wellness Programming to access guidance, resources, and training that strengthen inclusion and behavioral health supports. The APD helps plan, implement, and monitor activities; supports staff scheduling, supervision, and logistics; maintains a visible presence during program hours; observes programming and provides coaching and feedback; and helps ensure compliance with agency and DYCD requirements. As Inclusion Coordinator, the APD helps participants, families, and staff access resources, develops and manages Individualized Accommodation Plans, maintains Student Behavioral Support Plans and Logs, coordinates direct and indirect supports, and communicates with DYCD about specialized services that exceed the program’s reasonable accommodation capacity. The APD supports staff onboarding, training, and coaching in inclusive practices and behavior support; models professional development focused on inclusion, equity, and trauma-informed care; and promotes collaboration among staff, families, and school teams. The role also communicates with families about student needs, accommodations, and progress, collaborates with school and community partners to expand access to specialized services, and supports inclusive family and community events. The position is based at P.S. 197 The Ocean School in Far Rockaway, Queens, and is scheduled Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Requirements

Associate’s Degree or equivalent experience required.
Minimum 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 goals with the agency mission and participant needs.
Support staff scheduling, supervision, and program logistics.
Maintain a visible presence throughout program hours to support 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, including those provided by DYCD, to address special needs.
Develop and manage Individualized Accommodation Plans for participants and maintain Student Behavioral Support Plans and Logs.
Coordinate direct services, such as paraprofessionals for students with disabilities and bilingual staff for English Language Learners, as well as indirect supports such as referrals to NYCPS professionals for screening or diagnosis.
Communicate with DYCD about specialized supports, including paraprofessionals, nurses, or transportation, that extend beyond the program’s reasonable accommodation capacity.
Collaborate with The Child Center’s Behavioral Health Division, the AVP of YD SBMH Programming, school partners, and community providers to provide integrated, inclusive support for youth.
Support the Program Director in onboarding, training, and coaching staff in inclusive practices and behavior support strategies.
Participate in and model professional development focused on inclusion, equity, and trauma-informed care, with support from the AVP of YD SBMH Programming as needed.
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.