Program Director (DHS)

AFRICAN AMERICAN PLANNING COMMISSION INC • New York, NY

10h • Onsite

About The Position

Under the general supervision of the Chief Operating Officer, Program Directors are expected to exercise overall responsibility for the safe operation and effective results of all program operations at the facility. They provide continuous oversight of all facility and program activities, ensuring the shelter maintains contractual compliance regarding program goals and objectives and meets all performance expectations. The role involves maintaining a healthy and safe environment for residents and staff, guiding residents towards independent living, and operating within the approved annual budget. The Program Director serves as the primary program liaison to DHS and collaborates with various departments including Operations, Human Resources, and Quality Assurance to ensure program outcomes, facility maintenance, and regulatory compliance. This role also involves managing vendor relationships, fostering teamwork, assessing program needs, liaising with community leaders, and ensuring prompt responsiveness to incidents and resident grievances. The Program Director oversees administrative staff, manages petty cash, conducts meetings, tracks payroll, and reviews/submits reports to evaluate shelter performance and implement strategic plans.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree in relevant field with a minimum of at least 3-4 years successful experience in servicing to homeless individuals/families, mental health, substance abuse, or senior-level shelter administration OR Bachelor Degree with at least 5-7+ years’ experience in servicing homeless individuals/families, mental health, substance abuse, or senior level shelter administration.
• At least 3-5 years of documented progressive managerial experience.
• Excellent computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• 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 mental health and substance use population.
• Experience in staff training and development.
• An understanding of funding and industry regulations and a track record of meeting compliance standards.
• Strong leadership, excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work on a strong team of professionals in a culturally diverse environment.

Nice To Haves

• License in social work or mental health counseling.

Responsibilities

• Exercise overall responsibility for the safe operation and effective results of all program operations at the facility.
• Provide continuous oversight of all facility and program activities.
• Ensure shelter maintains its contractual compliance regarding program goals and objectives.
• Meet all performance expectations established for the shelter by AAPCI and Department of Homeless Services and other governing entities.
• Maintain a healthy and safe environment for residents and staff while ensuring that residents move towards attainment of independent living, or an appropriate living status beyond AAPCI shelter.
• Operate the facility and programs within the approved limits established by the annual budget.
• Serve as the primary program liaison to DHS.
• Collaboratively work with the Director of Operations, Senior Program Leaders and Executive Management to deliver program outcomes.
• Work collaboratively with building management to maintain facility conditions, including ongoing monitoring of unit repairs and other requirements issued by DOHMH, DOB, FDNY, HPD, DHS, etc.
• Work alongside the Human Resources Department in 1) Adhering to the HR Policies and Procedures established in the Employee Handbook 2) The selection process in filling vacant positions and 3) Receive guidance in handling employee’s performance problems.
• Work alongside the Quality Assurance and Compliance Department in 1) Assuring the shelter remains in compliance with City and State regulations 2) The maintenance of the facility is at a level of excellence that will surpass the requirements of all inspections and 3) Internal trainings/workshops to support professional development.
• Maintain the critical binder and ensure all the necessary documents (inspections, fire drills, site schedule, security licenses) are up to date and audit-ready at all times.
• Work collaboratively with food vendors to ensure retrieval of menus and timely deliveries.
• Be 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.
• Foster a positive teamwork environment through mentoring, coaching, and providing feedback to staff based on performance.
• 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.
• Ensure prompt responsiveness to incidents, especially Priority 1 incidents.
• Follow-up and submit reasonable accommodations and grievances received by shelter residents.
• Oversee administrative assistant who may be involved in daily department activities that implement the organization’s policies.
• Oversee the Administrative Assistant handle of the petty cash funds, required to provide approval for purchases.
• Review the petty cash reconciliation spreadsheet for accuracy and approved purchases for submission to Finance Team.
• Conduct operation and social service department meetings need to discuss program improvements and achieve program goals issued by the funder, governing agencies, and AAPCI.
• Track, review, and complete payroll for employees assigned at the program location.
• Review and submit weekly, biweekly, and monthly internal and external reports required to track facility activity, staffing needs, housing placements, veterans, etc.
• Utilize demographic reports and other existing program data to evaluate shelter performance and implement short- and long-term plans to achieve goals.
• On-call 24/7.
• Tasks may be modified, expanded and assigned over time.

Benefits

• Health and Welfare Benefits: Medical (including prescription coverage), Dental & Vision
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Holidays, Annual Paid Time Off (23 days)
• Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability
• Retirement Benefits Plan (403B)
• College student debt forgiveness (Federal Direct Loans, PSLF)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees