Program Director Scattered Sites - Ithaca, NY

ST JOHNS COMMUNITY SERVICES•City of Ithaca, NY

9d•$35 - $40•Onsite

About The Position

St. John’s Community Services is seeking a part-time or contract Program Director for a nine-bed scattered-site residential program in Ithaca, New York, serving individuals in recovery. The role ensures safe program operations in compliance with New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) regulations and supports high-quality, effective service delivery. The position is expected to work approximately 15 hours per week; the hiring range is $35–$40 per hour, with the posting also listing 15–20 hours per week. The Program Director provides clinical and operational support, maintains service plans and official records, supports staff development, and helps ensure required program licensures and certifications. The position works with the State Director and other program leaders on admissions, compliance, reporting, and analysis of program data. This is a residential environment that involves regular movement, travel between locations, and lifting as expected in a residential setting. St. John’s Community Services supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and adults and children experiencing hunger and homelessness. Its mission is to advance inclusive communities and help every person live their best life. The organization describes a family culture, flexibility, and the opportunity to help others as aspects of working there. Applicants must apply through the SJCS Careers link on the company website.

Requirements

A minimum of five years of full-time experience in the treatment of substance use disorder or a related field.
Meet SJCS and funding authority requirements for criminal background checks, NYS Justice Center SEL checks, and OCFS State Central Registry checks.
Obtain a valid health certificate as required by SJCS or the current funding authority.
Ability to work in a residential environment involving regular movement, travel between locations, and lifting expected in that setting.

Nice To Haves

Experience in residential services; this is an asset but is not required.
Expertise in substance use counseling and culture, including familiarity with treatment modalities, orientations, and approaches and knowledge of historical and emerging trends in substance use and recovery, including harm reduction and multiple pathways of recovery.
Fluency with electronic health record use and quality compliance standards for client charting.
New York State licensure and OASAS programmatic experience.
Ability to use a collaborative approach that empowers clients to develop individualized goals.
Ability to create, maintain, foster, and repair therapeutic relationships with clients.
Skill in using de-escalation techniques preventatively and proactively in potential client crises.
Appropriate credentials in good standing, such as CASAC-AC, CASAC-MC, or another Qualified Health Professional credential as defined by 14 NYCRR Part 800, with at least one year of experience or satisfactory completion of a training program in addiction treatment. Listed eligible credentials include a current CASAC or comparable credential; a National Board of Certified Counselors-certified counselor; a Commission of Rehabilitation Counselor Certification-certified rehabilitation counselor; a certified therapeutic recreation therapist; a NYS Department of Education-licensed PA, NP, RN, psychologist, occupational therapist, or social worker (LMSW or LCSW); or a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC), marriage and family therapist (LMFT), creative arts therapist (LCAT), or licensed psychoanalyst.

Responsibilities

Prepare and submit clinical reports to leadership.
Ensure the development and maintenance of service plans.
Review and maintain official records, including service plans, progress reports, session and group notes, and discharge and aftercare plans.
Assist Residential Counselor staff in developing their understanding of chemically dependent behavior, interviewing, group facilitation, therapy techniques, client evaluation, and clinical documentation.
Support leadership in maintaining required program licensures and certifications, including OASAS, CARF, DOH, and DEA requirements.
Provide clinical support for admissions, including referrals, assessment, intake, and insurance.
Collaborate with the State Director and other program leadership to interpret and analyze program data to inform future program decisions.
Assist with requests for proposals, OASAS applications, and other internal and external reports as requested by the State Director.
Keep abreast of new and emerging concepts, strategies, and techniques in the services.
Attend and participate in relevant agency events, workshops, training, and meetings as requested.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.