Program Director

Fountain House • New York, NY

29d • $85,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Program Director is responsible for making sure all elements of social practice are available to the membership in the program area and that all social practitioners have adequate support, training and supervision to provide effective quality services to Fountain House members. Social Practice is a specialized form of therapy that uses the setting of an intentional community to assist people in their mental health recovery. It focuses on a community-based approach of helping individuals learn new skills, hone their talents, build dignity, develop a sense of belonging, and make progress towards their goals. The International Standards for Clubhouse Programs, consensually agreed upon by the worldwide Clubhouse community, define the Clubhouse Model of rehabilitation. The principles expressed in these Standards are at the heart of the Clubhouse community’s success in helping people with mental illness to stay out of hospitals while achieving social, financial, educational and vocational goals. The Standards also serve as a “bill of rights” for members and a code of ethics for staff, board and administrators. The Standards insist that a Clubhouse is a place that offers respect and opportunity to its members. The Program Director embodies the values of the clubhouse model, demonstrating what we call our HERO characteristics: fierce optimism, professional curiosity, and a deeply communitarian approach to partnerships and engagement.

Requirements

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including ability to effectively communicate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Basic computer proficiency (MS Office – Word, Excel, AWARDS and Outlook)
• Must be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines, while maintaining a cheerful outlook and providing exemplary customer service.
• Ability to manage a team of staff and members and to conduct assignments to completion within parameters of instructions given, prescribed routines, and standard accepted practices.
• Ability to effectively handle crises in a supportive and professional way based on training and standard accepted practices.
• Master’s degree or equivalent preferred
• An undergraduate degree or an equivalent combination of training and experience required.
• Completion of Leadership Accelerated Program or 3 years outside supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated mastery of the techniques of Social Practice.
• A thorough understanding of Social Practice and the Clubhouse model.

Responsibilities

• Perform all elements of Social Practice (member engagement, social design, relationship development, continuous assessment & therapeutic intervention, and management of transitional environments) with the membership.
• Support and develop a therapeutic community based on Social Practice and the International Standards for Clubhouse Programs.
• Supervise the other social practitioners in your program.
• Mentor, develop and support the other social practitioners throughout the organization.
• Responsible for the program’s budget; data collection; scope of service requirements and overall administration of the program.
• Coordinate schedules; responsibilities; caseloads and evaluations of the social practitioners in the program.
• Ensure the meaningful participation of the program in supporting the clubhouse community and the overall mission of Fountain House.
• Actively participate in programmatic decision-making forums such as the Clubhouse Communications and the Programming Committee.
• Maintain compliance with all government agency requirements, company policies and procedures.
• Promote and support the clubhouse community and Social Practice internally and externally.
• Flexibility, as demonstrated by interchangeability with other staff on the unit, staying late or arriving early, if necessary, to fulfill unit or member needs. Additionally, participate in organizational forums, events and external meetings representing Fountain House as needed.
• Attend events and external meetings representing Fountain House as needed.
• Ensure the program is properly staffed including hiring staff.
• Perform related duties as assigned by Senior Director of Programming & Housing

Benefits

• Empower Marginalized Communities – Elevate the voices of individuals with lived experience and drive real systemic change.
• Innovate in Mental Health Advocacy – Join a mission-driven team at the forefront of mental health reform.
• Professional Growth & Leadership – Access mentorship, training, and career development opportunities in a rapidly evolving field.
• Join Us and Make an Impact! Be part of a movement that is transforming mental health care through research, advocacy, and community.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: Associate degree