Program Director - 3rd Avenue DHS Women's Shelter

Program Director - 3rd Avenue Shelter

Reports to: Division Director

Location: Sunset Brooklyn, New York

Hours & Schedule: Full time Monday - Friday - Availability to be on call 24/7 in case of emergencies

Salary Range: $85,000 - $90,000

Program Summary: Founded in 1866, Brooklyn Community Services (BCS) empowers children and families to reach their full potential, strengthen families, and foster self-sufficiency in adults. With programs in 40 locations, BCS serves more than 20,000 individuals a year.

Established in 1989, the BCS Young Adult Women’s Transitional Shelter is a 39-bed transitional shelter in Sunset Park, Brooklyn for homeless young women, ages 18 to 25. The shelter, which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, empowers women who have been referred to the program by the New York City Department of Homeless Services to obtain permanent housing and helps them develop the independent living skills necessary for life beyond the shelter. Residents gain access to a variety of services such as independent living skills workshops, individual and group counseling, and assistance in securing permanent housing.

Position Summary: The Program Director manages and ensures high quality program service delivery to residents and oversees the day-to-day operations and management of this transitional shelter while ensuring the provision of consistent supervision and management for all aspects of program services in accordance with funder and regulatory requirements; best practices; BCS policies and Core Values; and Code of Conduct for Custodians of People with Special Needs. The Program Director is responsible for cultivating a safe and affirming living environment for residents - many living with a significant mental illness and trauma, and many identifying as part of the LQBTQIA community. Serve as a role model to all stakeholders.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Supervise the program’s multi-disciplinary team

• Coordinate services provided by Employment Specialists, Case managers and Recreation staff to ensure an integrated service plan to address the needs of each shelter resident and the primary goals of the transitional housing program.

• Ensure that the daily operations of the program are running effectively and efficiently.
• Maintain all credentials and certifications for staff (i.e food handlers, food permits and F-80s)

• Provide coaching, training, and staff development to all staff in accordance with BCS’ policies and procedures.

• Ensure new staff orientation is provided so that they become quickly familiar with program procedures and goals.

• Ensure BCS’ Human Resources is consulted for all staff performance concerns.

• Monitor the CARES database to ensure timely documentation.

• Train and support staff in their use of proper policies, practices and procedures to meet and exceed program goals.

• Ensure that all staff receive timely and quality performance evaluations in accordance with BCS’ personnel policies and procedures.

• Develop and market program - Establish linkages with appropriate community agencies for services required by shelter residents, to include medical, mental health, substance abuse, welfare and other stakeholders working with BCS’ clients.

• Monitor the program’s effectiveness in reaching the goals of permanent housing, securing clients’ employment and establishing stability.

• Analyze, develop and implement procedures and policies to ensure quality service provision.

• Assure a safe and healthy environment by participating in the overall security and maintenance of the program in accordance with regulatory guidelines and BCS’ policies.

• authorize purchase orders and ensure that all expenditures are being made in compliance with BCS’ procurement policies and procedures.

• Manage the program’s petty cash and program metro cards to ensure compliance with BCS’ policies.

• Manage community and governmental relations: Participate in local community organizations and attend Community Board meetings in the shelter’s district and serve as a liaison with members of the community.

• Represent the agency at meetings, conferences and public hearings to gain and share information relevant to the program’s operation.

• Participate in staff interviewing and hiring process.

• Perform other related duties as needed.

Qualifications:

• MSW or equivalent degree, LCSW preferred, with a minimum of five years of experience working in supportive housing required and
• At least 5 years of supervisory role in a residential setting serving homeless or other vulnerable populations with experience in harm reduction, trauma- informed care, or a successful combination of experience and education.
• Demonstrated ability to manage social service programs serving diverse client populations with substantial budget responsibility.
• Reasonable combination of skills in the following areas: the design, operational oversight and evaluation of program services, personnel management, budget development and control, property management, public relations, and governmental Relations.

Core Competencies

• Leading Others: Establish a client centered culture at the shelter by modeling BCS’ values. Demonstrate flexibility, adaptability and initiative. Engage the team to achieve high standards.
• Facilitating Change: Support critical large scale changes. Develop and meet challenging but achievable goals with the clients’ wellbeing in mind. Must understand the change management process and use resources, activities, outputs, and outcomes to envision and manage change.
• Managing Performance: Monitor performance against standards and share expectations clearly. Give feedback in writing and verbally; document performance concerns.
• Applying and Developing Expertise: Encourage acquisition of knowledge and skills. Apply technical knowledge to solve problems quickly and effectively. Good attention to detail.
• Communicating and Collaborating: Work collaboratively. Rely on and support the team in achieving results. Use effective verbal and written communication with appropriate tone.
• Demonstrated experience and success in working with diverse and special needs populations

BCS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities