director of youth services

Organizational Background

Rocking the Boat began as an afterschool boatbuilding program for high school students in the South Bronx and was incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit in 2001. Today, the organization, with an annual budget of just under $5 million, is a hub of youth development programming that serves nearly 5,000 community members annually across three locations. The mediums of boatbuilding, environmental science, and sailing are paired with social-emotional, academic, and career counselling by a team of licensed social workers to have profound and lasting impact on participants.

Position Summary

The Director of Youth Services is a New York State licensed mental health professional responsible for coordinating all youth services across the organization to leverage the impact of Rocking the Boat's programming. This involves general adolescent-oriented social and emotional support, case management around mental health, family systems, and school, as well as comprehensive college and career guidance services for Rocking the Boat's community of middle and high school participants and recent alumni. The position is dually responsible for managing a two-person staff and interns and providing as needed social, academic, and mental health support to approximately 60 clients. The Director of Youth Services reports to the Chief Youth Development Officer and works in partnership with the Director of Sailing, the Director of Environmental Science and Justice, and the Director of Boatbuilding.

Responsibilities

Program Management

• Ensure that Rocking the Boat's middle and high school participants and alumni clients receive comprehensive and effective social, academic, mental health, and post-secondary school guidance services
• Support staff in developing and maintaining partnerships with local mental health and job placement organizations for clinical and professional referrals
• Manage Rocking the Boat's volunteer-staffed tutoring program

Mental Health and Personal Development Support for High School Juniors and Seniors and Alumni Within Six Years of High School Graduation

• Provide short-term, goal-oriented counseling and crisis intervention, making referrals to external clinical resources when necessary
• Organize and lead groups on a range of relevant social and emotional needs for juniors, seniors, and alumni, based on interest and need throughout the year
• Participate in Boatbuilding, Sailing, and Environmental programs both on and off site in order to develop deeper relationships with participants
• Regularly engage schools, families, and other systems in supporting participant and alumni needs
• Conduct at least one annual mental health check in with each graduate within six years of high school graduation

Post-Secondary Support: Collaborate with College and Career Coordinator in Supporting Apprentices to Make Informed Post-Secondary Choices

• Co-lead workshops for apprentices and their families that focus on topics that support the practical elements of preparing for college, trade school, and other post-secondary opportunities
• Work individually with apprentices throughout the year to support the social and emotional elements of exploring post-high school options and planning next steps
• Co-lead group conversations on a range of professional competencies and on the importance of building social capital
• Co-lead day and overnight trips to local colleges
• Support the College and Career Coordinator in leading five workplace visits each summer

Apprentice and Alumni Support and Engagement through Programs and Events

• In collaboration with the College and Career Coordinator, offer participants life skills training opportunities in areas such as financial management, health and healthcare, and civic engagement
• With the Chief Youth Development Officer, lead fall and spring semester Family Nights and end of semester celebrations
• Support and join Job Skills Program staff in planning, organizing, and attending two annual single-day and overnight professional exploration trips
• Collaborate with the College and Career Coordinator to organize and lead two annual Alumni Reunions

Administration

• Actively use a Salesforce database to maintain all relevant client data and to record all client interactions
• Conduct annual social emotional learning assessments of all apprentices using the Hello Insight evaluation tool
• Assist the Development Department by sharing student data and anecdotes of programmatic successes or challenges for reports and proposals

Staff Supervision and Development

• -one Licensed Social Worker and one College and Career Coordinator, supporting their individual success and offering regular guidance and clinical supervision
• Recruit two master's level social work interns annually
• Hire, orient, train, and retain a highly qualified team

Community Relations

• Engage with parents and community members at Rocking the Boat's four community events hosted each year
• Participate in a variety of local community meetings and events
• Collaborate with the Parent Advisory Committee Coordinator to strengthen communication and foster engagement between parents and the staff

This job description does not represent a complete, comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities of this position; other duties and unplanned activities may be required.

Qualifications

Strong candidates will have at least five years' experience in non-profit management and program development and demonstrated experience in all of the following:

• Master's level mental health licensure such as a Licensed Master of Social Work or a Licensed Mental Health Counselor
• Success in leading and managing teams with strong but flexible and creative leadership in educational/youth development environments
• Program design and development
• Working in and with racially and socioeconomically marginalized communities
• Empowering direct reports to fulfill programmatic objectives while holding them accountable
• Developing and managing program budgets
• Collaborating with other organizations or schools
• Organizational planning and problem solving
• Spanish language skills are a significant plus
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record a plus

Rocking the Boat offers

• Full-time salaried position: $90,000-$100,000, commensurate with experience
• Benefits package including Health, Vision, Dental and 401k with 6% employer match
• 38 days paid time off including official holidays (43 after three years)
• Opportunity to work with a creative, well-funded organization committed to community development and youth empowerment

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging at Rocking the Boat

Rocking the Boat is committed to creating an environment that promotes the diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging of all applicants and employees. The organization strives not only to accept but to affirm and celebrate all identities. Race, religion, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, and veteran status are not barriers to employment at Rocking the Boat. Candidates should feel welcome to communicate any special needs or requirements to be accommodated throughout the hiring process.

To apply

To apply please send a detailed cover letter highlighting your relevant experience and qualifications along with a current resume to Adam Green, Executive Director, at adam@rockingtheboat.org with Director of Youth Services as the subject.