Program Director

Under the direction of the Regional Deputy Director, the Program Director - Children’s Crisis Residences is responsible for establishing and overseeing operations of YAI’s Children’s Crisis Residences, under the auspices of NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH), which will provide 24 / 7 person-centered, trauma-informed residential services for children with behavioral health challenges, who are in crisis. Determines and coordinates program needs, identifying and directing the design and implementation of services, policies and procedures and required staffing and resources, with an emphasis on team management, development and establishment of standards of performance and measures of program success. Ensures the operational success of programs through selection, development and oversight of the interdisciplinary team and maintains overall responsibility for the development and implementation of initiatives that support program quality and compliance with Federal, State, Local and OMH requirements and development of linkages and relationships with community and other potential partners.

Minimum Qualification Requirements including education, experience, licensure / certification, etc. and essential physical capabilities (e.g. lifting, assisting lifting, standing, etc.) :

• Current license or limited permit and registration issued by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) which authorized provision of direct services relating to the treatment of mental health such as Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT); and
• At least three (3) years of experience providing crisis intervention and therapeutic services to children with mental or behavioral health needs, ideally in a New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) program; and
• Two (2) years of experience providing direct supervision to staff, ideally including staff providing clinical or other professional supports; or
• Satisfactory equivalent combination of education, experience and / or training. However, all incumbents must hold a current license and registration in one of the disciplines listed above or another similar discipline, as authorized by NYS OMH.
• Knowledge of applicable Federal, State, Local and / or NYS OMH regulations relating to services for children.
• Extensive knowledge of behavioral / mental health diagnoses.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to represent YAI with external partners, oversight agencies and in publicity events.
• Ability to develop and maintain productive and professional working relationships with agency staff at all levels and with a variety of stakeholders including children supported, families, the community and external partners.
• Commitment to maintaining and ensuring staff maintain the highest levels of ethical standards and integrity.
• Exceptional interpersonal, supervisory and leadership skills and ability to effectively manage, coach and support teams through hands-on support.
• Ability to work in a stressful environment and to support team, people we support and / or families with behavioral / mental health crises as they occur.
• Strong planning, organizational and decision-making skills, including the ability to effectively manage projects and operations, anticipate roadblocks and think strategically to meet deadlines.
• Proficiency with computers and Microsoft Office Suite and ability to quickly learn electronic systems including Workday and electronic medical record / documentation systems to complete tasks.
• Ability to respond to calls and programmatic needs beyond regular work hours / be on-call as needed.
• Ability to report regularly to Children’s Crisis Residence programs in the NYC metropolitan area and / or other designated YAI location, as directed and to travel to other regions or locations across NYS, as needed or requested.
• Ability to meet essential physical demands of position including frequent walking, sitting, standing, bending, twisting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, pushing, pulling and reaching with hands and arms; use hands to handle, finger or feel objects, tools or controls; assisting with lifting / moving individuals of any weight with assistance of mechanical lifts or other equipment and / or pushing individuals in wheelchairs; lifting and / or moving up to 25 pounds on occasion; having the physical capacity to work with and implement emergency interventions as per the person’s Individual Service Plan if / as needed, including lifting / moving individuals of any weight with or without assistance of equipment and / or other staff, which may include running.

See full job responsibilities and preferred qualification requirements here :

Preferred Qualification Requirements (desired requirements beyond MQRs above)

Compensation : $100,000.00-120,000.00 annually

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or status as a Vietnam or disabled veteran. YAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.