NSP Social Services Program Director

Job Description

Job Description

About St, John’s

Founded in 1826 as a home for orphaned children, St. John’s has evolved into a nonprofit social services agency providing residential care to New York City youth involved in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. We offer holistic, trauma-informed support to young people up to age 21. 

Our main campus in Rockaway Park, Queens, houses a Residential Treatment Center, Close to Home Non-Secure Placement programs, administrative offices, clinical services, and an on-site NYC Department of Education school. We also operate a Non-Secure Detention residence in Richmond Hill and Limited Secure Placement programs in Brooklyn and Staten Island. 

St. John’s is dedicated to helping youth heal, grow, and build the skills they need to achieve their goals and return to family or a stable, supportive environment as engaged members of their communities. 

Summary Job Description:

The Director hires, trains, supervises and evaluates all Social Service Staff. In alliance with residential services (and the evidence based/other program approach) assures the provision of quality and timely trauma-informed/strength-based youth and family casework services up to and including discharge/transition planning. This position is highly interactive with youth, staff, families and other stakeholders.

Principal Responsibilities: 

• Demonstrates fidelity to the agency’s service values and organizational imperatives.

• Assures Social Service coverage during all business hours and as needed in emergency instances.

• Assists in coordinating intake/admissions meetings and paperwork.

• Models and assures timely and high-quality psycho-social assessments, one-on-one counseling and trauma-informed casework practice with individual youth.

• Chairs Treatment Planning/ Other Conferences as related to resident progress. Attends internal

departmental meetings as needed.

• Direct involvement in challenging cases, support to Case Planners as needed.

• Familiarizes themselves with the youth, supports the team as it relates to the residents’ goals and ensures nurturing relationships with them.

• Assures the coordination of all services: residential, medical, clinical, educational, vocational,

legal/court calendar, etc.

• Promotes permanent connections for the youth. Assures family engagement in the work of the program. Communicates freely with families, including critical information sharing (medical issues, incidents, service updates, etc.).

• Performs supervision with staff, at least bi-weekly, to discuss performance, case progress and areas in need of improvement.

• Assures development of a comprehensive community transition plan (Aftercare Plan) for every youth.

• Assumes liability for both successes and areas for improvement within the department as related to staff performance, resources and program compliance.

• Assures appropriate authorization, scheduling, communications, documentation and follow-up to all home visits (youth/family).

• Assures timely compliance with all applicable social service-related regs/mandated paperwork and record-keeping (OCFS, ACS, Courts, etc.).

• Attends trainings as recommended for program needs, performance enhancement or other.

• Serves as a liaison between ACS immigration and educational matters.

• Participates in the agency's senior leadership meetings (Leadership Council).

• Performs all other duties as assigned.

**For any/all overnight shift employee: In addition to the core responsibilities listed above, the overnight shift requirements include the following

• Remain awake and alert at all times

• Check on youth during the night as prescribed and deal with any/ all issues that may arise

• Assist youth in their morning routines

• Follow protocols when youth are sick

• Follow unit specific household duties as assigned

• Refrain from engaging in personal activities that are not work related

• Notify night-time administrator of any major concerns

Minimum Requirements:

Master's degree required, MSW preferred, with a minimum of two years’ supervisory experience in juvenile justice/child welfare/residential care required. Former case management experience is a plus. The ideal candidate must be high energy with a bias for action. Leads by example, with a strong sense of purpose and performance expectations/service excellence. Ability to work flexible hours, including some evenings/weekends. Proven leader with ability to positively influence staff and program. Able to effectively manage crises and conflicts. Practices and drives teamwork within and between service units. Is self-aware, able to reflect on one's thinking, feelings, behavior and personal strengths, weaknesses, and performance. Commitment to professional growth. Writes and speaks persuasively and concisely in ways that build credibility and commitment.

Disclaimer:

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbent in this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of a person in this position.