Assistant Program Director (P.S. 197 The Ocean School - Far Rockaway, Queens)

Assistant Program Director

The Child Center of NY strengthens children and families with skills, opportunities, and emotional support to build healthy, successful lives. Founded in 1953, The Child Center of NY has become a powerful community presence throughout the city. With 50 locations and 100 programs in NYC's most under-served communities, our 1,000+ results-oriented professionals make a difference for more than 40,000 children and their families each year.

Position Summary

The Assistant Program Director (APD) supports the Program Director in managing daily operations and ensuring safe, high-quality programming. The APD supervises staff, helps monitor compliance, and maintains effective communication with all stakeholders. In addition to supporting program operations, the APD serves as the site's Inclusion Coordinator, ensuring that all participantsincluding those with disabilities and English Language Learners (ELLs)receive appropriate accommodations and have equitable access to all program services. The APD works closely with the Associate Vice President of Youth Development, School-Based Wellness Programming (AVP of YD SBMH) to access guidance, resources, and training that strengthen inclusion and behavioral health supports.

Essential Functions

Program Operations and Leadership

• Assist in planning, implementing, and monitoring program activities to ensure goals align with agency mission and participant needs.
• Support staff scheduling, supervision, and program logistics.
• Maintain a visible presence throughout program hours to ensure safety, engagement, and quality of service.
• Observe programming, provide coaching and feedback, and help ensure compliance with all agency and DYCD requirements.

Inclusion Coordination and Participant Support

• Serve as Inclusion Coordinator to help participants, families, and staff identify and access tools and resourcesincluding those provided by DYCDto address special needs.
• Develop and manage Individualized Accommodation Plans for participants, and maintain Student Behavioral Support Plans and Logs.
• Coordinate directly provided services (e.g., paraprofessionals for students with disabilities, bilingual staff for ELLs) and indirect supports (e.g., referrals to NYCPS professionals for screening or diagnosis).
• Communicate with DYCD about specialized supports (e.g., paraprofessionals, nurses, or transportation) that extend beyond the program's reasonable accommodation capacity.
• Collaborate with The Child Center's Behavioral Health Division, AVP of YD SBMH Programming, school partners, and community providers to ensure integrated, inclusive support for all youth.

Staff Development and Communication

• Support the Program Director in onboarding, training, and coaching staff to implement inclusive practices and behavior support strategies.
• Participate in and model professional development activities focused on inclusion, equity, and trauma-informed care, with support from the AVP of YD SBMH Programming as needed.
• Promote positive communication and collaboration among staff, families, and school teams.

Family and Community Engagement

• Communicate regularly with families about student needs, accommodations, and progress.
• Collaborate with school-based partners and community organizations to strengthen access to specialized services.
• Support the planning and facilitation of family and community events that highlight inclusive practices and celebrate diversity.

Hours

Monday Friday | 10:00am 6:00pm

Qualifications

• Associate's Degree or equivalent experience required
• Bachelor's Degree in Education, Social Work, or related field (Preferred)
• Bilingual in Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Bengali, Haitian Creole, or other languages relevant to the community (Preferred)
• Minimum 3 years of experience working with youth in educational or community settings
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Experience supporting children and youth with disabilities and/or English Language Learners.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and basic data entry systems.

We Also Offer

• Generous Paid Time Off
• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
• 401k Pension and Employer Contribution
• Flexible Spending and Commuter Benefits Accounts
• Employer paid short-term & long-term disability, life and AD&D insurance
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program

The Child Center of NY is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status or any other category protected by Federal, State or local law. EOE M/F/D/V