Interim GAINS Program Director (Bedford, Bushwick, Sunset Park & Harlem)

The Salvation Army; New York (NY); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army is looking for a Program Director to oversee program activities in accordance with New York State regulations. The role involves managing staff, implementing student curriculum activities, and ensuring compliance with government contracts.

Applicants must hold an Associate or BA/BS degree related to child development and have direct experience working with children. This position offers a dynamic environment fostering teamwork and student engagement, with critical responsibilities including staff supervision and program quality improvement.

Qualifications

• Two years of direct experience working with children under 18 years.
• Experience in structured programming for elementary and middle school students.

Responsibilities

• Manage program adherence to State regulations.
• Supervise staff and implement curriculum activities.
• Ensure compliance with government contracts.
• Coordinate student activities and maintain progress records.

Skills

Direct experience working with children

Lesson planning

Curriculum development

Supervisory experience

Communication

Education

Associate or BA/BS degree in child development, education, or related field

Job description

The Program Director will work with the Staff in managing the program in adherence to the New York State School-Age Child Care regulations, as well as government contracts. He/she will monitor and support his/her staff and implement student curriculum activities. Familiarity with the student population served is essential.

Responsibilities

• Mandated to attend all required training sessions/ classes including staff and parent meetings.
• Assist in orientation and training of instructors/tutors, high school mentors/tutors and volunteers.
• Ensure all reports required by DHQ and City agencies are completed and processed in a timely manner.
• Ensure all employees are following State and School Age Child Care Regulations.
• Facilitate On-site training such as lesson planning, classroom management, facilitation techniques and strategies to improve program quality.
• Supervise SYEP participants, group leaders and security guard.
• Assist in recruitment and selection of staff (make sure proposed staff meet regulations of DOH).
• Arrange educational, cultural, and social activities for students.
• Update DYCD Workscope, Activity Schedule, Holiday Schedule, and Daily Attendance.
• Create staff dynamics to develop staff. Monthly staff meetings, formal supervision and foster an environment of fun, professionalism, and learning. Teamwork is important.
• Review all lesson plans prepared by all enrichment instructors. Make sure age appropriate.
• Assist in recruitment of children. Contact parents when students are absent at least three days.
• Develop and maintain relationship with principal(s) and teachers at participating school(s). Be aware of and reinforce public school curriculum.
• Create & maintain student folders. Evaluate progress of students monthly by collecting report cards, progress reports, selective homework assignments, etc. This will include monthly meetings with the Principal(s) and/or teachers concerning each student’s progress.
• Coordinate daily Town Hall Meetings.
• Must get the participation of students in the development and implementation of activities.
• Accompany students on trips.
• Make sure attendance is entered on-line daily.
• Organize and facilitate pick-up of children from school.
• Interview & select high school students. Meet with them weekly and when needed. Maintain and collect time sheets. Collect & review report cards. Evaluate their performance.
• Ensure DYCD online is updated on the appropriate frequencies.
• Prepare reports for government contracts.
• Attend all staff meetings and trainings as required.
• Know state/ local oversight agency requirements. Make sure programs adhere to City and State Requirements.
• Make sure program meets the requirements of government contracts and foundations/corporations.
• Prepare payroll for staff.
• Incorporate different methods to engage parents and families.
• The Program Director will provide coverage at the entrance of the program in the absence of the security personnel.

Qualifications

• Must have Associate or BA/BS degree in child development, elementary education, physical education, recreation or a relate field AND two years direct experience working with children under the age of 18 years, including at least one year in a supervisory capacity.
• Must have experience in lesson planning, curriculum development and implementation of structured programming for students in elementary and middle school; and preferably teaching credentials and teaching experience.