Program Director

Urban Pathways; New York (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Urban Pathways is seeking a Program Director to lead and oversee all aspects of our program services in New York City. The role ensures high-quality client services, effective operations, and strong cross-cultural engagement with diverse populations.

Reporting to the Deputy Executive Director, you will supervise clinical and operational staff, manage the annual budget, and ensure compliance with funding and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Social Work, Psychology, or a related field; LMSW preferred.
• Five years of supervisory and administrative experience supporting adults with mental illness.
• Experience in supportive housing or similar residential programs is strongly preferred.
• Solid understanding of programmatic and regulatory funding requirements.
• Ability to communicate cross-culturally and work with diverse populations.

Responsibilities

• Develops, implements, assesses, and evaluates program policies and procedures; ensures goals are met.
• Oversees program staff and provides supervision and coaching.
• Monitors fiscal operations, budgets, and reporting in collaboration with leadership.
• Represents the program in meetings with government, community, and regulatory agencies.
• Ensures compliance with health, safety, and regulatory requirements; maintains confidentiality.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Crisis intervention

Teamwork

Confidentiality & ethics

Cultural competence

Bilingual/multilingual

Education

Master's Degree in Social Work / related field

LMSW preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Awards database (client relational DB)

Job description

About Urban Pathways

Since 1975, Urban Pathways has engaged New York City’s most vulnerable residents, people on the streets or in areas unfit for human habitation, “lighting the path home, one person at a time.” Urban Pathways is a catalyst for transformative change in the lives of unhoused adults, empowering them to discover their inherent strengths and abilities. We provide essential support and foster an environment where individuals can redefine their narratives and become their best selves.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Deputy Executive Director, the Program Director ensures that service delivery and operations of the program meet contractual standards, and client needs safely and effectively. The Program Director oversees all aspects of the program including clinical and operational staff. The Program Director will be an active listener and provide high quality customer service and respond by exhibiting cross-cultural awareness with the ability to promote and contribute to an equitable and inclusive anti-racist organizational culture and environment.

Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions

Program/Facilities

• Develops, implements, assesses, and evaluates program policies, practices, procedures and ensures that performance-based incentives and all other goals of the program are met.
  • Develops and coordinates program specific policies and procedures in collaboration with the Director of Social Services/Social Services Supervisor, and Director of Operations.
• Ensures the program complies with Urban Pathways and funding and regulatory agency requirements and guidelines.
• Supervises, evaluates and coaches the Director of Social Services/Social Services Supervisor, Director of Operations, Administrative Assistant and other staff, as appropriate, on work assignments and community resources.
  • Schedules and oversee monthly and other staff meetings.
  • Provides on-going and formal weekly supervision to staff.
  • Provides ongoing support and guidance and when necessary, facilitates issue resolutions.
  • Ensures that standard operating procedures are followed by all staff.
• Provides strong leadership and effectively manages the social service and operation teams ensuring efficiency across the program.
  • Oversees all services and programs to ensure that goals and objectives are met.
• Collaborates with Human Resources to effectively and efficiently recruit, hire, and onboard new program staff.
• Assesses staff training needs and coordinates delivery of training.
  • Facilitates and supports staff development.
• Oversee maintenance of facility and ensure compliance with all Urban Pathways policies and procedures and all health, safety, fire codes other regulatory requirements.
• Is on call to address emergency needs on a twenty-four-hour basis.

Administrative

• Monitors fiscal operations and develops annual budget in consultation with the Deputy Executive Director and Finance Department.
  • Ensures compliance with Urban Pathway’s fiscal policies and procedures.
• Ensures internal and external reports are accurate, timely and meet required standards.
• Monitors and ensures accuracy of employee payroll system.
• Assists in the development of proposals and/or contracts with funding or potential funding sources.
• Ensures that the program adheres to all Urban Pathways and funding and regulatory agency requirements and guidelines.
• Establishes relationships with vendors and supervises merchandise quality.
• Assists and approves staff schedules and requests for schedule changes.
• Ensuring reporting and management of critical incidents comply with Urban Pathways and funding and regulatory agency requirements and guidelines.

Community Relations

• Develops and maintains ongoing relationships with community services and resources.
  • Establishes and promotes relationships with internally and with community organizations and groups, funding and regulatory agencies.
  • Establishes linkages with community providers and works with the Deputy Director to obtain Letters of Agreement.
• Represents the program and Urban Pathways at various internal and external meetings.
  • Represents the program and Urban Pathways at governmental, community and agency meetings as designated by the Deputy Executive Director.
  • Regularly attends meetings of the Community Board’s Social Services or Housing Committees.

Communication

• Communicates verbally and in writing in a professional manner at all times.
• Facilitates/attends staff meetings, training, and supervisory sessions, as required.
• Responds to all communications including telephone, email and other oral and written inquiries in a timely manner.

Qualifications, Education And Experience

• Master's Degree in Social Work, Psychology, or another related field required. LMSW preferred.
• Five years of experience supporting adults experiencing mental illness and/or multiple challenges (MICA), including five years of supervisory and administrative experience.
• Demonstrated experience working within supportive housing, drop-in center, scattered-site programs, Single Room Occupancy (SRO) settings, or similar residential program environments is strongly preferred.
• Must possess a solid understanding of and familiarity with programmatic and regulatory requirements connected to applicable funding sources.
• Experience with individuals experiencing homeless and/or mentally illness and substance abuse population preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office (e.g. Word, Outlook, etc.).
• Strong skills and knowledge of client relational databases (e.g. Awards preferred).
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and crisis intervention skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and upholding ethical standards in delivery service.
• Work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Bi/multi-lingual a plus.

Licenses

• A valid driver's license is required, with an acceptable driving record that complies with our insurance policy standards.
• Valid professional licenses and certifications, if applicable.

Capabilities

• May be required to work a flexible schedule including weekends, holidays, and evenings.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, push, pull, lift (up to 25 lbs.).
• Desire to perform the essential functions of this job.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.