Program Director: Youth Programs & Mental Health Lead

The Child Center of NY; New York (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Child Center of NY is seeking a Program Director to lead and manage comprehensive program operations, ensuring excellence, safety, and alignment with the agency’s mission and contractual expectations.

The role oversees budgets, compliance, and reporting while acting as the Mental Health Lead, coordinating with schools, partners, and the Behavioral Health Division to implement mental health supports and crisis navigation. Strong supervisory and collaboration skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in relevant field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in youth development or education, including 2 years in a supervisory role.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and strong administrative skills.
• Ability to plan independently, meet deadlines, and manage multiple priorities.
• Satisfactory background check, fingerprint clearance, and health screening.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of all program components to ensure goals align with agency mission and community needs.
• Maintain an active presence throughout program hours to ensure safety, quality, and alignment with agency standards.
• Supervise, coach, and evaluate staff to promote strong performance and professional growth.
• Oversee program documentation, reporting, and fiscal management to ensure contract compliance.
• Oversee implementation of Mental Health Supports as required by DYCD and promote credentialing for staff where possible.
• Develop and maintain a Mental Health Referral Plan in collaboration with key partners.
• Coordinate with NYCPS social workers and school mental health staff to ensure comprehensive participant support.
• Facilitate referrals to mental health services and track data for DYCD reporting.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Administrative skills

Project planning

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Child Development, Public Administration, or related field

Master’s Degree in Education, Public Administration, Social Work, or related field

Job description

The Child Center of NY is seeking a Program Director to lead and manage comprehensive program operations, ensuring excellence, safety, and alignment with the agency’s mission and contractual expectations.

The role oversees budgets, compliance, and reporting while acting as the Mental Health Lead, coordinating with schools, partners, and the Behavioral Health Division to implement mental health supports and crisis navigation. Strong supervisory and collaboration skills are essential.