Safe Haven Program Director

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

Job summary

The Bridge is seeking a Program Director for Safe Haven—Fordham Heights in the Bronx. You will supervise clinical and operational staff, ensure trauma-informed, client-driven services, and oversee admissions, services, and housing referrals, reporting to the Area Director.

35 hours per week with a variable schedule, supporting 24/7 front desk coverage, case management, medical care, and housing referrals as part of a comprehensive Safe Haven program.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in related field with LMSW, LCSW, or LMHC preferred.
• Minimum 2-3 years of supervisory experience.
• Experience with homeless populations and supervising clinical/operational staff.
• Spanish language skills are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Directly supervise Case Managers/Housing Specialists and other clinical staff, and the Operations Coordinator.
• Oversee admissions, ongoing operations, and discharge to stable housing.
• Maintain program readiness for audits and inspections.

Skills

Staff supervision

Crisis intervention

Verbal de-escalation

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Trauma-informed care

Spanish language (a plus)

Education

Master’s degree in related field

LMSW/LCSW/LMHC preferred

Tools

CARES

AWARDS

BCS

Job description

Sub-Department/Program: Safe Haven- Fordham Heights

Reports to: Area Director

FLSA Status: Exempt

Union Status: Non-union

Program Description: In a forty-two bed Safe Haven facility, funded by the Department of Homeless Services and located on Webster Avenue, in the Bronx, the Program Director will work under the supervision of the Area Director and supervise the operations and clinical staff. The program includes on-site services such as 24/7 front desk coverage, case management, medical care, psychiatric evaluation, meals, laundry services, and housing referrals.

Educational Requirements: Master’s Degree in related field with LMSW, LCSW, LMHC preferred, plus at least 2-3 years of supervisory experience.

Qualifications and Experience: Experience working with the street homeless population; experience supervising clinical and operational staff; strong interpersonal communication and organizational skills. Experience working with a population experiencing substance abuse and mental health issues. Knowledge of AWARDS, CARES, and BCS a plus. Spanish speaking a plus.

Hours: 35 hours per week, variable schedule

Scope of Position

Maintain collaborative professional relationships with homeless outreach teams and DHS. Assist with engagement, outreach, and retention of Safe Haven residents in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. Develop an environment that recognizes the effects of trauma on behavior. Able to motivate staff to use Crisis Intervention and verbal de-escalation skills to manage crises. Ensure that services are client determined and driven while meeting funder requirements. Oversee the development and execution of on-site programming. Maintain quality assurance and assure that the program is audit and inspection ready at all times, which includes ensuring that the facility is neat and clean at all times.

Essential Position Functions

• Directly supervise Case Managers/Housing Specialists and other clinical staff, and the Operations Coordinator. Supervise delivery of services to clients, including admission to the program, ongoing operations, and discharge from the program to stable housing.
• Available, on call, for 24-hour crisis intervention.In some occasions, when a serious incident has occurred, this may include responding in-person on site to provide support and assistance to staff and to act as a liaison with emergency services, DHS and agency Administration.
• Act as a liaison and maintain relationships with outreach teams and DHS, as well as with subcontractors for food and medical services.
• Manage personnel activities, including hiring, shift scheduling, developing policies and procedures, staff meetings, case conferences, staff training, performance evaluations, disciplinary actions and labor/management issues.
• Ability to handle sensitive situations with discretion and professionalism.
• Ensure compliance with contractual obligations, including facilitating appropriate admissions and discharges, maintaining census, documentation compliance and incident reporting.
• Assist with all aspects of program functioning and lead by example by filling in for all staff roles as needed. This may include covering the front desk, assisting with rounds and meals, assisting with housing referrals and escorts, carrying a small case load when short-staffed and remaining on site if minimum coverage is needed.
• Prepare program for site visits, inspections and audits.
• Perform all required administrative duties, including reviewing the accuracy of data entry in CARES to monitor performance measures, petty cash, and monitoring staff attendance.
• Ongoing assessment of building maintenance requirements, and services as liaison with maintenance staff regarding repair needs. Ensure overall management of the facility, including repairs, fire safety compliance, purchasing, and general upkeep and condition of the program. This includes ensuring that the program is neat, clean, and comfortable for the residents at all times.
• Attend staff meetings, supervision and training, as required.
• Obtain F-80 Fire Coordinator Certification, F-02 First Aid/CPR, and Food Hadler Certificate within 6 months of employment.