The YMCA of Newark is seeking a Full Time Program Director for the Youth Emergency Shelter (YES) Program which offers counseling, life skills training, and other critical support to teens in crisis and assists them to get back to school, re-establish family bonds, and meet their goals. The target population to be served under this initiative is youth who have been a part of the juvenile justice system and are court ordered to be placed in a shelter. The Program Director is responsible for the development, administration and management of all programs and staff of the Youth Emergency Shelter program. The individual is expected to ensure high standards of program quality. Programs shall be conducted in a manner consistent with established policies and procedures to enable the Association to achieve its defined goals and objectives. The YMCA’s recruitment process includes comprehensive background screening including pre-employment drug test and criminal background check and upon hire, wide range of training.

Summary of Essential Functions:

• Provide direct supervision and leadership to Youth Emergency Shelter staff.
• Responsible for the timely recruitment, selection, hiring, training, scheduling, and performance management of staff within the established personnel procedures of the Association.
• Develop and implement overall plans, operations and program activities for Youth Emergency Shelter including the recreational and food programs.
• Review the program monthly with respect to supplies, food, vehicles, and telephone usage.
• Ensure adequate health maintenance for all youth to include initial medical and dental examinations and other necessary medical treatments as well as the dispensing of necessary medications. Assure necessary medical follow-up is completed and logged appropriately.
• Complete Youth Emergency Shelter Curriculum development and implement as part of the Treatment Plan.
• Transport youth as needed to events, medical appointments, etc. in accordance with Newark YMCA Transportation Policy.
• Ensure that the Emergency Youth Shelter is a safe, clean, and risk-free environment.
• Prepare and maintain budgets for the program and monitor all expenditures to stay within the program budget according to the established Financial procedures of the Association.
• Assist in developing the annual operating plans that reinforce the Associations overall Mission and Goals.
• Develop community support for youth and utilize normalization principles in guiding them toward healthy independent living.
• Collaborate and represent the Newark YMCA Youth Emergency Shelter to community agencies, families, employers, youth, and relevant groups of individuals.
• Evaluate all programs and services and the progress on the strategic plan on a regular basis.
• Maintain the necessary standards to comply with all federal, state, or local licensing requirements to conduct program activities.
• Maintain and prepare required statistical reports necessary for internal or external reporting for program.
• Process the program staff Payroll according to the established procedures of the Association.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Special Education, Psychology, Social Work, or related field.
• Minimum five years of experience working with at-risk youth or social services concentration on working with youth.
• Minimum two years of experience in staff management.
• Experience in implementing Individual Service Plans (Individual assessment, gathering information regarding clients to help them succeed, plan of action) and age-appropriate Recreation programs for youth.
• Proficient computer skills including Microsoft (Word, Excel, Power-point), data entry, utilizing emails and internet.
• Knowledge of federal, state and/or community related regulations.
• Knowledge and skills of budgeting and cost control.
• Strong administrative and record maintenance skills.
• Strong human relations and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills including negotiation, presentation skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Excellent time management skills and strong organizational skills.
• Must have strong attention to details.
• Ability to manage, perform and prioritize multiple and complex tasks and projects independently.
• Ability to analyze complex information and to define and solve problems.
• Flexible work schedule.
• Ability to work on Holidays as needed.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) ability a plus.
• Ability to demonstrate passion, enthusiasm and support for mission and values of the YMCA.
• Ability to create a culture of serving the population.
• Ability to work closely with other employees and team members to ensure positive and constructive environment within the program or department and throughout the agency.
• Flexibility in work schedule when needed, may require evening and weekend work.
• Must possess a valid New Jersey driver’s license and a safe driving record.
• Certification in first aid and CPR is desired.

 Benefits:

•  401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Employee assistance program

• The YMCA of Newark and Vicinity is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Upon request, reasonable accommodation is available that does not create an undue hardship on the Y’s business, in accordance with applicable laws.