Assistant Program Director | DYS-NEXT

Why Work for Gandara:

Explore the career pathways in Behavioral Health, Substance Use and Recovery, Community Based Clinical services, Adolescent and Family services, Adult Residential, Maintenance and Administration! Whether that is in an entry level or leadership role, Gandara will provide the tools and resources to better enhance your career growth. The opportunities are presented with the ability to transition your skills and experience in meeting the organizations mission. There is grand landscape of opportunities that supports the community we serve, so Join the Gándara team today!

Benefits:

• Retirement Plan 403(b)
• Health, Dental, Vision, Pet and Life Insurance
• Paid vacations
• Paid holidays
• 8 discretionary days
• Mileage Reimbursement
  
  

Salary:

• Salary | $55,000
  
  

Additional Benefits:

• Career Growth Opportunities
• Culturally Diverse population
• Clinical Licensing Support
  
  

Job Title: Assistant Director

Work Location: Greater Springfield Area

• Bilingual Candidates Encouraged to Apply
• EOE M/F/D/V
• Union/Non-Union
  
  

Duties And Responsibilities

• Assist the Program Director in overseeing the daily operation of the Male Pre-Independent Living Program.
• Ensure the delivery of trauma-informed, youth-centered services consistent with DYS regulations and contractual requirements.
• Supervise the implementation of individualized service and transition plans.
• Monitor youth progress toward educational, employment, behavioral health, and independent living goals.
• Ensure youth receive comprehensive independent living skills instruction, including budgeting, financial literacy, meal planning, cooking, transportation, employment readiness, and housing preparation.
• Oversee the implementation of Positive Youth Development (PYD), Enhanced Advocacy, and trauma-responsive programming.
• Support implementation of the DYS-approved Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) model, including daily reinforcement of DBT skills and utilization of Diary Cards.
• Ensure youth are assigned advocates and participate in regular advocacy meetings.
• Promote positive youth development through the integration of the DYS Core Values and Positive Behavior Incentive Program.
• Assist in coordinating admissions, orientations, room assignments, and successful youth transitions into and out of the program.
• Provide supervisory response during behavioral crises, emergencies, and critical incidents.
• Participate in the administrative on-call rotation and provide after-hours consultation as assigned.
• Ensure staff consistently utilize non-coercive interventions, trauma-responsive practices, and de-escalation techniques.
• Notify the Program Director immediately of serious incidents, PREA allegations, abuse or neglect concerns, AWOL incidents, safety issues, and any event requiring administrative notification.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Director.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Services, Social Work, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Education, or a related field required; Master's Degree preferred.
• Minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience working with adolescents in juvenile justice, residential care, behavioral health, or independent living programming.
• Minimum of two years of supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
• Experience working with justice-involved youth and trauma-affected populations preferred.
• Knowledge of DYS policies, Positive Youth Development, trauma-responsive care, and evidence-based practices preferred.
• Must obtain and maintain all required DYS, EEC, CORI, SORI, and agency background clearances.
• Must possess a valid Massachusetts driver's license.
• Must meet agency driving requirements.
• Must successfully complete all required DYS and agency training, including crisis intervention, CPR/First Aid, PREA, DBT, trauma-responsive care, and mandatory annual trainings.
  
  

The Gándara Mental Health Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.