Program Director - P.S. 156 Laurelton (COMPASS)

Summary

The Program Director (PD) is responsible for leading, managing, and implementing all aspects of assigned programs to ensure excellence, safety, and alignment with The Child Center of NY’s mission and contractual expectations. The PD ensures program goals are met, budgets are monitored, and all compliance, data, and reporting requirements are fulfilled. The PD also serves as the site’s Mental Health Lead, overseeing implementation of mental health supports in coordination with the host school, The Child Center’s Behavioral Health Division, and external partners.

Essential Functions

Program Leadership and Operations

• 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 consistent safety, quality, and alignment with agency standards.
• Supervise, coach, and evaluate staff to promote strong performance, professional growth, and adherence to agency expectations.
• Oversee program documentation, reporting, and fiscal management to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and contract compliance.
  
  
  

Mental Health Role and Supports

• Oversee implementation of all Mental Health Supports as required by DYCD, including ensuring all staff complete the one-hour DYCD Mental Health training and completing the two-hour DYCD training on the mental health spectrum, crisis response, and crisis navigation planning.
• Work with agency leadership to promote hiring of staff with the New York State Youth Peer Advocate Credential or support eligible staff in obtaining it.
• Develop and maintain a Mental Health Referral Plan in collaboration with the host school, The Child Center’s Behavioral Health Division (as the key Behavioral Health Partner), and any external partners. Update and share the plan with staff annually.
• Communicate and coordinate with NYCPS social workers, school mental health staff, and community providers to ensure comprehensive participant support.
• Facilitate referrals to mental health services using The Child Center’s QR code referral system and track and report de-identified, aggregate referral data to DYCD as required.
• Create and implement a Crisis Navigation Plan for the site using the DYCD template, developed jointly with school-based and community mental health staff.
• Ensure all staff understand and follow the Referral and Crisis Navigation Plans, responding appropriately when mental health needs are identified.
  
  
  

Partnerships and Program Quality

• Collaborate with school leadership, families, and community organizations to maintain strong partnerships and shared accountability for participant outcomes.
• Promote youth and family engagement through consistent communication, events, and inclusive practices.
• Stay informed about trends and best practices in youth development, education, and mental health to ensure services remain relevant and effective.
• Identify and maintain community partnerships that enhance program access and impact.
  
  
  

Training and Professional Development

• Participate in all required DYCD and agency trainings, ensuring personal completion and staff compliance.
• Support and document ongoing professional development for all site staff.
• Foster a learning culture that integrates youth development, trauma-informed practice, and social-emotional learning.
  
  
  

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Manages the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of program operations.
• Supervises Assistant Program Directors, Group Leaders, Activity Specialists, and other staff as assigned.
• Ensures adherence to agency policies, collective bargaining agreements, and all applicable laws and standards.
  
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Education, Public Administration, Social Work, or related field.
• Bilingual in Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Bengali, Haitian Creole, or other languages relevant to the community.
  
  
  

Job Behavioral Expectations

• Maintain consistent professional attendance, punctuality, and conduct.
• Communicate effectively with staff, partners, and families.
• Use data and feedback to inform improvement.
• Uphold confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA and all agency policies.
  
  
  

Physical Demands and Work Environment

This role requires regular movement between classrooms, offices, and outdoor spaces during program hours. The employee may lift up to 20 pounds and must be able to supervise active youth settings. Work occurs primarily in school environments with standard conditions.

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