Program Director, CRC

Founded in 1974, Community Access continues to uphold and operate as a pioneer of supportive housing and social services in NYC for people with mental health concerns. We proudly lead advocacy efforts that rally our community to promote human rights, social justice, and economic opportunities for all. We are built upon the simple truth that people are experts in their own lives. Our programs are spread across 25 locations and include over 1200 units of supportive housing in three boroughs, the Howie the Harp Advocacy Center, Peer-driven Crisis Respite Center, Adult Home Initiative, Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) and the Intensive Mobile Team (IMT). 

Program Description 

The Residential Crisis Support program, or “The Respite,” is a residential mental health crisis, alternative-to-hospitalization program offering short-term Peer-led care in a friendly and supportive home-like environment. Guests are provided with the opportunity to learn and practice recovery and relapse prevention skills to support their current mental health crisis and to provide more effective tools to cope with future crises and avoid hospital-based care. Recovery-oriented services are provided 24-hours a day and include peer support, self-advocacy education and self-help training while supporting guests to maintain their established daily activities such as visiting with friends, attending a doctor or other appointments or going to work or school. Guests are encouraged to participate in the operations of the residence, including working together to prepare communal meals. The maximum length of stay is 28 days. 

Position Overview 

The Program Director is responsible for the overall leadership , administration, and day-to-day operation of The Respite. This includes policy and procedure development and implementation, staff recruitment, scheduling, training, supervision and evaluation, management of physical environment, quality assurance and quality improvement activities, internal and external reporting. The Program Director is responsible for meeting all contractual and licensing standards and obligations. The Program Director is on-call 24/7 for emergencies. 

Key Performance Indicators 

• Screenings are conducted, and Admission decisions are made within 24 hours of referral.
• Supervision meetings for direct service staff are conducted and documented weekly, and biweekly for supervisory staff. 
• Assessments and Service Plans are completed within 24 hours of admission.
• At least 1,985 LOS days are met each year.  
• Maintain a program capacity rate of 95% for the year.
• Maintain a minimum of 75% billable admissions.

Job Qualifications 

• Have an understanding, appreciation, and commitment to the philosophy and mission of Community Access
• Have lived experience with the mental health system and willingness to share personal experience appropriately and respectfully – preferred.
• Previous professional experience providing mental health Peer Support – preferred. 
• A masters degree or higher in social work, psychology, rehabilitation counseling or related field, OR licensure/registration as a registered nurse (RNs are encouraged to be masters level or nurse practitioner)- required.
• Minimum of three (3) years management experience working in a social service or related setting, with people diagnosed with psychiatric disabilities and people struggling with substance use – required. 
• Strong administrative and organizational skills.
• A respect for, and high level of comfort around people experiencing psychiatric crisis.
• Must be fingerprinted and cleared by the Office of Mental Health (OMH).
• Ability to utilize critical thinking, problem-solving and de-escalation skills to assist with creating and maintaining an environment that promotes recovery.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to work as part of a team.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to utilize various computer programs and cloud-based data management platforms. 
• Be creative and flexible.
• Show initiative and be responsible for follow through.
• Ability to maintain confidential information, as related to position.
• Bilingual, preferred.
• Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Available to workdays, evenings, overnights, weekends and cover holidays as assigned – required.
• Able to navigate several flights of stairs repeatedly during shift – required.

Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. 

Interested candidates should apply on www.communityaccess.org/jobs. 

Community Access is an Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/D/V. 

Women, People of Color and Members of the LGBT community are strongly encouraged to apply. 

We are dedicated to a workforce where at least 51% of our employees identify as  

having a personal experience using mental health services. www.communityaccess.org