Assistant Director of Youth Development

Employee’s Name: Job Title: Asst. Director of Youth Development

Supervisor: Director of Youth Development

Department: Residential FLSA Status: Full Time – Non-Exempt

Salary Range: USD 20.00to USD 22.00 Location: Queens, NY

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GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Assistant Director of Youth Development (ADYD) plays a crucial role in supporting the Director of Youth Development (DYD) in the group home operations. Their focus is to ensure compliance with standards set by Martin De Porres Youth & Family Services (MDPFYS), the Administration for Children Services (ACS), and the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). As the second-in-command in the chain of supervision, the ADYD oversees residents and staff. They assist DYD in managing resident issues such as level systems, home visits, and program participation. Additionally, the ADYD builds therapeutic relationships with residents and maintains professional communication with parents/legal guardians, service providers, and staff to create an effective therapeutic environment. Directly reporting to the DYD, the ADYD carries out its duties with accountability and dedication.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensure the continual well-being of all residents within the facility, as Martin De Porres Youth & Family Services (MDPFYS) operates 24/7.
• Collaborate with the Director of Youth Development (DYD) and agency leadership to ensure adherence to state and city regulations (OCFS/ACS) and MDPFYS policies and procedures.
• Aid the DYD in maintaining required logs, reports, and paperwork to meet compliance standards.
• Support the DYD in directly supervising all direct care staff.
• Assist in coordinating and overseeing daily site operations alongside the DYD.
• Develop, implement, and oversee daily and weekly activity programs for residents.
• Attend and contribute to weekly staff meetings as necessary.
• Provide constructive feedback to the DYD regarding resident supervision, staff performance, and program effectiveness.
• Coordinate transportation for residents' home visits, appointments, etc., in collaboration with the clinical team.
• Contribute to the upkeep of the physical building and agency vehicles assigned to the facility.
• Foster relationships with clinical and educational staff to ensure effective communication for resident care.
• Assist with shift coverage as needed and participate in Clinical Treatment Team and Interdepartmental meetings when required.
• Pursue ongoing professional development that is aligned with program needs.
• Participate in Lasallian formation activities when available.
• Collaborate with the leadership team to develop, implement, and monitor facility and agency goals.
• Fulfill any other duties assigned by management or the executive team.

SUPERVISORY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Aid in budgeting and expense tracking.
• Manage event/activity scheduling for residents.
• Develop and execute the annual activities calendar for residents.
• Coordinate scheduling with approval from the DYD.
• Attend meetings designated for Assistant Directors of Youth Development (ADYD).
• Ensure staff and resident performance goals are established and achieved.
• Available to work mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as scheduled.
• Flexible to work varying hours as necessary or requested.

SKILLS and ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Capable of providing a consistent and structured environment for residents.
• Proficient in working with special needs residents, including those with challenging or aggressive behaviors.
• Ready to extend service to residents beyond regular work hours.
• Skilled in gathering and maintaining relevant family and resident information.
• Maintains confidentiality of residents' and employees' personal information.
• Effective communication skills with supervisors, colleagues, adolescents, and stakeholders, both verbally and in writing.
• Embraces the "Lasallian Culture of Care" as a guiding work philosophy.
• Works collaboratively with parents/guardians of special needs residents.
• Advocates effectively for residents under their care.
• Capable of driving a vehicle safely.
• Willingness to engage in normative experiences with residents such as dining, social events, and outings.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• While fulfilling this role, the Director of Youth Development (DYC) must actively engage with and be involved in the activities of the youth. These tasks may encompass but are not limited to cooking, aiding in cleaning, driving, participating in sports, and de-escalating situations. Moreover, this position may occasionally present emotional challenges when working with our youth.

EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK:

• This position is subject to assignments at any MDPYFS location as directed by management. Work hours are variable, contingent upon the agency's requirements, and may include extended shifts, overnight, holiday, and weekend hours as necessary.
• You may be required to work beyond your scheduled hours for various reasons. Every effort will be made to provide advance notice of such changes, although unforeseen circumstances may prevent this. Overtime compensation will be provided if overtime work is required.

TRAVEL:

• Travel primarily consists of local daytime trips, occasionally extending to overnight stays. However, there may be occasions where out-of-area or out-of-state travel is necessary and mandated.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATIONAL:

High School Diploma or GED required.

College credits REQUIRED – Transcript required.

Associate or bachelor’s degree preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

Requires at least six (6) months to one year of experience working with adolescent youth.

PREFERRED SKILLS:

Mastery of computer software packages, including MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and others.

Demonstrated proficiency in interpersonal relations, time management, and delivering exceptional customer service.

Exceptional oral and written communication abilities.

Outstanding problem-solving skills coupled with managing multiple deadlines effectively under pressure.

Highly organized with keen attention to detail.

LICENSE and ACTIVE and Continuous CERTIFICATION:

A valid driver’s license and a clean driving record are necessary.

CPR/First Aid certification.

Training in Safe Crisis Management (SCM).

Mandated Reporter certification.

Knowledge of Trauma-Informed Care principles.

Familiarity with the Lasallian Culture of Care (LCC).

Compliance with any additional requirements mandated by agency or oversight bodies.

Food Handlers Certificate

Fire Safety Certificate (F-07)

BACKGROUND VERIFICATION and CLEARANCE:

Verification of credentials.

Medical and physical clearance, including TB screening.

Clearance from the State Central Registry (SCR).

Screening against the Staff Exclusion List (SEL).

Completion of a Justice Center Background Check.

Review of motor vehicle driving record.

Verification of references.

Compliance with Section 424-A of the New York Social Services Law, which requires an authorized agency to inquire about any child abuse and maltreatment reports involving candidates for positions with child-caring responsibilities.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT:

Ability to lift 50 pounds.

Capability to fulfill the role's physical demands, including standing, walking, sitting, bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling, and climbing.

Completion of Safety Crisis Management (SCM) Training, which includes a written exam and demonstration of competency in physical restraint techniques as outlined by program guidelines and regulatory standards. Completing required SCM refresher courses is necessary for continued employment with MDPYFS.