Prevention Counseling Program Manager

OVERVIEW:In 1971, a group of students from Brighton High School had the idea to create a "center" that would meet the specific needs of youth in Rochester, NY. The philosophy supporting the vision was quite radical for the time: that young people, given information and support, could make positive life choices. They founded The Center to be informed by youth, for youth. The Center for Youth continues with this as our core principle. We are committed to empowering and advocating for vulnerable youth while elevating their voices. Our mission is to provide comprehensive, free, voluntary, and confidential programs.The Counseling and Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) Department provides a continuum of essential services to the most vulnerable youth in our community, including prevention counseling, two crisis nurseries, an emergency shelter, permanent and transitional housing, a food and clothing pantry, street outreach, and support for minor victims of commercial sexual exploitation.The RHY Prevention Counseling Program Manager is responsible for the management and supervision of the RHY Prevention Counselors, including Community Counselors, Triage Counselors, Youth & Family Counselors, and Safe Harbour Advocates. They are responsible for reviewing and monitoring OASAS contract objectives, with a focus on program outcomes, as well as maintaining the New York State Safe Harbour database. The Manager plays a leadership role in planning, prioritizing and evaluating services, team outreach activities and linkages with other providers/collaboratives/committees. The Manager will be responsible for the on-going assessment of the team's service, identify expansion potential, assess community or catchment area needs and formulate possible responses. The Manager attends weekly Case Review and works closely with the other RHY Managers. This is a full-time, 12-month position. The RHY Prevention Counseling Program Manager participates in the On-Call RHY Supervisor rotation (for 1 week, every 5-6 weeks). This emergency response system is intended to provide after-hours and weekend support to the 24-hour residential and crisis programs. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:Monitors program contract objectives with a focus on program outcomes, develops and evaluates the OASAS and Safe Harbour work plansOngoing planning and program development specific to assessment, counseling, and outcomesPromotes and develops effective linkages with community resources, providers, and systemsAssesses the needs of youth and families servedAssures compliance with record keeping, reporting, and evaluation requirements of the agency and fundersSupervises, provides guidance, mentors, and evaluates the performance of Counselors and AdvocatesHires, trains, orients, and mentors new counseling staffCoordinates and leads the team outreach activitiesPromotes positive team interactions across all program areas of the agencyParticipates in after-hours on-call rotationOther duties as assigned by the supervisorEMPLOYMENT GUIDELINES:Candidate must:Adhere to ethical conduct Demonstrate professionalism i.e., timely, dependable, responsible, flexible Be non-judgmental and respectfulModel principles of inclusion and toleranceBe youth centered and positive Be family friendly Establish effective working relationships with supervisor and co-workersDevelop positive relationships with all key stakeholdersHave strong literacy skills (i.e., reading, writing, comprehension) Have excellent communication skills (verbal and written)Conduct research and apply best-practices and evaluation methodsEffectively promote knowledge and skill development and positive behaviorsProvide leadership and/or work independently as requestedCandidate must possess significant knowledge of –Chemical dependency and problem gambling prevention counselingManagement and supervisory methods and techniquesAdolescent, family and group development and counselingCrisis intervention, case management, advocacy, and strength-based problem solving and decision-making modelsTeam building and team dynamicsProgram outcomes and evaluationAdolescent development including: positive youth development, asset development, risk reduction and protective factorsYouth serving systemsCommunity resourcesClient advocacy CULTURAL SENSITIVITYThe Center delivers services to youth and families from many racial, ethnic, cultural, social and life style groups. We value differences in people and strive to understand diverse cultures, ethnic origins, sexual orientations, abilities and beliefs. To this end, all staff are required to attend professional development trainings and to continually enhance their understanding of cultural diversity.Staff are expected to respect and honor cultural and human diversity. The annual Performance Appraisal provides an opportunity for staff to evaluate how they are integrating culturally competent practices into their everyday work.QUALIFICATIONSMaster's degree in counseling, social work or related human services field plus five years human services experience, including supervisory experience or equivalent combination of education and experience. Note: A Master's Degree, CPP/ICPS/CASAC, or advanced training in chemical dependency prevention- related areas is preferred. If candidates do not possess related certification, expectation is that active pursuit of these certifications will occur at the time of employment.In addition to the above, it is mandatory that candidates meet the following criteria prior to hire: Authorization for the agency to obtain driving record information A valid driver's license with a driving record that is approved by agency insurance carrier, regular access to a motor vehicle that is insurance at the levels of $100,000 per person/$300,000 per accident Bodily Injury and $50,000 Property DamageProof of a satisfactory physical exam within the last 12 months including a PPD and annually thereafter. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTSCandidates must be able to be autonomously mobile in order to provide the required services. The Center for Youth provides equal opportunities for employment