POSITION TITLE: Assistant Director of Mental Health Programming

DEPARTMENT:  Mental Health

REPORTS TO:  Director of Mental Health and Anti-Human Trafficking Services 

DIRECT REPORTS: MINDs Case Managers, Administrator of Anti-Human Trafficking Services

SALARY:  $75,000 - $80,000 annually

LOCATION: 41st Shelter

Join a Legacy of Hope and Empowerment at Covenant House New York!

For over 50 years, Covenant House New York (CHNY) has been at the forefront of transforming lives by providing comprehensive shelter, housing, and wrap-around support services for vulnerable homeless, runaway, and exploited youth. As the largest provider of these essential services in New York City, CHNY impacts the lives of over 1,500 young people aged 16-24 every year.

At CHNY, our doors are open to all young people in need, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression. Our dedicated team offers various services, including shelter, housing, education, employment, health, mental health support, youth development, and anti-human trafficking initiatives. We operate with harm reduction and trauma-informed principles to ensure the best care for our youth.

But our mission goes beyond immediate support. We are passionate advocates for systemic change, influencing public policy, and raising awareness of the critical issues surrounding youth homelessness. Our ultimate goal is to provide a safe refuge and empower young people to build a brighter future founded on compassion, unconditional love, and absolute respect.

Join us in making a difference in the lives of countless young people. Join a team that inspires long-term transformation and hope.

Job Summary

Covenant House New York is a premier Emergency, Transitional, Supportive, and Permanent Housing and Healthcare provider for New York’s young adult homeless population.  The Assistant Director will create, implement, and support our Mental Health programs. The Assistant Director will provide group therapy to young people in Covenant House New York’s Mental Health Day Treatment program (MINDS). The Assistant Director will also train LMSW-level social workers in group therapy practices. The Assistant Director will be responsible for all programming and reporting for this OMH-contracted program. They will directly supervise a small group of case managers who assist with 2010E reports and provide supportive housing assistance and aftercare services. The Assistant Director will also be a key member of CHNY’s Anti-Human Trafficking team, supervising our Administrator of Anti-Human Trafficking Services and supporting the AHT Case Manager. The AHT programming oversight will include helping in our After Care efforts, training staff around AHT work, and being responsible for data support/entry for our AHT youth and grant reports associated with our AHT programming.  Reporting to the Director of Mental Health, the Assistant Director will also ensure fidelity of the evidence-based models utilized by his/her direct reports, including DBT, SBIRT, and Motivational Interviewing for use with program participants.

 

The Assistant Director must be comfortable in a rapidly changing environment where processes and protocols are being developed and refined as the program operates. Flexibility in schedule, with most days on-site at the 41st shelter, a willingness to be available by email or phone in off-hours, and excellent communication and problem-solving abilities are critical to successfully fulfilling the requirements of this position. 

 

Duties & Responsibilities

(Responsibilities to include but not limited to the following)

 

Helps to create and implement group therapy for young people enrolled in CHNY’s mental health day treatment program.

Train, support, and manage a team of LMSW-level social workers in group therapy practices.

Directly supervise a small team of Case Managers, Administrators, and Social Work interns, as well as contract and volunteer staff who work within the mental health day treatment program.

Provide individual therapy to a small caseload and on an as-needed basis.

Manages the performance evaluation and professional development of a team of skilled staff.

Serves as a champion of new initiatives and evidence-based models implemented within the program site and leads their implementation with the staff.

Embraces a data-driven culture that is outcomes-oriented and creatively responsive to programmatic challenges.

Provides patient advocacy and information assistance.

Counsel to staff members to determine appropriate treatment and client case plans.

Attends case reviews, team meetings, and administrative meetings.

Consults with the Psychiatrist to assist youth in their understanding and use of psychotropic medication by providing consultation on medication decisions and managing side effects.

Networks and acts as liaison to community agencies to maximize utilization and benefits for the youth.

Oversees data management systems and promptly ensures all documentation is completed in ETO and eCW (Electronic Health Records).

Collaborates with the Director and Administrator on grants and grant reports. 

Meets regularly with the Director to discuss concerns, reflect on practice and client needs, and carry out plans for young people.

Always reflects CHNY’s values and principles on social media.

Always uphold CHNY’s mission, vision, principles, standards of conduct, policies, and procedures.