OUTREACH PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Overview

The salary range is based on several factors, including, but not limited to, overall experience, relevant experience, education level, certifications, applicable skills, and expertise.

Hybrid: 4 days in office/1 day remote

Join UP! We are lighting the path home, one person at a time.

About Urban Pathways

Since 1975, Urban Pathways has engaged New York City’s most vulnerable residents, people on the streets or in areas unfit for human habitation, “lighting the path home, one person at a time.” Urban Pathways is a catalyst for transformative change in the lives of unhoused adults, empowering them to discover their inherent strengths and abilities. We provide essential support and foster an environment where individuals can redefine their narratives and become their best selves.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Deputy Executive Director, the Outreach Program Director is responsible for managing the 24/7 outreach and housing placement work in Urban Pathways’ catchment areas in Manhattan, such as but not limited to Port Authority and George Washington Bridge Bus Terminals, and JFK and LaGuardia Airports. The primary goal is to facilitate unhoused clients’ transitions into stable, permanent housing as swiftly as possible, utilizing Housing First and Harm Reduction service models. The Program Director of Outreach promotes Housing First strategies and other best-practice clinical interventions. The Program Director of Outreach oversees the program and works closely with program supervisors and staff to reduce street homelessness and implement effective interventions and housing referrals. The Program Director of Outreach will be an active listener, critical and strategic thinker and respond by exhibiting cross-cultural awareness with the ability to promote and contribute to an equitable and inclusive anti-racist organizational culture and environment.

Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions

• Managing the 24/7 operations and administration of the program and working to ensure that program goals and objectives are met.
  • Schedules all Outreach staff and ensures that all weekday, weeknight, weekend day, and weekend night shifts are covered.
  • Reviews and approves staff schedules and requests for schedule changes.
• Supervises, evaluates, and coaches all Outreach staff on work assignments, client chart documentation, reports, and community resources, as appropriate.
  • Schedules and oversees monthly and other staff meetings.
• Provides on-going and formal weekly supervision of Outreach staff.
• Provides ongoing support and guidance and, when necessary, facilitates issue resolutions.
• Ensures that standard operating procedures are followed by all staff.
• Assists with developing, implementing, and evaluating program policies, practices, procedures and ensures that all other goals of the program are met.
  • Develops and coordinates program specific policies and procedures in collaboration with DED and other internal partners.
• Develop effective, trusting relationships with clients using a client-centered approach that includes motivational interviewing and harm reduction.
  • Provide clinical consultation to Outreach staff working with complex clinical situations and suggest appropriate clinical interventions such as medical care and other appropriate interventions.
  • Respond to 9-1-1 calls and community requests for assistance, particularly for individuals experiencing homelessness and mental health challenges.
  • Uphold ethical and professional boundaries during client interactions.
• Develops and maintains ongoing relationships with community services and resources.
  • Establishes and promotes relationships with internal and with community organizations and groups, funding, and regulatory agencies.
  • Establishes linkages with community providers and works with the Deputy Executive Director to obtain Letters of Agreement.
  • Keep abreast of important updates related to Outreach initiatives by participating in key meetings, conferences, and other forums.
• Assist with overseeing maintenance of Outreach vehicles and ensure compliance with all Urban Pathways policies and procedures and other regulatory requirements.
• Monitors fiscal operations and develops annual budget in consultation with the Deputy Executive Director (DED) and Finance Department and ensures compliance with Urban Pathways’ fiscal policies and procedures.
• Ensures internal and external reports are accurate, timely and meet required standards.
• Assists in the development of proposals and/or contracts with funding or potential funding sources.
• In collaboration with the DED, ensures reporting and management of critical incidents comply with Urban Pathways and funding and regulatory agency requirements and guidelines.
• Ensures the program complies with Urban Pathways and funding and regulatory agency requirements and guidelines.
  • Reviews vehicle GPS, case note entries, call logs, shift reports, and all other required documentation.
• Goes out with outreach teams on shifts as needed and monitors services rendered in the field.
• Manages all Code Blue and Code Red team assignments and follow up.
• As needed, liaises with community partners, community members, and other stakeholders and represents the organization on external committees, workgroups, taskforces, etc.
• Represents the program and Urban Pathways at various internal and external meetings.
  • Represents the program and Urban Pathways at community and agency meetings as designated by the Deputy Executive Director.
  • Regularly attends meetings of the Community Board’s Social Services or Housing Committees.
• On call to address internal and external emergency needs on a 24/7 basis.
• Collaborates with Human Resources to effectively and efficiently recruit, hire, and onboard new program staff.
• Assesses staff training needs and coordinates delivery of training.
  • Facilitates and supports staff development.
• Approves Outreach employee’s timekeeping in the payroll system.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Work Environment

This is a mobile outreach director’s role. It is expected that the role requires significant time in the community through the city, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays depending on program needs. Office time is also required for documentation and team meetings.

Qualifications, Education, and Experience

• Master’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology, or closely related field required. LMSW preferred.
• Knowledge and understanding of mental health diagnoses, symptoms, and evidence-based interventions required.
• Three to five years of experience working with mentally ill/MICA and/or homeless adult population required; including three to five years supervisory and administrative experience.
• Three to five years’ experience working in a street outreach setting is preferred. Familiarity with programs and systems issues relevant to street-homeless mentally ill/MICA adult population required.
• Navigate diverse settings, including neighborhoods, and shelters to assist clients.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to drive agency vehicle required.

Skills & Competencies

• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain professional relationships.
• Flexibility to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
• Able to manage multiple projects while maintaining strategic thinking with minimal supervision.
• Budget and fiscal management skills.
• Proficiant computer skills and experience with Microsoft Word and Excel. Experience using AWARDS and CARES preferred.

Capabilities

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, push, pull, lift (up to 25 lbs.).
• Willingness to accommodate variable hours, including holiday, evenings and weekends.
• Desire to perform the essential functions of this job.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Comfortable with using public transportation to travel to and from various programs sites.