Are you a compassionate mental health professional who believes in the power of empathy, connection, and person-centered support?

Are you a collaborative leader who values lived experience and believes that every individual deserves to be understood beyond their mental health diagnosis?

We are currently in search of an Assistant Program Director for a mission-driven organization supporting individuals experiencing mental health challenges. This is a full-time, permanent opportunity to help lead an innovative, peer-driven residential crisis support program in Manhattan.

ORGANIZATION TYPE: Social Services Nonprofit

LOCATION: NY, NY (Manhattan) -- Primarily on-site (3 remote days each month)

POSITION TITLE: Assistant Program Director

SCHEDULE: 40 hours/week (Sunday-Thursday preferred)

DURATION: Permanent – Direct Hire

ANNUAL SALARY: $83,000.00 (fixed)

Is This Your Dream Job?

Rooted in principles of inclusion, empowerment, and self-determination, this nonprofit provides innovative, community-based services that help individuals build meaningful, independent lives.

The organization's Residential Crisis Support Program provides a short-term, peer-led residential alternative to psychiatric hospitalization. In a welcoming, intimate, home-like environment, 8 guests experiencing mental health or emotional crises receive 24-hour recovery-oriented support, including Peer Support, self-advocacy education, and opportunities to develop coping and wellness skills. What makes this program unique is its commitment to intentional Peer Support. Staff draw upon their lived experiences with mental health challenges to establish trusting relationships, encourage self-advocacy, and support guests in navigating their individual recovery journeys.

As Assistant Program Director, you'll partner closely with the Program Director to oversee program operations, mentor a dedicated team of Peer Support professionals, and foster a supportive environment where both guests and staff are respected, empowered, and heard. You'll join a collaborative leadership team that values open communication, accountability, professional development, and employee well-being.

Our Ideal Candidate:

• Education & Licensure (Required): Holds a current New York State LMSW, LCSW, LMHC, LMFT, or related qualifying license, OR at minimum, has officially scheduled their applicable licensing examination. Recent MSW graduates who meet this requirement are encouraged to apply.

• Person-Centered Approach: Demonstrates empathy, active listening, and a commitment to trauma-informed and harm reduction mental health support.

• Leadership Experience: Brings supervisory or management experience in mental health, social services, or a related field, preferably two or more years. Emerging leaders with diverse professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

• Peer Support Philosophy: Understands and values the role of lived experience in mental health recovery. Prior professional Peer Support experience is preferred but not required.

• Collaborative Leadership Style: An approachable, open-minded leader who welcomes different perspectives, communicates directly, and empowers others.

• Crisis Support Skills: Comfortable supporting individuals experiencing mental health crises, with strong problem-solving, critical-thinking, and de-escalation skills.

• Lived Experience (Preferred): Personal experience navigating mental health challenges or the mental health system is valued but not required.

How You Will Spend Your Day:

• Lead & Develop Staff: Provide consistent supervision, mentorship, and professional development to a team of approximately 14 Peer Support professionals, promoting accountability, teamwork, and staff well-being.

• Champion Intentional Peer Support: Support staff in building authentic, trusting relationships with guests through shared lived experience, active listening, and trauma-informed, recovery-oriented practices.

• Oversee Program Operations: Partner with the Program Director to manage staffing, scheduling, facility needs, and the daily operations of an eight-bed residential program.

• Coordinate Guest Services: Oversee referrals, admissions, discharges, and waitlist management while ensuring guests receive individualized support and connections to community resources.

• Promote Quality & Compliance: Ensure timely documentation, accurate service records, Medicaid billing compliance, and adherence to applicable regulatory requirements.

• Foster a Supportive Environment: Help maintain a peaceful, welcoming residence where guests are encouraged to build independence, practice recovery skills, and maintain community connections.

• Collaborate & Problem-Solve: Work alongside staff, program leadership, and community partners to address challenges, strengthen services, and continuously improve the guest experience.

• Provide Crisis Leadership: Participate in rotating 24/7 on-call coverage, providing guidance and support during urgent situations.

We’d love to hear from you.

If this sounds like the job for you, we would love to help make that happen. Please apply using the link below.

For more information about Careers In Nonprofits and our other available opportunities and workshops, please visit our website at www.careersinnonprofits.com.

Careers In Nonprofits is an equal opportunity employer. Empowered by the #ILoveMyJob mission, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment within the nonprofit sector.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regretfully can only respond to those candidates who best meet the requirements of a specific position or whose backgrounds are generally applicable to our client base.  Please rest assured that we retain all candidate information for possible future matches, even if you do not hear from us in regard to your application in response to this ad.