Director of Outpatient Services

PROGRAM DIRECTOR, CHANCE FOR CHANGE

Chance for Change is an Upper East Side outpatient substance-use treatment program uniquely designed to serve individuals who are homeless and battling addiction, often combined with mental illness. 

THE OPPORTUNITY 

Are you concerned about the growing homeless population in New York City? Do you want to be part of the solution, helping people experiencing homelessness, substance use disorder, and mental illness access the help they need? 

Do you believe in meeting clients where they are, using a harm reduction model to help them make the changes they are ready for? 

Do you have clinical experience and a creative, entrepreneurial spirit? Do you love a challenge and feel energized by the opportunity to build and serve a thriving client base?  

If so, please consider applying to lead this important program, providing the right mix of services at the right time to impact homelessness in New York City. 

THE ORGANIZATION  

Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter (NCS) helps New Yorkers who have a history of homelessness, often compounded by mental illness or substance use, to achieve their highest level of independence. We were established in 1982 by faith and community leaders on Manhattan’s Upper East Side who believed that homelessness is the responsibility of the entire community. Forty years later, we are still guided by the principle that neighbors should help neighbors.   

NCS provides New Yorkers who are homeless or at risk of homelessness with a home, a community, and access to the services that they need to thrive.   

THE PROGRAM: CHANCE FOR CHANGE (CFC)

• This groundbreaking program is one of the only outpatient substance-use treatment programs to primarily serve adults experiencing homelessness.
• CFC uses a harm reduction model that meets clients where they are on the path to stability and connects with their desire to change in a collaborative, respectful, and empathic environment.
• Individual and group sessions focus on sobriety and helping clients manage challenges, including mental illness, chronic medical conditions, homelessness, unemployment, and other life stressors.
• Services are provided in a comfortable “clubhouse” environment that invites clients to spend time in a safe, sober, supportive space.

Reporting to the Chief Program Officer, the Program Director is responsible for the management, administration, outreach, and clinical functions of this OASAS-licensed (part 822) outpatient treatment program. Successful candidates will bring strong sensitivity to the needs of dually diagnosed homeless and formerly homeless individuals. The small size of this program gives the Director the opportunity to have a hands-on approach to day-to-day clinic operations, providing oversight, support, training, and strategic guidance. Chance for Change is poised for growth and needs a leader who can balance program management with a significant external role in the community. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

CLINICAL 

• Implement a harm-reduction model, including creating a safe, welcoming environment that combines substance use treatment services and more comprehensive services. 
• Collaborate with the Medical Director to ensure compliance with OASAS regulations and staff development. 
• Provide individual and group counseling for clients. 
• Develop new therapeutic and recreational groups and activities that enhance clients’ overall well-being. 
• Facilitate a multi-disciplinary team approach, ensuring integration of agency-wide programs and goals. 

 

MANAGEMENT/ADMINISTRATION 

• Supervise and oversee administrative and clinical compliance, quality assurance, documentation, and reporting 
• Ensure compliance with OASAS regulations and reporting requirements  

• Hire, train, and supervise staff (2 FT counselors, PT biller, PT nurse practitioner, and PT medical director; team is anticipated to increase with program growth) 
• Develop and manage program budgets with Chief Program Officer and Chief Financial Officer  
• Supervise the program’s biller to maximize revenue collection and ensure reconciliation of all billing activities 

OUTREACH 

• Develop and implement an outreach strategy to increase and maintain a steady stream of referrals to the program 
• Work with NCS’s communications team to create collateral materials that promote the program to referral sources and potential clients 

Other duties as assigned  

IDEAL EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS 

• A license or credential such as CASAC-MC, LMSW, LCSW, or LMHC is required 
• Minimum of 1 year of supervisory experience in an OASAS-licensed clinic (part 822) is required 

• Minimum of 3 years of experience with clinical substance use disorder treatment, including familiarity with mental health/co-occurring disorders and homelessness, is required 
• Master’s degree in social work or a counseling-related profession is preferred 
• Understanding of and belief in the harm reduction model 
• Strength in hiring, managing, and developing employees 
• Motivation to develop and implement a networking and outreach plan that results in increased client enrollment and program growth 

• Organized, with strong administrative skills  
• Proficient in using technology as a management reporting tool, including experience using AWARDS (or similar) database 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with exceptional attention to detail; bilingual in Spanish highly desired 
• A community-oriented, entrepreneurial leader with integrity, credibility, and a commitment to and passion for NCS’s mission 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Regularly required to use near-sight vision to operate a computer. 
• Regularly required to use routine office equipment including a computer and a telephone.

SALARY RANGE: $70,000 and $80,000

Supplemental pay types: Signing Bonus

Don’t check off every box in the requirements listed above? Please apply anyway! Studies have shown that marginalized communities—including women, LGBTQ+, and people of color—are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. NCS is dedicated to building an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible workplace that fosters a sense of belonging—so if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t perfectly fit every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to still consider applying. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings!

Equal Opportunity Employer

Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. NCS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, parental status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.

HOW TO APPLY:

Submit a cover letter including salary requirements and a resume to search@ncsinc.org