Job DescriptionJob DescriptionDescription:The Bridge offers supportive housing and behavioral health services to vulnerable New Yorkers facing behavioral health and substance use challenges. We provide individuals with the tools they need to pursue their dreams and live meaningful lives. The Bridge envisions a world where adults experiencing serious mental illness can live and thrive within their communities. As a recognized leader in developing and operating supportive housing and community-based programs, The Bridge has 70 years of experience helping New Yorkers with mental illness, including those affected by homelessness, incarceration, and institutionalization.
Scope of Position: The Program Director oversees daily operations and clinical services at a 41-bed Safe Haven facility in the Bronx, funded by the Department of Homeless Services (DHS). Reporting to the Area Director, the Program Director supervises both operational and clinical staff, ensuring that client-centered services—including case management, psychiatric care, medical services, meals, and housing referrals—are delivered effectively and in compliance with funder requirements. This role requires maintaining strong partnerships with DHS and homeless outreach teams, supporting resident engagement and retention, and fostering a trauma-informed environment. The Program Director ensures that the facility remains clean, safe, and audit-ready at all times while motivating staff to use crisis intervention and de-escalation strategies to support clients experiencing behavioral health challenges.
Essential Position Functions:Directly supervise Case Managers, Housing Specialists, clinical staff, and the Operations Coordinator. Oversee the full scope of client services, including admissions, daily operations, and discharges to stable housing.Serve as the primary contact for 24-hour crisis intervention; available on call as needed.Maintain professional relationships with outreach teams, DHS, and subcontracted providers for food and medical services.Manage personnel activities including recruitment, scheduling, policy development, staff meetings, case conferences, training, performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, and labor/management concerns.Handle sensitive situations with a high level of discretion and professionalism.Ensure full compliance with all contractual obligations, including client admissions/discharges, census maintenance, documentation standards, and incident reporting.Prepare for and facilitate successful site visits, audits, and inspections.Perform required administrative tasks such as verifying data entry in CARES, monitoring performance indicators, overseeing petty cash, and tracking staff attendance.Conduct ongoing assessments of building maintenance needs; act as liaison with maintenance staff and ensure compliance with fire safety regulations, cleanliness, repair, and general upkeep of the facility.Ensure the facility remains neat, clean, and welcoming for all residents at all times.Participate in staff meetings, supervision sessions, and required trainings.Obtain F-80 Fire Coordinator Certification and Food Handler Certificate within six months of employment.Perform any other duties as assigned.Requirements:Master’s Degree in a related field required; LMSW, LCSW, or LMHC preferred.Minimum of 2–3 years of supervisory experience.Experience working with street homeless populations.Proven ability to supervise both clinical and operational staff.Strong interpersonal communication and organizational skills.Experience with populations facing substance use and mental health challenges.Deep understanding of issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community.Demonstrated commitment to advocacy and allyship.Familiarity with AWARDS, CARES, and BCS systems a plus.35 hours per week; variable schedule depending on program needs.Spanish fluency is highly desirable.The Bridge Inc. is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer
Job DescriptionJob DescriptionDescription:The Bridge offers supportive housing and behavioral health services to vulnerable New Yorkers facing behavioral health and substance use challenges. We provide individuals with the tools they need to pursue their dreams and live meaningful lives. The Bridge envisions a world where adults experiencing serious mental illness can live and thrive within their communities. As a recognized leader in developing and operating supportive housing and community-based programs, The Bridge has 70 years of experience helping New Yorkers with mental illness, including those affected by homelessness, incarceration, and institutionalization.
Scope of Position: The Program Director is responsible for the supervision and support of program staff, fostering a team environment that recognizes and responds to the impact of trauma on behavior. This role requires a strong leader who can motivate staff to effectively utilize crisis intervention and verbal de-escalation techniques to manage challenging situations. The Program Director ensures that all services are client-centered and client-determined, while also aligning with contractual and funder requirements. Additionally, the Program Director oversees the development, coordination, and execution of on-site programming to ensure high-quality service delivery and continuous program improvement.
Essential Position Functions:Directly supervise all program staff. Supervise the delivery of services to clients, including admission to the program, ongoing operations, and discharge from the program.Ensure training of all staff on crisis intervention, verbal de-escalation, and trauma-informed care. Model appropriate interactions with clients, recognizing that care should consider a person's life experiences and history of trauma to be most effective and client-centered.Ensure that the program is prepared for successful audits and reviews. Complete monthly data collection to monitor services and trends in census, attendance, incidents, and funder outcomes.Be available on call for 24-hour crisis intervention. Attend meetings as requested and be willing to work nights and/or weekends as needed.Manage personnel activities, including hiring, shift scheduling, developing policies and procedures, conducting staff meetings, case conferences, staff training, performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, and addressing labor/management issues.Perform all required administrative duties, including data entry, monitoring performance measures, managing petty cash, and tracking staff attendance.Conduct ongoing assessment of building maintenance requirements and serve as a liaison with maintenance staff regarding repair needs. Ensure overall facility management, including repairs and purchasing.Serve as a liaison with the Property Management & Maintenance Department to ensure overall compliance.Attend staff meetings, supervision, and trainings as required.Demonstrate the ability to work with consumers/residents/tenants, families, and staff in a caring and respectful manner, with a clear understanding of and sensitivity to cultural differences.Conduct apartment/building inspections on multiple floors using stairs. Escort clients throughout the community using public transportation and attend off-site meetings/trainings.Immediately report serious incidents, allegations, or sensitive situations to supervisors.Show willingness to assist with other programs and clients as part of the overall housing portfolio.Perform any other duties as may be assigned.Requirements:Master of Social Work (MSW) or Master’s degree in a related field.Experience in mental health services, crisis intervention, and managing trauma-triggered behavior.Strong time management and organizational skills; resilient under stress; flexible and adaptable in dynamic environments; collaborative team player with a willingness to receive and incorporate feedback; creative problem-solver.Willingness to perform CPR, First Aid, AED, Crisis Intervention, and administer Naloxone.Supervisory experience in both clinical and operational roles.Strong interpersonal communication and leadership skills.Preferred: Familiarity with the AWARDS case management system.Spanish language proficiency a plus.The Bridge Inc. is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer
