Assistant Program Director I

Community Solutions Inc. is seeking a self-motivated, detailed oriented Assistant Program Director to join our team at Lisa's SAIL Program in Meriden, CT.  The Assistant Program Director (APD) supports the leadership and day-to-day operations of a trauma-informed, gender-responsive residential program serving youth and parenting youth involved with the Department of Children and Families (DCF). In partnership with the Program Director, the APD ensures the program’s strength-based, relational, and culturally competent approach is upheld. 

The APD assists with planning, supervision, staff development, and oversight of services to ensure safety, quality care, and alignment with program goals. The APD helps manage referrals, track outcomes, and support a positive, enriching environment. In the absence of the Program Director, the APD assumes leadership responsibilities to maintain smooth operations. 

Staff Development & Supervision  

• Monitors and evaluates staff development goals and objectives. 

• Reviews staff competencies related to compassion, connection, enthusiasm, empathy, and the ability to model pro-social values. 

• Provides leadership through the interpretation and implementation of program goals with both internal and external stakeholders. 

• Communicates regularly with staff through supervision and meetings to review activities and ensure expectations are met. 

• Coordinates staff training for orientation, initial onboarding, and ongoing development. 

• Maintains approved staffing patterns and schedules according to required ratios. 

• Assists in completing staff performance evaluations, supervision, development plans, and disciplinary actions. 

• Successfully facilitates the completion of New Hire Orientation Training. 

• Provides on-call program coverage, as needed. 

• Promotes a relational, strength-based, trauma-informed, and culturally competent program culture. 

• Provides appropriate role modeling for staff and residents, including in behavior, dress, and conduct. 

Program Operations & Leadership 

• Assists in supervising daily maintenance, repair, safety, and security of the facility and vehicles. 

• Ensures adherence to the daily activity schedule. 

• Implements and monitors the program’s behavior motivation system (TIER). 

• Oversees crisis and emergency response actions in accordance with agency policies. 

• Ensures confidentiality in compliance with agency policies and HIPAA. 

• Participates in the development, interpretation, and implementation of program policies and procedures. 

• Attends and participates in internal and external meetings. 

• Coordinates volunteer service projects with other staff. 

• Adheres to a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the residents and program. 

• Performs other duties as assigned by the Program Director/Administrator. 

Compliance & Reporting 

• Assists in ensuring compliance with funding agency mandates, guidelines, inspections, and reporting requirements. 

• Completes reports and provides data as required by leadership or funders. 

• Ensures financial policies and procedures are followed and deadlines met. 

• Participates in all quality improvement activities. 

• Implements protocols for documentation and ensures accuracy, confidentiality, and effective client plan development. 

Resident Services & Care 

• Oversees implementation of life skills, group work, and vocational activities, incorporating staff input and curriculum standards. 

• When necessary, transports residents to appointments/activities and provides appropriate supervision. 

• Acts as liaison with DCF, community agencies, legal representatives, and cultural/spiritual organizations. 

• Oversees the celebration of holidays and diversity-promoting activities in programming and recreation calendars. 

Service Planning & Collaboration   

• Cofacilitates, coordinates, and participates in service planning and weekly case reviews to ensure continuous quality of care. 

• Collaborates with Program Director and Case Managers on referrals, intakes, and overlapping responsibilities. 

Schedule: 40 hours per week  

Community Solutions Inc. (CSI) is a nonprofit organization that promotes the responsible citizenship, accountability, and well-being of individuals and families involved, or at risk of involvement, in the child welfare, juvenile justice, or criminal justice system. Since CSIs founding in 1962, it has been a pioneer in the community-based service. We have been delivering supervision, treatment, and comprehensive individualized services to help clients interact more effectively in their communities and become productive citizens. Using this plan we built the first ever halfway house in New England which has now been replicated and grown to almost 50 programs in 9 states. For over 50 years, CSI has been building upon its successful foundations and has been expanding its services to serve thousands of adults, youth, and families each year.  

CSI understands clients and staff have been impacted by trauma.  CSI is becoming a trauma-informed organization by hiring individuals with existing experience in trauma-informed practices as well as supporting ongoing staff development with trauma-informed practices.  This will include learning to recognize symptoms of trauma and how to respond, through training starting at orientation and throughout their career at CSI.  CSI is committed to systematically evaluating the integration of the trauma-informed values of safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration, and empowerment at all levels of the organization's policies, procedures, and structures to guard against the possibility of re-traumatization. To learn more about Community Solutions, visit our website at: www.csi-online.org. 

Qualifications 

• A Bachelor’s Degree and three years’ experience in social service, behavioral health, or juvenile justice. Education may be substituted with relevant experience on a one year for one year basis.  

• A minimum of one year of experience in management and supervision of staff is required.  

• Proficient with the Microsoft Office suite of applications.  

• Must have the requisite understanding and commitment to the principles of gender specific, strength-based, culturally competent, relational, and trauma-informed principles in the delivery of programming and services for abused /neglected and/or adjudicated adolescent girls.  

• Possess the ability and willingness to effectively contribute as a team member and leader.  

• Exhibits excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.  

• Knowledge of Spanish in oral and written communication is desired. 

• Additional certifications will be required upon incumbency. 

Additional Benefits 

• Two (2) weeks’ vacation accrued within the first year, bumped to three (3) weeks accrual after 1 year of service.
• Sick time (7 days accrual basis), floating holiday time (4 days/year).
• Medical and Dental plans.
• Voluntary plan options for: Vision, FSA, voluntary STD, Accident, Hospital, Life insurance and AD&D.
• 401(k) Retirement savings plan with automatic enrollment and a company match of 100% up to 4% of your contribution.
• Tuition reimbursement after 1 year service.
• Ongoing training.

CSI is an Equal Opportunity Employer – M/F/Disability/Vet. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.