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Full Time

Director of Youth Programs Refugee and Immigrant Support Services

Pine Hills Community Albany NY

Located in the Pine Hills community of Albany NY, RISSE provides comprehensive, year-round English Language and supportive services to the refugee and immigrant community. RISSE operates youth programs, adult English literacy/language programs, civics classes, life skills orientation, job search assistance, and more. Our mission is to equip refugees and recent immigrants to build sustainable, independent lives by offering language and literacy instruction and support with life skills and integration into the United States culture and community. 

Position Description:  Director of Youth Programs

The Director of Youth Programs oversees the after-school programs at RISSE and RISSE satellites throughout the school year. The Director provides primary leadership and administration for the programs on a day-to-day basis throughout the year. The Director will supervise the instructional and support staff, with assistance from lead instructors at each program site. The Director is directly responsible for developing and overseeing implementation of curriculum and programming for the after-school programs in consultation with the instructional staff. The Director will also act as a liaison with school district partners to ensure the fulfillment of program grant requirements. This is a 10-month position consistent with the school year, with the option for continuation in the summer for our Summer Youth Enrichment Program.

Reports to: Executive Director, who will at least annually evaluate the Director’s performance on the basis of the elements of this job description and the personnel policies of RISSE, including observation and feedback as appropriate.

Required Minimum Qualifications: 

An Associate degree in Child Development, Elementary Education, Physical Education, Recreation or a related field; and two years of direct experience working with children less than 13 years of age, including at least one year in a supervisory capacity in a child care program or related field of work; or two years of college with 18 credits in Child Development, Elementary Education, Physical Education, Recreation or a related field; and two years of direct experience working with children less than 13 years of age, including at least one year in a supervisory capacity in a child care program or related field of work.

Preferred Qualifications: 

A Bachelor’s degree or higher in Child Development, Elementary Education, Physical Education, Recreation or a related field; at least 2 years of administrative and supervisory experience; strong leadership and interpersonal skills; experience in curriculum development and program planning; experience with grant fulfillment and reporting; knowledge of basic first aid and implementation of universal precautions; experience in human services, refugee resettlement, immigrant integration is a plus; capable of managing active children and youth on a playground or in other recreational settings.

Hours and Schedule: 35-40 hours/week, Monday through Friday. 10-month position during the school year, with option for continuation in summer months.

Illustration of Duties:

  • Education and Administration: Responsible for the development, implementation and management of the after school programs at RISSE and RISSE satellites. Plan youth educational/recreational programs, enrichment activities, life skills programs, and English language homework help with instructional staff.  Create class rosters, staffing schedules, and student files. Oversee monitoring of students at all times while on site. Oversee the registration and referral process for each program site and communicate with parents and students about expectations. Maintain the daily schedule, ensure compliance with attendance-taking measures, inform parents of absences or incidents. Coordinate transportation and meal programs for each program site. Work closely with the Executive Director to resolve any administrative issues.
  • Supervision:  Oversee teachers and volunteers in all youth education programs, with support from lead instructors at each program site. Ensure staff and volunteers receive orientation specific to the job. Oversee the lead instructors in ensuring each program site is ready for opening and closed for the day. Engage volunteers and other staff in meaningful and appropriate interaction with students. Conduct annual performance evaluations for instructional staff.
  • Compliance: Comply with all applicable federal and state regulations.  Ensure staff and volunteers adhere to these standards. Maintain accurate background check, training, and health and safety documentation for all instructional staff. Maintain accurate attendance and behavior records for enrolled students. Ensure compliance with all required grant deliverables.
  • Coordination:  As needed, coordinate with school district partners and outside agencies related to educational programs. Coordinate with students’ parents and referring public school officials. Complete reporting requirements including those related to food service provided with the children’s program.
  • Training:  Maintain necessary training and certifications. Attend training upon request of the supervisor. Ensure case managers and volunteers are properly trained and training records are maintained.
  • Fundraising:  Assist with relevant grant writing and other fund-raising efforts to support the financial sustainability of RISSE.

Compensation:

This position is for 35-40 hours per week, paid on an hourly basis. Compensation is based upon qualifications and experience. The position is funded by external multi-year grants and contingent on the continuation of those funds. Please refer to the RISSE Personnel Manual for information on benefits.