Executive Director of Facility Programs

Job Description

The New York City Department of Correction (DOC) is an integral part of the City’s evolving criminal justice system, participating in reform initiatives and strategies aimed to move the City towards a smaller jail system without compromising public safety. The DOC is responsible for maintaining a safe and secure environment for our employees, visitors, volunteers, and people in our custody. Importantly, safe jails enable DOC to provide people in custody with the tools and opportunities they need to successfully re-enter their communities. The DOC operates facilities and court commands across the five boroughs with more than 7,500 diverse professionals and knowledgeable experts.

DOC seeks to recruit a Facility Programs Executive Director assigned to the Division of Programs and Community Partnerships. The selected candidate will be assigned to a specific facility to lead the Division’s robust services as well as supervise and support uniformed members assigned to Programs, Learning Labs and programmatic spaces at the commands. With latitude for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative, and under the guidance of an Assistant Commissioner, Programs Executive Director will be responsible for supervising the day-to-day operation of mandated services, advancement, and enrichment activities, as well as discharge planning/reintegration services. This specific position may include working at the Department’s Outpost Facilities such as Bellevue Hospital, among other sites. The Executive Director assigned to the Outpost Facilities should expect to split their time between the multiple sites as they become operational. Duties for this position include but are not limited to:
- Provide overall direction and oversight of programs and services at one or more facility to guarantee efficient operations, collaboration, qualitative and quantitative programming and the integrity of data;
- Supervise and mentor direct reports such as Program Coordinators, Program Assistants, Reentry Coordinators, Reentry Planners and officers from the Division assigned to the command, including indirect supervision of Associate Correctional Counselors I and II, Fine and Performing Arts, Recreation Supervisors and Directors, Legal Coordinators, and other members from Programs assigned to the facility.
- Supervise, mentor, guide and support uniformed staff (Captains and Officers) assigned to Programs, Learning Labs and programming areas to ensure adherence to and operation of mandated services and programming opportunities scheduled for and afforded within the command as well as other city agencies and service providers to achieve programmatic goals while actively seeking input and opportunities for further development of programmatic services;
- Conduct focus groups with persons in custody and uniformed staff members within the facility to elicit their input in the design, implementation and operation of new initiatives or activities.
- Plan and implement initiatives to improve program effectiveness with facility and the Director of Volunteer/Service Providers Unit;
- Ensure compliance with data collection and reporting mechanisms by conducting research and analysis for trends and proposing solutions.
- Develop and maintain schedules for housing areas and other locations, capturing services;
- Monitor program activities by observing services and reporting operational issues;
- Promote strong teamwork and collaboration among Programs staff by leading meetings to share, elicit, set, and assess goals
- Attend meetings and trainings as required to enhance soft and hard skills;
- Respond to time-sensitive requests during the evenings and weekends by periodically checking the DOC mobile device supplied to them;
- Perform related duties as assigned.

Preferred Skills

- Supervisory experience in a group, community, educational, or institutional setting is preferred.
- Knowledge of the criminal justice system and experience working with justice involved populations.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of correctional staff.
- Ability to exercise independent judgment, prepare written reports and documents.
- Knowledge of human development and behavior, counseling techniques, behavior modification and intervention techniques.
- Ability to mentor and provide positive interaction, guidance and leadership to people in custody.
- Excellent writing, communication, inter-personal, analytical, research, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
- Bilingual a plus

Additional Information
The City of New York offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance for the employee and his/her spouse or domestic partner and unemancipated children under age 26, union benefits such as dental and vision coverage, paid annual leave and sick leave, paid holidays, a pension, and optional savings and pre-tax programs such as Deferred Compensation, IRA, and a flexible spending account.
This position is located on Rikers Island.

CONFIDENTIAL AGENCY INVESTIGAT - 31142

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.