The Program Director of Community Resources supervises a team that includes two community resource specialists responsible for case management and navigating public benefits through an initiative called NYCBenefits, in partnership with the Department of Social Services. This initiative seeks to give participants and other community members an opportunity to understand public benefits and the benefits process, and supports them by providing eligibility screenings and application assistance.
Reporting to the Director of Adult and Immigrant Services, the Program Director will be responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive plans to ensure immigrant New Yorkers and low-income community members (clients) obtain access benefits programs and follows a trauma-informed case management model. The Program Director will meet one-on-one with clients as part of the intake process, complete an individualized service plan, and follow up with clients, as necessary. The Program Director will provide leadership and coaching to direct staff and provide weekly supervision or more frequently as needed. They are also responsible for conducting workshops for participant groups across the organization to provide an overview of available benefits and resources. Additionally, there is an opportunity to link clients to internal financial relief programs for individuals and families experiencing financial emergencies.
Sunnyside Community Services (SCS) is a multiservice, community-based organization serving New York City with a focus on western Queens — an area that is home to a uniquely diverse, predominately immigrant population and many low-income families. Established as a small senior center in 1974, SCS began offering licensed home care services in 1979 and introduced youth services in 1983. Today we provide a full range of human services to 16,000 individuals each year including children, youth, adults, and seniors. Our mission is to provide a continuum of vital services and activities that enrich the lives of individuals of all ages.
Adult and Immigrant Services at SCS offers English language classes to immigrant community members, assists in providing resources and benefits, provides free legal immigration consultations, engages with community members on public health initiatives and advocates alongside and on behalf of immigrants and low-income adults.
Responsibilities
Planning and Implementation
- Execute comprehensive plans to ensure that NYCBenefits applications and financial relief related outcomes are being met.
- Supervise and train a team of two full-time Community Resources Specialists and volunteers, including hosting weekly debriefs.
- Ensure that team conducts 50 new intakes per month.
- Conduct workshops for community members to provide an overview of available benefits and resources.
- Attend weekly and monthly meetings with funders and SCS stakeholders.
- Collaborate within Adult and Immigrant Services and throughout the organization, including Home Care, Older Adult Services, and Youth programming to ensure successful delivery of services and referrals.
- Participate in training sessions and conferences.
Client Engagement and Case Management
- Manage a caseload of at least five new clients each month while maintaining continuous interactions with existing clients, staying abreast of any changes in clients’ status or need for further immediate intervention.
- Determine client eligibility for public benefits, resources available internally and externally, or other unique needs plans following completion of intake and individualized service plan.
- Guide clients through the NYCBenefits screening, enrollment, and appeals process.
- Advocate with city agencies on behalf of clients to ensure access to eligible benefits.
- Maintain regular communication with all clients about their benefits application progress and assist with recertifications.
Data Management and Reporting
- Collect, maintain, and manage comprehensive electronic files and programmatic data using internal databases.
- Document and review the Community Resource team’s detailed case notes and track participant demographics and assessments.
- Review reports and ensure that all data is accurate and up-to-date.
- Ensure reports are submitted to funders in a timely manner.
Community Engagement and Advocacy
- Organize focus groups and support sessions for clients.
- Engage in advocacy efforts relevant to the needs of our participants, including rallies, phone banking, and campaign activities.
Financial Relief Assistance
- Manage the distribution of over $100,000 in public and private grants available to eligible clients.
- Connect with landlords on behalf of clients that are eligible for financial relief.
Additional Duties
- Perform other related duties as needed to enhance the effectiveness of the Community Resources team and the organizational mission.
Qualifications
- Bilingual English/Spanish required.
- Bachelor’s degree in social work; master’s degree in social work preferred.
- Two or more years of supervisory experience.
- Strong interpersonal skills and able to motivate and develop staff.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Web-Based Office Suite.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, including oral and written communication.
- Flexibility, patience, resourcefulness, and a willingness to learn and ability to work independently and creatively.
Job Classification: Full-time (35 hours per week); SCS is currently working a hybrid model, with three days onsite and two days remote.
Salary: $62,000 to $65,000
Reports to: Director of Adult and Immigrant Services
SCS offers an Excellent Benefits Package
Comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance
403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution
Flexible spending account and transit checks
Employee Assistance Program
20 days of paid vacation and 12 paid sick days per year
12 paid holidays
Five personal/floating days
Life Insurance
Long-term disability
How to Apply
If you would like to join our team, please forward a cover letter and resume with subject line “Program Director, Community Resources” to Johan Lopez, Director of Adult and Immigrant Services at jlopez@scsny.org.
Sunnyside Community Services’ strength lies in its ability to work with people at every stage in their lives and in their own communities. We pride ourselves in an approach that is comprehensive, caring and community-based.
All positions at Sunnyside Community Servicesare filled without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, HIV/AIDS status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All are encouraged to apply.
Sunnyside Community Services strives to address, explore and educate all our stakeholders about the diversity of the human experience and to advance and integrate racial equity and social justice into all organizational policies and programs. We believe that everyone, regardless of who they are or what they do for the organization, should feel equally involved and supported. SCS represents a commitment to considering the whole person and how systemic barriers and access to opportunities can affect well being.
Sunnyside Community Services is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Employer