Executive Director of Counseling

About the Role

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 staff, visitors, volunteers, and people in our custody. The Executive Director of Counseling Services Unit will be assigned to the Division of Programs and Community Partnerships and will supervise the day-to-day operation of the Counseling Services Unit, which includes three dedicated teams providing social services, individual and group-based counseling, and substance misuse programming.

Responsibilities

• Supervise a team of Deputy Directors and other managerial and administrative staff.
• Manage the implementation of policies, internal controls, data collection, and procedures related to social services, case management, and behavior modification programming.
• Develop, evaluate, and refine performance indicators for Counseling Services Unit staff.
• Provide analysis and recommendations for proactive strategies as required.
• Serve as a liaison in meetings with Federal, State, City government, and nonprofit agencies.
• Coordinate compliance activities, observe staff in correctional facilities, and analyze operational trends.
• Maintain statistics and assist in research and best practices pertaining to correctional treatments.
• Convene daily, weekly, and ad-hoc stakeholder meetings to ensure programs are comprehensive, integrated, and client-centered.
• Perform related duties as required.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications for City Research Scientist (Assignment Level I):

• A master's degree from an accredited college or university with a specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological or environmental science or in public health.

For Assignment Level II and above:

• A doctorate degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental, or social science and one year of full-time experience in a responsible supervisory, administrative, or research capacity in the appropriate field of specialization; or
• A master's degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental, or social science and three years of responsible full-time research experience in the appropriate field of specialization; or
• Education and/or experience equivalent to the above, with at least a master's degree in an appropriate field of specialization and at least two years of experience as described above.
• Two years as a City Research Scientist Level I can substitute for the experience required above.

Preferred Skills

• Master’s Degree from an accredited college in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Mental Health Counseling, or a related field.
• Supervisory experience in a group, community, educational, or institutional setting.
• 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.
• Strong written, communication, interpersonal, analytical, research, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• 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.
• Licensure in Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, or a similar field.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English (a plus).

Additional Information

• Appointments to this position are subject to a minimum probationary period of one year.
• New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County.

Pay

$109,565.00 – $126,000.00