The Bridge - Program Director (SOS) - Community Support Program at The Bridge

The Bridge offers supportive housing and behavioral health services to vulnerable New Yorkers facing behavioral health and substance use challenges. We provide individuals with the tools they need to pursue their dreams and live meaningful lives. The Bridge envisions a world where adults experiencing serious mental illness can live and thrive within their communities. As a recognized leader in developing and operating supportive housing and community-based programs, The Bridge has 70 years of experience helping New Yorkers with mental illness, including those affected by homelessness, incarceration, and institutionalization. 

Scope of Position: We are seeking a licensed Master’s-level Director (LMSW or LCSW) to lead our SOS program, dedicated to following the CTI model and ensuring adherence to program policies. This pivotal role involves overseeing referrals, canvassing activities, and outreach. The Director may manage a small caseload as necessary, strategize high-risk case meetings, and actively participate in key meetings such as MTA and CBHT. Responsibilities also include creating schedules, ensuring the integrity of progress notes, conducting screenings, and reviewing service plan completions. 

Essential Position Functions:

• The Program Director will lead a multi-disciplinary SOS community support Team in collaboration with the State Office of Mental Health and SOS Hub.
• Manage day-to-day team operations, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
• Coordinate outreach in transit hot spots and hospitals, conducting needs assessments for transition planning.
• Develop lasting partnerships with MTA, hospitals, NYPD, shelters, and housing providers.
• Facilitate case reviews and document recommendations for at-risk members.
• Conduct regular audits to ensure compliance, reporting findings to the SOS Hub QPM Department.
• Assist in identifying and implementing quality improvement projects.
• Ensure adherence to regulatory standards in recruitment and performance management.
• Provide individual and group supervision, training, and mentorship to team members.
• Coordinate staff schedules for 24/7 crisis response readiness.
• Collaborate with Single Point of Access to enroll participants and manage staff assignments.
• Engage stakeholders respectfully, considering cultural differences.

• Must-have: Licensed Master’s degree in social work, mental health counseling, nursing, or psychology.
• Experience working with homeless and/or precariously housed populations preferred; management skills development interest.
• Knowledge of NYC homeless resources, shelter systems, and MTA transit is advantageous.
• Familiarity with counseling principles for mental illness and substance use disorders.
• Understanding of treatment, rehabilitation, and community support programs for recipients, families, and staff.
• Proficiency in crisis management, de-escalation techniques, and violence prevention strategies.
• Ability to develop, implement, and adjust treatment interventions for individual needs.
• Strong computer skills including Health Information Technology and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); Spanish proficiency a plus.

The Bridge Inc. is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer