Title:                       Program Director

Agency/Program: Freedom Village

Status: Exempt, Full Time   

Hours Per Week: 35 

Salary:  $90,000

Supervisor:  Chief Program Officer

Start Date: August 1, 2025

Benefits Package: 100% Employer paid Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Matched Retirement Plan, Paid vacation, Sick days, Personal days, Paid National Holidays, and more.  

Schedule: Monday through Friday, 9AM to 5PM, after hours on call as needed

Equipment Operated: Computer/Laptop, Printer, Scanner, Phone, Adaptive Devices, etc.
Work Environment: This position will work full-time from the program site.
Travel:  Five days on-site per week and as needed.

About Barrier Free Living (BFL) 

Barrier Free Living (BFL) is dedicated to helping New Yorkers with disabilities live independently in the community.  Through its various programs, BFL provides a broad range of residential and nonresidential services to disabled survivors of domestic violence, transitional shelter to the disabled homeless, and outreach to physically disabled individuals with mental health and/or chemical addiction issues.  Services include case management; housing placements; independent living skills training; occupational therapy; short and long-term individual counseling; advocacy within the medical, mental health, child welfare, law enforcement, and criminal justice systems; and referrals to outside services. 

About Freedom Village

Freedom Village is a 74-unit permanent supportive housing residence operated by BFL. Located in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, the program serves survivors of domestic violence with disabilities and frail elderly individuals (55+), offering a fully accessible and trauma-informed environment. Residents receive comprehensive on-site services including case management, counseling, and occupational therapy to promote safety, healing, and long-term stability.

Role Summary

The Program Director of Freedom Village is responsible for leadership and program oversight of the building’s staff and daily operations.  They will provide overall leadership, direction, and supervision of Freedom Village’s staff and daily operations, ensuring a trauma-informed, disability-competent approach to services and community engagement.  They will be responsible for ensuring the quality of supportive services, including case management, clinical care, and wellness programming; and will collaborate with executive management to develop policies, procedures, and protocols in alignment with organizational standards and best practices.  The successful Program Director will build a culture of safety, inclusion, and respect for tenants and staff alike.  The Program Director will also work closely with the Chief Program Officer, Finance and Quality Assurance, to ensure Freedom Village’s fiscal responsibility and compliance with all contractual, regulatory, and reporting requirements.

Responsibilities

• Monitor the quality of staff documentation, ensuring it is completed regularly and tracked in the agency database.Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate a multidisciplinary team including case managers, clinicians, and administrative staff

• Provide individual supervision and facilitate regular team meetings

• Ensure ongoing professional development, training, and performance management for staff

• Support a positive and collaborative team culture grounded in accountability and empathy

• Conduct regular case reviews and support staff in developing and updating Individual Service Plans (ISPs)

• Monitor tenant engagement, service delivery, and care coordination to ensure needs are met

• Review and approve service plans, incident reports, and crisis intervention strategies

• Collaborate with tenants to support independence, self-advocacy, and community integration

• Assist in the development and implementation of life-skills and workforce development programming, and other special projects/community events. Oversee the monthly programming calendar

• Monitor program outcomes and key performance indicators; implement continuous quality improvement strategies

• Prepare for and participate in audits, site visits, and inspections from oversight agencies.

• Collaborate with the Facilities and Operations team to maintain a clean, safe, and functional environment

• Partner with security, maintenance, and property management staff to respond to facility-related issues and emergencies

• Participate in emergency planning, drills, and response protocols

• Serve as a liaison to community partners, funders, and oversight agencies

• Represent Freedom Village in external meetings, conferences, and advocacy efforts

• Cultivate partnerships to enhance tenant services and overall program impact

• Lead program enrollment and intake processes, including pre-release engagement and assessment of potential tenants

• Ensure fidelity to trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and strength-based practices across the program

• Oversee planning and implementation of workforce development services, life skills workshops, and community-based activities

• Monitor and track tenant outcomes including housing retention, employment attainment, and training completion

• Collaborate with evaluation and finance teams to collect data, prepare reports, and ensure grant compliance

• Coordinate with property management to support housing stability and respond to tenant issues or potential lease violations

• Facilitate regular staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.

• Engage community stakeholders and represent the program at coalitions, community meetings, and partner events

• Participate in agency-wide planning, equity initiatives, and events as required

• Maintain documentation systems, records, and confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and agency policies

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to refine program processes and elevate tenant success

• Support the development of future programming and funding opportunities aligned with community needs

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Social Work, Public Administration, Human Services, or a related field

• Minimum five (5) years of experience in a leadership or management role in supportive housing, domestic violence services, or a related setting

• Experience working with individuals with disabilities, trauma survivors, and/or older adults

• Demonstrated experience managing teams, budgets, contracts, and regulatory compliance

• Knowledge of NYC and NYS housing and social service systems, including HUD, HRA, OTDA, and OCFS

• Strong understanding of trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and housing-first principles

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and electronic case record systems

• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and respond to crises

• NYS LMSW, LCSW, LMHC, or similar clinical licensure preferred

• Bilingual (English/Spanish or ASL) is a plus

• Familiarity with supportive housing funding streams and performance-based contracts is preferred

Equal Opportunity Employer

BFL provides equal employment opportunity to all applicants, with employment based upon personal capabilities and qualifications without discrimination because of race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, pregnancy, alienage or citizenship status, marital status, creed, genetic disposition or carrier status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.   Applicants who need a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job duties are encouraged to submit requests to HR for consideration.