DYCD After School Assistant Program Director

Counseling In Schools (CIS) is a dynamic community-based organization founded in 1986 with a mission to promote the emotional and social growth of children so that they can thrive in school and succeed in life. Counseling In Schools has created and fostered relationships with local schools, shelters, and communities to enable New York City’s children to thrive – academically, socially, and emotionally.

Our expert team includes licensed mental health and youth development professionals who fully integrate into the community, providing programs that equip children, families, teachers, and administrators with the right tools for preventing and coping with the challenges they face. We envision and work toward a bright future, full of possibilities, where each child can flourish and reach their full potential.

Counseling In Schools is seeking passionate and enthusiastic people to fill the full time role of an Assistant Program Director/ Content Specialist. This role is critical to the successful operation of the Counseling In Schools school year programs. The Assistant Program Director / Content Specialist plays a critical dual role in the successful operation of Counseling In Schools’ after-school programs. This position assists the Program Director with overall program management, supervision, and compliance while also serving as the lead for instructional quality, curriculum design, and staff coaching.

The Assistant Director ensures program alignment with DYCD, DOH, and OCFS standards and supports staff in creating safe, inclusive, and engaging environments that integrate Social-Emotional Learning service learning, and culturally responsive practices.

Program Director

Monday – Friday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (onsite)

• Support the Program Director in managing daily program operations, supervision, and compliance with DYCD and SACC regulations.
• Coordinate staff schedules, attendance tracking, lesson plan collection, and program logistics (space usage, snacks, supplies, and trip planning).
• Serve as acting Program Director in their absence, ensuring smooth program continuity and adherence to safety protocols.
• Maintain accurate attendance, enrollment, and data documentation in DYCD Connect and other systems.
• Ensure that all DOH, OCFS, and DYCD requirements, including staff-to-participant ratios and reporting deadlines, are met.
• Collaborate with the Program Director to recruit, train, and evaluate staff, including Activity Specialists, Group Leaders, and interns.
• Support inclusion and equity initiatives, helping to ensure all participants have equitable access to programming.

• Lead the review of curriculum across COMPASS content areas (STEM, Literacy, Arts, Leadership, and SEL).
• Provide ongoing instructional coaching and feedback to Activity Specialists and Group Leaders.
• Support staff in developing project-based, culturally responsive lessons that align with program goals and the school’s instructional focus.
• Facilitate professional development sessions and reflective coaching that integrate trauma-informed and healing-centered practices.
• Conduct regular classroom and activity observations, offering feedback to ensure quality, engagement, and inclusivity. Collaborate with school administrators and teachers to ensure after-school learning complements the school-day curriculum.
• Support alignment of SEL and service-learning practices to foster leadership, empathy, and civic engagement among students.

• Maintain positive relationships with school administrators, parents, and community partners to strengthen program collaboration.
• Communicate regularly with families about student participation, progress, and upcoming events.
• Support family engagement initiatives such as showcases, community service projects, and parent workshops.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Social Work, Youth Development, or a related field.
• At least one year of supervisory, coaching, or content oversight experience.
• Minimum two years of direct experience working with youth in after-school, classroom, or…