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.
Position Summary:
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.
Reports To: Program Director
Schedule: Monday – Friday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (onsite).
Duties and Responsibilities:
- 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.
Curriculum & Instructional Quality
- 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.
Qualifications and Skills:
- 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 community settings.
- Strong background in curriculum design, instructional planning, and SEL integration.
- Demonstrated ability to coach and support educators in reflective practice.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and data management systems.
- Must complete 15 hours of professional development annually
- Must pass DOE and DOHMH fingerprinting and background clearance.
Preferred Skills & Competencies
- Experience with DYCD programs.
- Familiarity with restorative practices, trauma-informed care, and culturally responsive pedagogy.
- Excellent leadership, conflict-resolution, and facilitation skills.
- Strong organizational and communication abilities, both written and verbal.
- Creative problem-solver with the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
Benefits & Paid Time Off
- Paid Time Off (PTO):
25 plus days of PTO plus paid holidays which allows you to recharge and return to work refreshed and motivated. - Health Care Coverage:
We understand the importance of your health and well-being. As part of our commitment, we provide a fully company-sponsored plan as well as other options for comprehensive healthcare coverage that includes medical, dental, and vision benefits, ensuring that you and your family have access to quality healthcare when needed. - Transit Check Program:
To make your daily commute more convenient and cost-effective, we provide a transit check program that allows you to cover transportation expenses using pre-tax dollars. This benefit contributes to a greener and more efficient commute. - 401(k) Plan:
Planning for your future is essential. Our 401(k) plan enables you to save for retirement while benefiting from company contributions, ensuring financial security in your later years. - Life Insurance:
Your peace of mind is paramount. We offer life insurance coverage to provide financial support for your loved ones in the event of unforeseen circumstances, demonstrating our commitment to your family's well-being. - Referral Bonuses: We all have friends in our field of work. Refer a friend or colleague to work at CIS and receive a bonus once they join our team!
**Benefits are subject to change.
Compensation: Salary Range: $50K-55K
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Education, Social Work, Youth Development, or a related field
- At least one year of supervisory, coaching, or content oversight experience
- At least two years of direct experience working with youth in after-school, classroom, or community settings
- Strong background in curriculum design, instructional planning, and social-emotional learning integration
- Demonstrated ability to coach and support educators in reflective practice
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and data management systems
- Completion of 15 hours of professional development annually
- Pass DOE and DOHMH fingerprinting and background clearance
- Experience with DYCD programs
- Familiarity with restorative practices, trauma-informed care, and culturally responsive pedagogy
- Leadership, conflict-resolution, and facilitation skills
- Strong written and verbal organizational and communication abilities
- Creative problem-solving and ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
What We Do
Counseling In Schools is a New York City nonprofit that supports the emotional and social well-being of school communities. It embeds mental-health professionals and youth-development specialists in public schools and homeless shelters, providing school-based social and emotional learning interventions, counseling, and developmental support. Its programs equip children, families, teachers, and administrators with practical tools to flourish while strengthening the positive impact of education.
