Program Manager, Bereavement and Mental Health Support Services
Unit: Programs
Department: Counseling & Case Management
Reports to: Senior Director of Mental Health Services
Classifications: Exempt, F.T. (Administrative)
Essential Functions:
% Time
Role Description
30% Supervision and Consultation
1. Supervise counseling and case management staff and graduate interns as assigned.
2. Complete performance evaluations for interns and staff as indicated.
3. Responsible for the implementation and supervision of all bereavement support and capacity building projects, including:
a. Coordinate the dissemination of HMI’s “Survivance & Queer Youth” group intervention to organizational partners nationally and locally, and provide key partner organizations with staff training, coaching and TA to ensure success.
b. In collaboration with the Department of Advocacy and Capacity Building, develop and deliver capacity-building trainings that increase the LGBTQIA+ competency in the bereavement field, and increase bereavement support skills among LGBTQIA+ youth service providers.
c. Develop training on grief, loss and bereavement support skills for clinicians and youth service providers working with LGBTQIA+ youth.
d. Create digital resources and materials supporting LGBTQIA+ youth, their families and service providers in bereavement and grief-related work.
e. Serve as HMI’s representative to the National Alliance for Grieving Children (NAGC) and attend any additional trainings and conferences related to bereavement.
f. Ensure HMI and Harvey Milk High School (HMHS) maintain the requirements to be a grief-sensitive school.
4. Manage bereavement program budget and deliverables for the NY Life and Roddick Foundation grants.
40% Clinical Responsibilities
1. Create space for and facilitate HMI community responses to any community-related losses in the LGBTQIA+ community in NYC.
2. Coordination and planning of counseling and mental health group-level interventions to support LGBTQIA+ youth with grief, loss and bereavement:
a. Implement the “Survivance and Queer Youth” group intervention twice annually for HMI youth members and LGBTQIA+ youth locally
b. Create and facilitate additional groups focused on grief, loss and bereavement for LGBTQIA+ youth using the creative arts to process.
3. In collaboration with the Intake & Data Coordinator, conduct membership intake assessments as needed to determine immediate safety concerns, presenting issues and facilitate necessary referrals for in-house and external follow-up services.
4. In collaboration with the counseling and case management team support in the integration of Liberation-focused, anti-oppressive, BIPOC youth-centered and alternative healing methodologies.
5. Provide individual-level clinical support to youth members, including:
a. Weekly supportive counseling for a small caseload of youth members and their families
b. Creating youth re-entry plans related to behavior change/disciplinary action in collaboration with the Director of Counseling and Case Management
c. On-call counseling
d. Crisis intervention
e. Escort youth to Pantry and conduct needs assessment for potential referrals to services.
6. Conduct assessment, problem definition, treatment planning and case coordination of youth to support stabilization and participation in HMI programs and in school.
7. Facilitate groups during YSD program hours as needed.
8. Provide necessary referrals for HMI members to access additional services.
9. Accompany youth members to external organizations to provide advocacy support.
10. Facilitate supported referral services with external providers to HMI services.
11. Collaborate with program staff and partner organizations toward the comprehensive care of youth members.
20% Administrative Duties
1. Participates in Youth Services Departmental Management Team Meeting (weekly).
2. In collaboration with the Intake & Data Manager, track the retention and clinical trends of youth experiencing grief and loss through program evaluation methods.
3. In collaboration with department leadership, synthesize and develop materials describing the model for HMI Counseling & Case Management, including training and onboarding documents for new staff and interns.
4. Develop program designs as determined by clinical trends, community needs, and contractual requirements.
5. Support in monitoring and meeting all contractual requirements within Counseling and Case Management department to meet compliance standards.
6. Collaborate with other HMI departments and outside agencies to ensure continuity of care.
7. Collect data and participate in program evaluation activities as linked to interventions.
8. Complete electronic data reporting immediately following service provision into Salesforce, including individual counseling progress notes, group notes, referral documentation, and other service documentation as directed.
9. Meet and exceed all compliance standards for HMI and contracts by meeting deadlines, meeting outcomes and maintaining best practices in the delivery of service.
10% Programmatic Direct Service
When not in session (group or individual), work closely with other HMI departments and staff to support operation of the HMI programmatic and community milieu. Duties include:
a. Outreach and engage youth members during Program Common Hours (3:15pm – 7:15pm).
b. Assist in the facilitation of special events and Community Meetings.
Perform general staff duties, such as Café duty, train-pass, event set-up/breakdown, etc.
As needed - Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:
1. LMSW, LCSW, LCAT, LCAT-P, or LMHC required.
2. Experienced Creative Arts Therapist preferred, specifically drama therapist or dance therapist.
3. At least three years experience with diverse population of adolescents in an urban setting, including knowledge of lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender and questioning youth from various cultures and backgrounds.
4. SIFI certification and 1-3 years supervisory experience with graduate interns.
5. Ability to exercise independent judgment when appropriate; strong decision-making skills.
6. Training and/or teaching experience a plus.
7. Strong oral and written communication skills.
8. Experience facilitating group discussions and managing a variety of small and large group dynamics.
9. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including conflict mediation and public speaking.
10. Knowledge of harm reduction practices, trauma-informed care, and positive youth development models.
11. Computer Skills: Strong with proficiency in video conferencing platforms, Salesforce, Microsoft 360 and related applications including Fellow.
Additional Desirable Qualifications:
1. Experience working within a systems or family approach, Trauma-Informed Care and Positive Youth Development models in the treatment of adolescents.
2. Strong knowledge of cultural competency issues.
3. Spanish speaking preferred.
Working Conditions:
1. Work primarily in 2 Astor Place, NYC
2. Program work schedule:
Monday-Friday – 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Flexibility required at times to support agency needs.
Generous office holiday program including the end of year week.
Benefit programs - Employee Contributions vary - 401k, Medical, Dental and Vision, Fertility Care, Transit, Parking and a medical Flexible Spending account
