The New York City Department of Correction (DOC) is an integral part of the City’s evolving criminal justice system, participating in reform initiatives and strategies aimed to move the city towards a smaller jail system without compromising public safety. The DOC is responsible for maintaining a safe and secure environment for staff, providers, visitors, volunteers, and people in our custody. Importantly, safe jails enable DOC to provide people in custody with the tools and opportunities they need to successfully re-enter their communities. The DOC operates facilities and court commands across the five boroughs with more than 9,500 diverse professionals and knowledge experts.

DOC seeks to recruit an Executive Director of the Counseling Services Unit assigned to the Division of Programs and Community Partnerships. The selected candidates will be assigned to the Office of the Assistant Commissioner of RMAS and Counseling Services. With latitude for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative, and under the guidance of the Assistant Commissioner, the Executive Director will be responsible for supervising the day-to-day operation of the Counseling Services Unit, which includes three dedicated teams who provide Social Services, Program Counseling such as group-based counseling, and an Intervention & Advocacy focused team that includes Social Workers and staff that facilitate behavioral and family interventions, among other responsibilities. Duties for this position include but are not limited to:
- Supervise team of Deputy Directors and other managerial/administrative staff assigned to purview;
- Manage the implementation of appropriate system of policies, internal controls, data collection and procedures, particularly associated with social services and case management related services, as well as behavior modification programming;
- Develop, evaluate and refine performance indicators for Counseling Services Unit staff;
- Provide analysis and recommendations for proactive strategies as required;
- Serve as a liaison in various meetings with Federal, State, and City governments, and nonprofit agencies;
- Coordinate compliance activities to remain abreast of the status of the Counseling Services Unit and to identify trends. This includes but is not limited to, observing staff assigned to correctional settings, and spending time within the facilities to understand overall operational trends.
- Maintain statistics and assists in research and best practices pertaining to correctional treatments;
- Convene daily, weekly, and ad-hoc stakeholder meetings to ensure programs are afforded in a comprehensive, integrated, and client-centered manner;
- Perform related duties as required;

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and four years of progressively responsible experience, in a large governmental agency, business firm, civic or community organization operating in the area of social services, including one year at the administrative or managerial level; or

2. Education and/or experience equivalent to "1" above. Graduate education or a license may substitute for up to a maximum of three years of experience in the area of social services, but not for the one year of experience at the administrative or managerial level as described in "1" above, as follows:

(A) A master’s degree from an accredited college or university in accounting, business, child welfare, counseling, economics, education, finance, human resources, labor relations, management, management science, nursing, operations research, organizational behavior, personnel or public administration, political science, psychology, sociology, social work, statistics, and/or urban studies may substitute for two years of experience; and/or

(B) Graduate education beyond the baccalaureate degree may be substituted at the rate of 30 semester credits from an accredited college or university in the area(s) listed in “2(A)” above for each year of experience up to a maximum of three years; or

(C) A valid New York State Registration as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW) may substitute for three years of experience.

However, all candidates must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and one year of experience at the administrative or management level as described in "1" above.

- Master’s Degree from an accredited college in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Mental Health Counseling, or a related field. - Supervisory experience in a group, community, educational, or institutional setting is preferred. - Knowledge of the criminal justice system and experience working with justice involved populations. - Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of correctional staff. - Ability to exercise independent judgment, prepare written reports and documents. - Knowledge of human development and behavior, counseling techniques, behavior modification and intervention techniques. - Ability to mentor and provide positive interaction, guidance, and leadership to people in custody. - Excellent writing, communication, inter-personal, analytical, research, problem-solving, and organizational skills. - Licensure in field of Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, or similar.

This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position through the 55-a Program.

New York City Residency is not required for this position

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.