Assistant Director, Student Assistance Services

Description

Position Summary: The Assistant Director of the Student Assistance Program (SAP) supports the Director in managing all SAP's clinical, operational, and programmatic aspects. This role focuses on staff hiring, onboarding, and professional development while progressively assuming program budget management and grant oversight responsibilities. The Assistant Director will serve as the primary liaison for new staff development and will play a critical role in ensuring continuity of leadership. 

Program Operations and Staff Supervision

· Lead hiring efforts for SAP positions in coordination with Human Resources. Collaborate with managers and Human Resources to recruit, select, and train new staff.

· Support the recruitment and management of interns. 

• Design and implement onboarding and training systems for new staff to ensure readiness and consistency across sites.

· Develop and deliver onboarding training and ongoing professional development aligned with CSAC certification and union contract requirements. Ensure professional development meets the program's goals and needs. 

· Organizes the agenda/content for training and regular staff meetings. Guides the Executive Staff Assistance in setting up these meetings and applying for CEUs where appropriate. 

· Supports the staff evaluation process, creating rubrics and systems of support. 

· Supports offboarding and exit interviews in concert with HR. 

• Assist the Director in developing and monitoring clinical protocols and program policies.

• Fill in as necessary for short-term staff absences. 

• Support district and school engagement through site visits and relationship management.

• Provide support and guidance to managers for crisis intervention and short-term problem-solving for the Student Assistance Program.

Grant and Budget Management

· Oversee day-to-day grant implementation, budget tracking, and compliance monitoring.

· Monitor contract deliverables and recommend quality improvement efforts.

· Monitor district contributions and ensure accurate and timely data reporting for all funding sources.

· Prepare draft applications and interim/final reports under the guidance of the Director and CPO.

Quality Improvement and Strategic Development

· Analyze data trends to assess program outcomes and identify improvement opportunities.

· Support evaluation processes and procedures, implementing action plans for improvement as needed.

· Contribute to risk mitigation and operational planning alongside senior leadership.

· Represent SAP in statewide committees or meetings, as assigned. Maintain a presence with state agencies/partners who support/fund our work. 

· Participate in labor relations meetings and help implement contract requirements and procedural updates.

· Serve as the primary back-up to the Director and a core member of the SAP leadership team.

· Build capacity to assume Director-level duties, including oversight of clinical protocols, external partnerships, and strategic planning.

Requirements

Qualifications: Through Education, Work Experience, or Training: • Master’s degree and License (LMFT, LMHC, or LICSW) in a behavioral health specialty• Demonstrated expertise in child/adolescent behavioral health (substance use/mental health)• Minimum of 5 years of experience in program leadership, clinical supervision, or school-based services.• Demonstrated experience in onboarding, training, and supporting professional staff.• At least three years of grant writing, contracting and budget management experience, particularly in publicly funded programs.• Strong presentation, facilitation, and communication skills.• Experience in motivational interviewing, training, public speaking, or teaching. • Professional verbal, written, presentation, and training skills.  

Skills and Competencies:· Effective communication, sound professional judgment, and crisis management skills.· Knowledge of federal and state laws governing privacy, confidentiality, and reporting requirements.· Action-oriented with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.· Strong work ethic, flexibility, and multitasking abilities.· Proficiency in Microsoft Office software and data collection systems.· Exceptional interpersonal, organizational, and community partnership skills.· Knowledge of school-based mental health and substance use prevention systems in Rhode Island.· Experience with developing logic models, managing them, and measuring outcomes.

Work Environment / Physical Demands:

• Must be able to use a telephone and a computer.
• Must be able to move 20 lbs. or promotional materials as needed.
• Local travel required. Must be able to      visit schools and other community-based sites as needed.

Hours & Attendance Requirements:

• 37.5-hour workweek (M-F) with flexibility to work early mornings      or evenings based on the program's needs.