Program Manager Jobs in Syracuse, NY (NOW HIRING)

April, 2026

Exempt

The Prevention Program Operations Manager is responsible for leading the development, implementation, and evaluation of evidence-based prevention services in alignment with the most current OASAS Prevention Guidelines. This leadership role ensures the effective delivery of school-based prevention programs, supervises prevention staff, and collaborates with both internal teams and external partners to improve program outcomes and impact. The Prevention Program Operations Manager also works closely with senior leadership to support strategic planning and agency-wide implementation of prevention initiatives. They supervise numerous staff members in the program, including a Prevention Program Coordinator and school-based counselors.

1.Plan, coordinate, and oversee implementation of school-based prevention initiatives aligned with OASAS Prevention Guidelines.

2.Provide leadership, supervision, and coaching to prevention staff to ensure high-quality service delivery and ensure program outcomes are being met.

3.Ensure Prevention Counselors provide time-limited, prevention-focused individual and group counseling, classroom education, consultation, and referral services to adolescents and families participating in a school-based substance use and problem gambling prevention and early intervention programing.

4.Ensure Prevention Counselors use brief counseling and standardized brief interventions to reduce risk factors and enhance protective factors associated with substance misuse, problem gambling, and related behavioral concerns.

1.Conduct needs assessments to identify community-specific risk and protective factors.

2.Prepare and submit the annual OASAS Workplan, ensuring alignment with program goals and compliance with regulatory requirements.

3.Assist Division leadership with accreditation processes, audit reviews, site visits and internal quality assurance and CQI reviews.

4.Complete the OASAS Annual Report and other required reports to maintain compliance and demonstrate accountability.

5.Analyze, and use data and EMR systems to monitor outcomes and drive continuous program improvement.

6.Review program metrics weekly/monthly to ensure staff and program compliance.

7.Ensure all data and records are maintained following privacy and confidentiality requirements.

Supervision and Hiring

1.Provide leadership, supervision, and coaching to direct reports to ensure high-quality service delivery and ensure program outcomes are being met.

2.Supervise staff evaluating performance and providing feedback, helping to resolve employee issues and disputes, providing professional development opportunities

3.Ensure personnel requests such as time off and time card submission are handled promptly.

4.Ensure all program staff and self are completing trainings requires by program, funder and agency and meeting all other compliance requirements.

5.Develop opportunities for program staff to collaborate and build relationships with other agency staff.

6.Collaborate with HR on recruiting to screen and hiring qualified and appropriate staff.

1.Assist Division leadership in budget development, planning and monitoring of financial resources.

1.Facilitate professional development workshops and training sessions for educators, parents, and students on substance use prevention and related topics.

2.Build and maintain collaborative relationships with school districts, administrators, and community partners.

3.Represent the organization at coalition meetings, school events, and professional forums.

1.Contribute to organizational policy development and strategic planning related to school-based prevention services.

2.Stay current on research, best practices, and emerging trends in behavioral health and substance use prevention.

3.Identify and support opportunities for program sustainability, including funding, partnerships, and resource development.

4.Participate in agency meetings and events.

• Master’s degree in social work, Counseling, Public Health, Psychology, or a related field is required.
• Licensed mental health clinician, including LMSW, LCSW, LMFT, LMHC preferred.
• Certified Prevention Professional (CPP) or (CPS) Credentialed Prevention Specialist or Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) preferred.
• Related experience will be taken into consideration.

Knowledge and Skills Needed to Perform Effectively in this Position

• Strong knowledge of OASAS prevention models, public health frameworks, and evidencebased practices.
• Strong knowledge and experience in management and supervision
• Strong facilitation skills with experience delivering presentations and training to diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in data entry, program evaluation, and outcome reporting; familiarity with WITNYS and EMR systems preferred.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in dynamic school environments.
• Certification as a Certified Prevention Professional (CPP), Credentialed Prevention Specialist (CPS), OR Licensed, certified, or credentialed in a related discipline (as per OASAS guidelines) is required to be obtained within a specified timeframe.
Additional Requirements
• Must submit to and pass background checks by the Office of Mental Health, the NYS Justice Center, the NYS Department of Education, and educational verification.
• Flexible schedule required, including some evening and weekend hours.
• Ability to travel and work at different school sites and community settings.
• Recognize and value diversity within the work environment. Be an effective team player, value and be respectful of individual differences.
• Access to reliable daily transportation to travel to school and community sites as needed.
• Follow School Services Attendance and PTO policies and procedures.

Physical Dimensions (Job-related physical abilities and individual needs to possess in order to perform the job in a satisfactory manner)

• Regular walking, driving, and the ability to lift up to 20 pounds.
• Reasonable accommodation will be made for individuals with disabilities

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Note: This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the program. This document does not constitute a contract of employment, implied or otherwise. Employment remains “at-will.”