Director of Special Projects

Department: Administration

Location: Chicago, IL

Schedule: Full-Time - On-site (Monday-Friday 8:30 am-4:30 pm)

Position Overview:

Under the direction of the Director of Program Operations, the Director of Special Projects helps drive the development and advancement of YOS' juvenile justice vision, strategy and programming both within and outside of the agency.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leadership: Serves as point person and primary liaison for juvenile justice initiatives in which YOS is involved. Represents YOS in the communities it serves, as well as in the broader juvenile justice community. Establishes and nurtures key relationships with community and
government agencies; local, state and national juvenile justice organization.

Supervision: Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsible for direct supervision and leadership of staff, volunteers and interns as directed, including recruitment, selection, training, performance management, and discipline. Works with Director of Program Operations to ensure that quality of service delivery is maintained.

Strategic Program Analysis and Development: Works with Executive Director and Director of Program Operations to create a strategic program development plan based on analysis of strengths, gaps and areas for potential growth within current YOS programming as measured against the needs and opportunities for community-based care for youth and families involved in the juvenile justice system.

Operations: Maintains a strong knowledge and familiarity with existing and emerging issues, opportunities and practices related to juvenile justice reform. Works with Director of Program Operations to ensure that staff is kept informed of relevant juvenile justice topics, and to ensure that YOS programming and practice are not in conflict with the agency's juvenile justice vision or established juvenile justice guidelines.

Advocacy: Identifies issues for advocacy for YOS and helps set agency advocacy strategy. Represents YOS as an advocate for youth and families in juvenile justice-related arenas according to the agency strategic plan.

Performance Management: Prepares performance and salary review for staff as necessary. Communicates and interprets review and allows and welcomes staff comments. Advises Director of Program Operations of staff areas of commendation as well as areas of need. Communicates and interprets the Employee Handbook policies for staff.

Communications/Training: Assists communication professionals in the development of marketing/communications materials and strategies to advance the goals and visibility of YOS juvenile justice programs and strategies. Assists in the development of staff, including providing relevant trainings as necessary.

Administration: Prepares and submits annual plans, progress reports, and written materials as directed.

Meetings: Attends local, state, and national meetings related to juvenile justice programs or issues when requested. Helps identify important meetings and committees for attendance to facilitate advancement of YOS strategic plan.

Budgetary: Collaborates with finance department to monitor and control expenses within budget parameters.

HIPPA: Full access to client information. Confidentiality must be maintained at all times.

Quality Improvement: Participates in ongoing quality improvements efforts of the agency.

Diversity/Cultural Awareness: Ability to working effectively with diverse communities and constituencies.

Other Functions: The Agency may assign other functions to the position at its discretion.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

1. Masters Degree in Social Work or equivalent in related field required.

2. A minimum of 5 years experience and knowledge of child behavioral health care, with substantial juvenile justice system experience and/or knowledge of the juvenile justice system and juvenile criminal lawrelated structures, procedures and issues.

3. Experience in administration and/or policy development.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

1. Clinical license or CADC

OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES:

1. Strong written/verbal communication skills. Business computer skills (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

2. Ability to build collaborative teams.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

• Full-time position
• Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications
• Benefit package included for full-time employees only

Youth Outreach Services is a drug-free workplace, and compliance with this policy is a condition of employment and continued employment.

YOS is an E-verify participating employer

COVID-19 Policy: In compliance with Illinois Executive Order, Youth Outreach Services is requiring all employees to be fully vaccinated against or an approved exemption. Approved exemptions will require weekly testing for COVID-19.

Last updated on Oct 2, 2024