Director of Youth Services

Description

Exciting Opportunities Ahead: Due to Organizational Growth and Internal Promotions, We're Looking for New Talent to Join Our Team!

THE POSITION: 
The Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter Director of Youth Services leads the residential services function which includes the proper care, safety, and supervision of the residents during their stay at NWACS.  The Director of Youth Services ensures that the NWACS’ mission is being accomplished with every decision and action taken in service to the children we serve.  The Director of Youth Services serves as the organization's Compliance Officer and reports to the Chief Program Officer.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Ensures the proper care, safety and supervision of shelter residents at all times. 
• In conjunction with the Chief Program Officer and the leadership team, seeks to create or enhance current services that positively impact the residents.
• Works closely with the Chief Program Officer to ensure the needs of the children placed in the Shelter's care are met and care is coordinated.
• Carries out work tasks in a way that conforms to and supports the mission, vision, and values of the shelter as well as professional and ethical standards.
• Serves on various Board and Staff Committees as needed.
• Overall leadership of all youth care staff who directly care for the children.
• Directly supervises the Youth Services management team.
• Carries out supervisory responsibility in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.  Responsibilities may include but are not limited to interviewing, hiring and training employees; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance, rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
• Meets weekly with direct reports to gain insight to current activities and offers advice and/or corrective actions when necessary.
• Provides effective leadership and oversight to ensure the delivery of best practice services.
• Provides ongoing coaching and completes all quarterly and annual evaluations for each direct report and ensures that managers and team leads complete their evaluations in a timely manner.
• Establish effective professional relationships with staff, volunteers, shelter and community partners.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets.
• Ensures that all state licensing standards are being adhered to and all contract requirements are being fulfilled and full compliance is maintained.
• Implements and maintains the organization’s quality-assurance, compliance, risk-management and safety initiatives for the organization.
• Ensure a high level of coordination is consistently achieved between case managers, youth care managers, youth care specialists, education staff, therapists and medical staff. 
• Communicates directly with the state licensing unit for any audits, questions, or inquiries. 
• Collaborates closely with staff members and the leadership team to establish a culture of excellence across all programs within the organization.
• Regularly reviews all shelter policies and procedures and makes recommendations for any changes or additions to the Chief Program Officer.
• Attends and participates in mandatory training, staff meetings, and all other events, as required.
• Completes all required documentation and reports in a timely manner per agency procedures.
• Maintains confidentiality and privacy regarding all residents' information in accordance to Shelter policy and all applicable federal and state laws/regulations.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

•    Twenty-one years of age or older
•    Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, human services, or a related field 
•    5 years of Experience in foster care, child welfare, family services, or a related field.
•    3 years of experience in a supervisor role.

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes:
•    Basic knowledge of Google and other database programs
•    Ability to operate standard office equipment, including but not limited to: computers, telephone systems, calculators, and copiers
•    Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills
•    Flexibility, reliability, and self-motivation
•    Ability to demonstrate professionalism, interpersonal skills, and strong communication
•    Strong supervisory and leadership skills
•    Ability to adapt to the needs of the organization and employees
•    Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate

Working Conditions and Environment/Physical Demands:

The demands described are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this position successfully.
•    Physical stamina and agility are required to care for children of all ages
•    Ability to lift at least 50 pounds
•    Tasks may involve walking, standing, climbing, bending, kneeling, crouching, and lifting for long periods, both indoors and outdoors
•    Physical exposure to communicable diseases/contagions and head lice

This position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of the work to be performed.  This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities associated with it.  Northwest Arkansas Children's Shelter reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs. Northwest Arkansas Children's Shelter is an Equal Opportunity Employer.