What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director Youth & Family Services position at The Compass Center?
POSITION TYPE: Full-Time, Exempt
REPORTS TO: Executive Director
LOCATION: The Compass Center
ORGANIZATION SUMMARY
The Compass Center is an innovative, trauma-informed non-profit victim service organization dedicated to supporting victims of sexual, relational, and family trauma. The mission “Navigating the journey to healing for all impacted by sexual, relational and family trauma” is fulfilled through a variety of programs, services, and education and prevention initiatives.
CORE VALUES
Safety
Compassion
Commitment
Integrity
Expertise
POSITION SUMMARY
The Director of Navigators Youth & Family Services is responsible for overseeing all programs within the Navigators Youth & Family Services division, which includes:
- Little Navigators – A therapeutic program for young children exposed to trauma.
- VOICE (Validation, Outreach, Intervention, Counseling & Empowerment) – A program for older youth that includes Youth VIP (Youth Voices in Prevention) as a subprogram.
This position provides clinical, operational, and strategic leadership, ensuring high-quality, trauma-informed services. The director directly supervises the Clinical Services Supervisor (CSS) for the youth team, manages community relationships, and provides specialized direct clinical services to child victims of sexual assault and complex trauma cases.
The ideal candidate is a visionary leader with expertise in child and adolescent trauma, prevention programming, and community engagement.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership, Program Oversight & Team Supervision (40%)
Ø Provide strategic leadership for the Navigators Youth & Family Services division, ensuring alignment with agency goals and best practices.
Ø Supervise and support the Clinical Services Supervisor (CSS), who directly manages therapists, advocates, crisis navigators, and interns.
Ø Ensure clinical and advocacy services meet ethical, legal, and funding requirements.
Ø Oversee program implementation and monitor impact, outcomes, and service delivery.
Ø Lead staff meetings, case consultations, and team trainings to foster a collaborative, trauma-informed culture.
Ø Work with agency leadership to evaluate program expansion and funding opportunities.
Direct Clinical Services for Child Victims (25%)
Ø Provide direct therapy for child victims of sexual assault and other complex trauma cases.
Ø Conduct clinical assessments, treatment planning, and evidence-based interventions (e.g., EMDR, play therapy, TF-CBT).
Ø Collaborate with the Clinical Services Supervisor to manage complex cases requiring multidisciplinary coordination.
Ø Maintain accurate documentation in compliance with agency policies and funding requirements.
Community Engagement & Prevention Leadership (20%)
Ø Serve as the primary community liaison for Navigators Youth & Family Services, building partnerships with schools, youth-serving organizations, and community stakeholders.
Ø Lead education and outreach efforts for child-serving organizations, including professional training on trauma-informed care.
Ø Represent the agency at community meetings, coalitions, and awareness campaigns.
Ø Support Youth VIP/VOICE programming by strengthening youth-led prevention efforts in the community.
Strategic Planning & Sustainability (10%)
Ø Contribute to the development and execution of long-term strategic plans for Navigators Youth & Family Services.
Ø Assist with program evaluation, grant writing, and sustainability planning.
Ø Identify and implement innovative service models to enhance accessibility and effectiveness.
Crisis Response & Risk Management (5%)
Ø Ensure safety and risk management protocols are followed within the youth team.
Ø Support the Clinical Services Supervisor in handling crisis situations and high-risk cases.
Ø Serve as an escalation point for complex cases, collaborating with external partners as needed.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Ø Education & Licensure
o Master’s Degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or a related field.
o Licensed (LPC-MH, LCSW-PIP, LMFT, or equivalent); must meet supervisory credentials.
Ø Experience
o Minimum of five years of experience working in trauma-focused clinical work, with expertise in child and adolescent therapy.
o Minimum of 2 years of leadership experience in program oversight, clinical supervision, or nonprofit management.
o Experience working with prevention programs, advocacy services, or community-based initiatives.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Ø Specialized training in EMDR, play therapy, TF-CBT, or other evidence-based modalities for trauma treatment.
Ø Experience leading community partnerships, advocacy initiatives, or public education efforts.
Ø Knowledge of funding sources, grants, and program sustainability strategies.
CORE COMPETENCIES
Ø Leadership & Influence – Inspires and motivates staff while fostering engagement and collaboration.
Ø Trauma-Informed Practice – Applies evidence-based, client-centered approaches to therapy and advocacy.
Ø Strategic Thinking – Develops and implements innovative programming to address community needs.
Ø Decision-Making & Problem-Solving – Manages complex clinical, operational, and crisis situations effectively.
Ø Collaboration & Community Engagement – Builds strong, effective partnerships with stakeholders.
Ø Fair & Inclusive Practices – Ensures services are accessible, culturally responsive, and survivor-centered.
Ø Communication & Public Speaking – Conveys information clearly in written, verbal, and presentation formats.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This position operates in a fast-paced professional office and/or clinical environment and requires regular interaction with clients, staff and community partners while maintaining a high standard of confidentiality and professionalism.
· Fast-paced nonprofit setting requiring high levels of flexibility and problem-solving.
· Combination of office-based and community-based work, with local travel for outreach and meetings.
· Occasional evening and weekend commitments for community events or crisis response.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:
· Regularly required to speak and hear to effectively communicate with clients and colleagues.
· Frequently required to stand, walk, and use hands to handle or reach for items.
· Required to have close visual acuity to prepare and analyze data, read materials, and operate a computer.
· Occasionally required to lift office products or supplies weighing up to twenty pounds.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
This is a full-time, exempt position with a 40 hour core workweek. Some flexibility in scheduling is available and remote work may be permitted on occasion based on organizational needs and supervisor approval.
The Compass Center offers a competitive benefits package, including:
· Competitive salary based on experience.
· Generous paid time off, wellness hours, and professional development support.
· Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance and retirement contributions.
· Opportunities for growth and leadership within the organization.
TRAVEL
· Regular travel within the service area for outreach, partnership development, and training.
· Some overnight travel may be required for conferences or professional development.
DISCLAIMER
This job description is not intended to cover all responsibilities but provides a general overview of expectations. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may be assigned as needed to meet the evolving needs of The Compass Center.