Job Description

Job Description

Title: Program Director

Location: Logan Square

Schedule: On-Site, Monday to Friday (8:30am - 5:00pm). May require evening and weekend work.

Summary:

The Director of Opportunity Youth develops and manages professional programs including case management and residential services for program participants. This role oversees program design, growth, development, funder requirements, and quality assurance. The Director supervises staff within Opportunity Youth programs to achieve positive outcomes with justice-involved youth populations.

Services include casework, counseling, community and police liaison activities, and residential management. The program employs creative initiatives to serve vulnerable participants with ongoing therapeutic needs.

The Director should have or develop through training an active understanding of trauma, demonstrate curiosity about staff and youth needs, and incorporate their voices into program delivery.

The role ensures quality services and continuous improvement, integrating therapeutic models like Heartland’s Therapeutic Youth Engagement and the ARC model (Attachment, Regulation, and Competencies). Program managers ensure compliance with DCFS licensing standards and funder expectations, managing administrative tasks as required. Work objectives will be set annually within this framework.

Why Join Us?

• Make a meaningful impact on individuals seeking education and career pathways.
• Collaborate with a diverse, passionate team committed to our mission.
• Enjoy flexibility and work-life balance.
• Participate in professional development opportunities.

Our Benefits:

• Medical insurance (BCBS PPO, EPO, HSA plans)
• Dental and vision insurance
• 401(k) with 3% employer contribution
• Paid maternity and paternity leave
• Commuter benefits
• Student loan and tuition assistance
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Vendor discounts on travel, entertainment, etc.

Essential Functions:

Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop, manage, monitor, and evaluate complex programs meeting participant, funder, and organizational needs; provide evaluative reports and recommendations.
• Oversee the program budget and expenditure in line with organizational policies.
• Coordinate with senior leadership to develop program policies and objectives in compliance with policies and standards.
• Negotiate contracts with government and private funders for current and new initiatives.
• Implement personnel policies promoting professional growth and meet operational goals.
• Make hiring, promotion, and disciplinary recommendations.
• Represent the organization in external relations, including liaising with funders and community partners.
• Participate in organizational management through leadership teams.
• Report to funders as required.
• Stay current with professional developments through workshops, conferences, and meetings.
• Adhere to professional standards and participate in staff training.
• Respond to crisis situations as part of on-call duties.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Manage managers and supervisors, overseeing their performance and development.
• Supervise non-supervisory staff directly.
• Handle hiring, training, performance appraisals, and discipline.
• Foster staff capacity in child welfare practices and therapeutic interventions.

Education and Experience:

• Master’s degree in social work or human services with 3+ years of experience with children, including 2 years in residential care, OR
• Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of relevant experience, including 3 in residential care.
• Experience in staff supervision, program planning, administration, fiscal management, and policy development required.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent communication, public speaking, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and related software.
• Strong problem-solving, leadership, ethical standards, organizational support, judgment, motivation, planning, professionalism, safety awareness, dependability, interpersonal relations, and teamwork skills.

Work Arrangement:

This position is on-site only, with no remote work options. The employee must be present at assigned programs on a rotating basis.

Work Environment:

• Moderate noise level typical of program sites.

Physical Demands:

• Regular talking, hearing, sitting, standing, walking, and reaching.
• Occasional lifting up to 25 pounds.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Heartland Human Care Services is an equal opportunity employer, making all employment decisions without regard to various protected statuses, in accordance with applicable policies and laws.

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