Master's Degree in Social Work, Public Administration, or related field
6+ years of experience in Youth Services programs, including supervisory roles
Comprehensive knowledge of social service delivery for youth programs
Familiarity with Juvenile Justice system practices and operations
Ability to communicate effectively in both technical and non-technical language
Responsibilities
Plan, organize, and evaluate departmental staff work
Develop and implement strategic plans for the Office of Youth Services
Administer and manage the departmental budget
Train and mentor youth development staff
Collaborate with school district personnel to support students' needs
Cultivate partnerships with community organizations and agencies
Oversee the Office of Youth Services advisory board
Benefits
Comprehensive benefits package
Opportunities for professional development
Supportive work environment fostering community engagement
Flexible scheduling options
Access to resources for grant writing and networking
Full Job Description
YOUTH SERVICES DIRECTOR - 7230
GRADE: 125
PAY RANGE: $91,416.00 - $130,332.80/yr- Plus a comprehensive benefits package
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:
Plans, organizes, and directs the operations and activities of the Office of Youth Services; performs directly related work as required.
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:
The principal function of an employee in this class is to provide administrative oversight of all operations and activities of the Office of Youth Services. The work is performed under the supervision and direction of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen but extensive leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative. Supervision is exercised over the work of all employees within the Office of Youth Services. The nature of the work performed requires that an employee in this class establish and maintain effective working relationships with other City employees, the Board of Mayor and Aldermen, business and community groups, outside auditors, State and Federal officials, representatives of the media, and the public. The principal duties of this class are performed in a general office environment.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL WORK:
Plans, organizes, directs, and evaluates the work of Departmental staff in implementing the expressed goals, policies and directives of the Office of Youth Services;
Outlines the strategic plan for the Office of Youth Services;
Develops policies and procedures designed to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of departmental operations as well as to set standards;
Develops and administers the Departmental budget;
Confers with Department staff to track implementation of policies and receive specific recommendations and suggestions on Division or Departmental operations;
Trains, mentors, coaches, and evaluates youth development staff; tracks staff goals and growth; assists with staff placements in schools and with caseload management; plans and executes semi-annual staff retreats;
Collaborates with Manchester School District administrators and personnel to ensure adequate Departmental staff support is provided to schools and students as needed and/or otherwise identified in formal or informal arrangements between the Department and the School District;
Supervises departmental staff scheduling to cover schools and community needs;
Develops programs based on community needs-assessments, including leadership, workforce development/career preparedness, mindfulness workshops, and anger management classes;
Fosters and develops relationships with community partners and agencies to collaborate in serving youth and families in the community and providing needed Departmental staff support for partners and agencies;
Oversees Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) and other community agreements, designing and implementing programs for youth and their families;
Cultivates partnerships with local non-profits and employers to support the needs of local youth and the community and address challenges; provides support to smaller non-profits via research, free programs, grant writing, and networking;
Oversees 15-person Office of Youth Services advisory board;
Provides monthly status reports to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen, School Board, and OYS Advisory Board on Departmental operations, any major shift in policies or procedures, collected data, and recommendations for future development;
Participates in crisis-intervention cases;
Works one-on-one and/or in groups with youth and their families;
Serves on boards and commissions dealing with youth issues, programs, and related;
Performs grant research and writing/procurement to support the department's funding needs and growth;
Networks with Board of Aldermen to access their experience, expertise, and insights;
Promotes the reputation of the Office of Youth Services in the community;
Makes presentations to the community, the Advisory Board, and the Board of Aldermen;
Performs administration activities;
Markets programs to the community via social media and the department website;
Participates intask forces and committees to address issues of at-risk youths, including immunization, depression, drug/alcohol abuse, crime, guardian abuse, education, disease prevention, and related;
Plans community and nonprofit events;
Creates lesson plans and conducts leadership curriculum training;
Participates in various aspects of personnel administration within the Departments, including hiring, termination, grievance procedures and coordinating employee training;
Serves as the chief spokesperson for the Office of Youth Services;
Performs special projects for the Board of Mayor and Aldermen as requested;
Provides guidance and demonstrations to new employees in similar positions;
Keeps supervisors informed of work progress, issues, and potential solutions;
Attends meetings and training to stay current on relevant practices and developments;
Responds to citizen inquiries courteously and promptly;
Coordinates regularly with others to enhance interdepartmental efficiency; and
Performs additional duties as required by the classification.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Comprehensive knowledge of current principles and practices involved with social service delivery for youth programs;
Comprehensive knowledge of existing local, State, and Federal programs, funding sources and other resources which may be procured for target constituency;
Comprehensive knowledge of the practices and operations within the Juvenile Justice system;
Comprehensive knowledge of current principles and practices of public administration;
Comprehensive knowledge of budgetary principles within a municipality;
Ability to provide administrative direction within a municipal Department;
Ability to supervise, train, evaluate, and lead the work of others;
Ability to communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing, using both technical and non-technical language;
Ability to understand and follow oral and/or written policies, procedures, and instructions;
Ability to prepare and present accurate and reliable reports containing findings and recommendations;
Ability to operate or quickly learn to operate a personal computer using standard or customized software applications appropriate to assigned tasks;
Ability to use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and/or oral instructions;
Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines;
Ability and willingness to quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing information and/or technology;
Integrity, ingenuity, and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks.
ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's Degree in Social Work, Public Administration, or a closely related field; and
Six or more years of experience in Youth Services programs, including some in a supervisory role; or
Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work.
REQUIRED SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS:
Certified Alcohol/Drug Counselor (Preferred).
ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL ABILITIES:
Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to communicate effectively;
Sufficient vision or other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to review a wide variety of written material in electronic or hardcopy form;
Sufficient manual dexterity with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to operate a personal computer and related equipment;
Sufficient strength and endurance, with or without reasonable accommodation to lift, carry and move objects, through a full range of motion, up to 20 pounds occasionally, 10 pounds frequently and 5 pounds consistently;
Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to have access to various work sites throughout the City and out of the area.
