Director of Youth Development

Employee’s Name: Job Title: Director of Youth Development

Supervisor: Vice President of Operations Start Date:

Department: Residential FLSA Status: Full Time – Non-Exempt

Salary Range: USD 20.00to USD 25.00 Location: Queens, NY

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GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Director of Youth Development (DYD) comprehensively manages the group home's day-to-day operations. This role encompasses many responsibilities, including but not limited to intake and discharge procedures, educational initiatives, interactions with parents or guardians, and managing procedural and compliance for youth in care set forth by the organization’s oversight entities (OCFS, ACS, OMIG, etc.). Furthermore, they assume a crucial role in the group home's financial management, ensuring efficient resource allocation and adherence to budgetary guidelines.

Beyond administrative duties, the DYD is instrumental in fostering a therapeutic environment within the group home. This involves cultivating meaningful relationships with residents and maintaining open lines of communication with various stakeholders, including parent/legal guardians, Related Service Staff, and Youth Development Counselors. By nurturing these connections, the YDD contributes to establishing an effective treatment milieu conducive to the well-being and development of the youth under their care.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ADMINISTRATION & MANAGEMENT:

• Collaborate with the Vice President of Operations (VPO) to ensure compliance with all state regulations, standards, and MDPYFS policies and procedures in the house.
• Directly supervise all Youth Development Counselors, House Administrative Staff
• Ensure daily programming is implemented.
• Maintain and review all required logs, reports, and paperwork.
• Monitor staff attendance hours and ensure accurate reporting.
• Coordinate transportation for residents for home visits, appointments, etc.
• Uphold the general upkeep of the group home's physical building.
• Participate in "on-call" coverage.
• Participates in the staff schedule as directed by their supervisor.
• Participate in Clinical Treatment Team and Interdepartmental Team meetings.
• Actively pursue professional development relevant to program needs.
• Engage in Lasallian formation activities whenever opportunities arise.
• Facilitate and stay updated in all trauma-informed training and in-service components.
• Perform all duties your supervisor assigns, consistent with the position and individual competency.

SUPERVISORY, LEADERSHIP & COMMUNICATION DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participate in the hiring, training, orientation, supervision, and professional development of all YDC Staff.
• Regularly coach staff and conduct weekly house meetings.
• Meet weekly with the Assistant Director of Youth Development (ADYD).
• Provide feedback to Management and Executive Team members regarding Residential Staff performance.
• Conduct and provide a minimum of quarterly feedback to staff assigned to the house.
• Monitor staff attendance hours and ensure accurate reporting.
• Oversee all spending in the assigned area and conduct audits of program and residential finances to safeguard funds.
• Develop and instill a positive program culture among staff, residents, and families.
• Participate in PQI meetings with other MDPYFS Directors.
• Establish working relationships with the IDT team to ensure efficient communication between all other departments and Direct Care Staff.
• Maintain effective communication and interaction among programs and partners, including parents/families.
• Work with the Leadership team to develop, implement, and monitor the goals of the house and the agency.
• Ensure timely and accurate completion of financial records in the online budget tracking system.

SKILLS and ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Proficiency in communicating effectively with all stakeholders.
• Capability to establish and maintain a consistent, structured environment for both residents and staff.
• Aptitude to effectively handle special needs residents who may exhibit challenging, occasionally aggressive behaviors.
• Readiness to extend service to residents beyond regular work hours.
• Competence in gathering and maintaining relevant family and resident information.
• Capacity to uphold confidentiality regarding residents' personal information.
• Skill in communicating effectively with adolescents and adults in written and verbal forms.
• Availability to work during evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Understanding and integrating the "Lasallian Culture of Care" as a guiding work philosophy.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with the parents/guardians of special needs residents.
• Advocacy proficiency to effectively represent the interests of residents under your care.
• Flexibility to work varied hours as needed.
• Capability to safely operate a vehicle.
• Willingness to engage in normative experiences with residents, including dining, social events, and outings.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• While fulfilling this role, the Director of Youth Development (DYC) must actively engage with and be involved in the activities of the youth. These tasks may encompass but are not limited to cooking, aiding in cleaning, driving, participating in sports, and de-escalating situations. Moreover, this position may occasionally present emotional challenges when working with our youth.

EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK:

• This position is subject to assignments at any MDPYFS location as directed by management. Work hours are variable, contingent upon the agency's requirements, and may include extended shifts, overnight, holiday, and weekend hours as necessary.
• You may be required to work beyond your scheduled hours for various reasons. Every effort will be made to provide advance notice of such changes, although unforeseen circumstances may prevent this. Overtime compensation will be provided if overtime work is required.

TRAVEL:

• Travel primarily consists of local daytime trips, occasionally extending to overnight stays. However, there may be occasions where out-of-area or out-of-state travel is necessary and mandated.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATIONAL:

High School Diploma or GED required.

College credits REQUIRED – Transcript required.

Associate or bachelor’s degree preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

Requires at least six (6) months to one year of experience working with adolescent youth.

PREFERRED SKILLS:

Mastery of computer software packages, including MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and others.

Demonstrated proficiency in interpersonal relations, time management, and delivering exceptional customer service.

Exceptional oral and written communication abilities.

Outstanding problem-solving skills coupled with managing multiple deadlines effectively under pressure.

Highly organized with keen attention to detail.

LICENSE and ACTIVE and Continuous CERTIFICATION:

A valid driver’s license and a clean driving record are necessary.

CPR/First Aid certification.

Training in Safe Crisis Management (SCM).

Mandated Reporter certification.

Knowledge of Trauma-Informed Care principles.

Familiarity with the Lasallian Culture of Care (LCC).

Compliance with any additional requirements mandated by agency or oversight bodies.

Food Handlers Certificate

Fire Safety Certificate (F-07)

BACKGROUND VERIFICATION and CLEARANCE:

Verification of credentials.

Medical and physical clearance, including TB screening.

Clearance from the State Central Registry (SCR).

Screening against the Staff Exclusion List (SEL).

Completion of a Justice Center Background Check.

Review of motor vehicle driving record.

Verification of references.

Compliance with Section 424-A of the New York Social Services Law, which requires an authorized agency to inquire about any child abuse and maltreatment reports involving candidates for positions with child-caring responsibilities.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT:

Ability to lift 50 pounds.

Capability to fulfill the role's physical demands, including standing, walking, sitting, bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling, and climbing.

Completion of Safety Crisis Management (SCM) Training, which includes a written exam and demonstration of competency in physical restraint techniques as outlined by program guidelines and regulatory standards. Completing required SCM refresher courses is necessary for continued employment with MDPYFS.