JTDC - Deputy Superintendent

Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois•Chicago, IL
•Onsite

About The Position

The Deputy Superintendent assists the Superintendent with the daily operation and management of the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center (JTDC), including the daily management of juveniles and the automatic transfer population. The role supervises and trains four Deputy Executive Directors and provides direct supervision to approximately four department directors and support staff. When assigned, the Deputy Superintendent assumes full responsibility for the JTDC in the Superintendent’s absence. The position is responsible for safety and security, staff oversight and development, facility policies and procedures, training, compliance, budgeting, grants, and coordination of programs and activities. It establishes facility goals and directives, monitors progress toward long-term plans, maintains community relations, and supports the effective use of staffing and financial resources. The role is on call and must be able to report to the facility during non-traditional hours for emergencies. The JTDC provides temporary housing, structured care, supervision, programming, and services to youth ages 10–18 with pending legal action in Cook County Courts. The center has more than 600 employees and serves an average daily population of more than 280 residents.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Liberal Arts, Public Administration, Business Administration, Corrections, Criminal Justice, Social Work, or another related Human Services field.
  • At least six years of experience working in all phases of juvenile justice, including three years of supervisory responsibility, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
  • United States citizenship.
  • Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of application submission.
  • Ability to assist the Superintendent with day-to-day JTDC operations and function in the Superintendent’s capacity.
  • Interpersonal skills in dealing with employees, the public, and youth.
  • Knowledge of state and county juvenile laws and rights, and federal and state statutes, regulations, and policies affecting juveniles.
  • Strong verbal, written, and public-speaking communication skills, including the ability to represent the JTDC to the county and outside agencies and groups.
  • Ability to take direction, exercise sound judgment, and make quick and critical decisions, including in routine and emergency situations.
  • Ability to maintain professionalism and confidentiality when handling sensitive information.
  • Ability to organize and manage multiple tasks and priorities efficiently and use time and resources effectively.
  • Understanding of adolescent development, peer deviance, and causes of juvenile delinquency and violence.
  • Ability to lead, motivate, coach, direct, and evaluate staff.
  • Ability to draft, implement, and evaluate policies and procedures; collect and interpret data; and write detailed analytical reports addressing compliance with local, state, and federal standards and Federal Court mandates.
  • Ability to make professional and administrative decisions within JTDC policies and procedures.
  • Knowledge of the commitment required to administer a 24/7/365 facility.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  • Obtain Illinois residency within 90 days of hire.
  • Pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check, including LEADS, CANTS, and professional references.
  • Receive a negative result from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Child Abuse Registry.
  • Meet additional eligibility requirements established by the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts (AOIC) and provide immediate proof of AOIC certification if an offer is extended.
  • Pass Prison Rape Elimination Act screening requirements.
  • Ability to sit at a desk for a large portion of the day, reach and bend extensively, move objects up to 20 pounds, walk and stand as needed, and operate a computer.
  • Must be able to work longer hours based on departmental needs.

Nice To Haves

  • Bilingual communication skills preferred.

Responsibilities

  • Manage the daily operation of the juvenile and automatic transfer populations and assist the Superintendent with JTDC operations.
  • Maintain the safety and security of residents and ensure staff follow applicable policies and procedures.
  • Supervise and train four Deputy Executive Directors and directly supervise approximately four department directors and support staff.
  • Assist the Superintendent in preparing the annual budget, assessing staffing and material-resource needs, and writing budget justifications.
  • Coordinate programs and activities with other Deputy Executive Directors and share information needed for the effective operation of the facility.
  • Develop training and resources and ensure compliance with American Correctional Association Training Standards.
  • Develop, review, and annually update facility policies and procedures with input from appropriate staff.
  • Review and develop grant proposals and apply for grants consistent with the JTDC’s mission, values, and needs.
  • Conduct and monitor facility research and coordinate activities supporting long-term plans and the facility’s vision.
  • Develop goals and directives for subordinate personnel and establish annual facility goals and objectives.
  • Ensure residents have a safe and secure environment and staff and visitors are safe and understand security rules and regulations.
  • Conduct monthly staff meetings and individual employee conferences as needed.
  • Maintain community relations and represent the facility in developing working relationships with the county and outside groups.
  • Remain on call and report to the facility during non-traditional hours to address emergencies.
  • Schedule and complete individual performance plans and reviews; maintain and enforce discipline; approve time off; assign work; and provide guidance and training.
  • Determine staffing needs to meet program goals and objectives and participate as needed in interviews, background checks, and hiring decisions.
  • Ensure Department Directors complete their personnel-related responsibilities.
  • Collect and analyze information to project consequences and financial costs of proposed actions and make and support recommendations.
  • Assume full responsibility for the JTDC when assigned during the Superintendent’s absence.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
© 2026 Teal Labs, Inc
Privacy PolicyTerms of Service