Director of Specialty Programs

Child Advocates San Antonio•San Antonio, TX

About The Position

The Director of Specialty Programs leads the overall operations and success of CASA’s Specialty Programs, including oversight of program staff, performance, compliance, data, advocate retention, and program outcomes. The position provides oversight, support, and guidance to specialty program employees while ensuring accountability through clear direction, effective delegation, and consistent application of standards, policies, goals, and performance metrics. The Director is expected to champion alignment with CASA’s vision, mission, and values; comply with CASA policies, regulations, and processes; and participate in continual improvement, including support of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), Values-Based Leadership, and personal development. This is an exempt position requiring work hours outside a typical work week. CASA will accommodate the selected candidate’s schedule for additional hours worked at after-hours events.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in social work, social welfare, social services, psychology, sociology, education, or criminal justice, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Five or more years of experience in a nonprofit agency providing services to children and families.
Three or more years leading a team.
Experience with data collection, reporting program outcomes, and maintaining grant compliance.
Knowledge of MS Office applications, database systems, internet, and email software, with proficiency in Excel and data reporting.
Knowledge of child welfare practices, program compliance, and applicable National and Texas CASA standards.
Ability to develop and deliver effective training for employees, volunteer advocates, and youth.
Skills in supervising, coaching, and developing employees.
Effective written and verbal communication skills, including presenting information and reporting program outcomes.
Ability to analyze program data, identify trends, and use information to support decision-making.
Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with employees, volunteer advocates, and community partners.
Ability to lead multiple programs, manage competing priorities, and ensure goals and performance standards are met.
Ability to identify opportunities for improvement and implement effective solutions.
Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
Ability to sit and work comfortably for extended periods.
Ability to lift materials weighing up to a team lift of 50 pounds, walk and stand for extended periods, and bend to reach for materials.
Comply with National and Texas CASA standards and applicable grant requirements.
Pass a pre-employment drug screening.
Pass a CJIS fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility throughout employment.
Pass a child abuse and neglect registry check and maintain registry eligibility throughout employment.
Possess proof of current automobile insurance and maintain it throughout employment.
Possess a valid, current, unexpired Class C Texas driver’s license and maintain it throughout employment.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree from an accredited institution in social work, social welfare, social services, psychology, sociology, education, or criminal justice.
Previous experience working with CASA or a similar child advocacy organization.
Experience successfully implementing and managing programs serving children, youth, or families, preferably in a nonprofit or child welfare setting.

Responsibilities

Promote alignment of specialty program employees and advocates with CASA’s mission, values, guiding principles, and EOS model, including accountability structures, performance metrics, and meeting cadences.
Provide direction and coaching to employees, set expectations, monitor development goals, and foster accountability and growth.
Collaborate with Grants and Finance to review current and future grants, ensure budget compliance, and provide data supporting grant applications.
Oversee specialty programs data collection, tracking, and analysis, including pre- and post-test surveys, to support accurate reporting of performance, outcomes, and progress toward goals.
Oversee advocate engagement and retention efforts and guide the Advocate Experience Supervisor in strengthening the advocate experience.
Monitor the specialty budget, assist with budget planning, and ensure the department follows the annual budget.
Select, evaluate, and develop program staff to build a competent team focused on child advocacy best practices and positive outcomes.
Guide and support Specialty Programs Managers in achieving program goals, outcomes, and performance standards, including volunteer recruitment, training, supervision, case management, and transition of newly trained advocates into case assignments.
Ensure program compliance with internal policies and processes and National and Texas CASA standards through oversight and quality assurance.
Staff cases and review internal file audits with Managers and Advocate Supervisors, implementing corrective action plans when needed.
Collaborate and problem-solve with Children’s Court, DFPS, Guardians Ad Litem, and other community partners to support outcomes in the best interests of children served.
Keep the Vice President of Programs informed about specialty program operations, challenges, and strategic issues, and represent the agency at key conferences and meetings as needed.
Participate in advocate pre-service training within six months of hire and complete at least 12 hours of ongoing education annually.
Perform other duties as assigned by leadership.