Intake Director, Community Services

State of Maryland•Anne Arundel, MD

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

This Management Service position serves at the Appointing Authority's pleasure. A resume must accompany your completed application. The DJS Office of Intake and Pre-Adjudication Services and Reform contains the Statewide intake, pre-court and pre-adjudication services operations for five (5) DJS regions and thirty-three (33) field offices across Maryland and is responsible for: Statewide reform and equity operations at initial decision point of the juvenile justice system; and managing and monitoring a uniform statewide approach for the review of intake complaints and ensuring appropriate assessments and reviews are conducted to promote the best interests of the child and public safety. Join Us in Making a Difference at DJS! The Maryland Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) is dedicated to transforming young lives, creating safer communities, and fostering equitable systems. We are seeking passionate individuals for the role of Intake Director, Community Services (Program Manager II) , so come join our team and make a meaningful impact on youth and the community at DJS! The Intake Director, Community Services leads Intake and Pre-Adjudication Services in the Central Region, overseeing operations across four (4) counties and six (6) field offices while guiding the Department’s initial decision point for youth referred by law enforcement, schools, families, community agencies, and other partners. This role provides strategic and operational leadership to supervisory and intake staff, ensures compliance with state and federal law, collective bargaining agreements, and departmental policies, and advances reform and equity through consistent, tool-informed decision-making that supports youth success and community safety. The Intake Director sets the tone for integrity, collaboration, and thoughtful, data-informed practice across the region while managing the complexity of multi-site operations and cross-system coordination. This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by : Leading regional operations Oversee all intake complaints and case outcomes within the Central Region. Guide pre-court supervision, pre-adjudication services, community detention decisions, restitution processes, and related services. Ensure consistent, structured decision-making aligned with legal requirements and departmental standards. Supporting and developing teams Supervise, coach, and support supervisory and intake staff across multiple offices. Identify training needs and strengthen team capacity through clear expectations and constructive feedback. Foster a respectful, inclusive environment that values different communication styles, lived experiences, and ways of working. Advancing reform at the front end Lead implementation of departmental reform initiatives at the intake stage. Use data and established tools to review outcomes and continuously improve practice. Design, implement, and evaluate administrative processes that promote clarity, efficiency, and fairness. Strengthening partnerships Collaborate with judges, magistrates, state’s attorneys, youth attorneys, law enforcement, local education agencies, and human service partners. Maintain strong working relationships to ensure intake matters are processed accurately and within required timelines. Represent the Department in regional meetings and cross-system initiatives. Ensuring compliance and accountability Monitor adherence to laws, regulations, policies, and procedures. Review regional practices to maintain consistency and quality across field offices. Address operational and personnel matters with sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism. This position offers a hybrid telework schedule with occasional statewide travel as needed.

Requirements

Education: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Experience: Six (6) years of progressively responsible experience managing community-based programs or services for youth, including at least three (3) years supervising or leading staff in youth-focused, community-based, or juvenile justice programs.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in public administration, social work, criminal justice, education, or a closely related field
Experience measuring program outcomes and using data to improve services, such as reducing case processing time, increasing diversion placements, improving youth engagement, or strengthening equitable decision-making practices
Experience using structured decision-making tools, risk/needs assessments, or case management systems to guide operations and improve outcomes
Experience overseeing or managing juvenile intake, pre-adjudication, diversion, or other front-end juvenile justice programs
Experience managing budgets, contracts, or grants and ensuring compliance with policies and regulations
Ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams, including implementing measurable improvements in staff performance, service delivery quality, or operational effectiveness

Responsibilities

Leading regional operations Oversee all intake complaints and case outcomes within the Central Region.
Guide pre-court supervision, pre-adjudication services, community detention decisions, restitution processes, and related services.
Ensure consistent, structured decision-making aligned with legal requirements and departmental standards.
Supporting and developing teams Supervise, coach, and support supervisory and intake staff across multiple offices.
Identify training needs and strengthen team capacity through clear expectations and constructive feedback.
Foster a respectful, inclusive environment that values different communication styles, lived experiences, and ways of working.
Advancing reform at the front end Lead implementation of departmental reform initiatives at the intake stage.
Use data and established tools to review outcomes and continuously improve practice.
Design, implement, and evaluate administrative processes that promote clarity, efficiency, and fairness.
Strengthening partnerships Collaborate with judges, magistrates, state’s attorneys, youth attorneys, law enforcement, local education agencies, and human service partners.
Maintain strong working relationships to ensure intake matters are processed accurately and within required timelines.
Represent the Department in regional meetings and cross-system initiatives.
Ensuring compliance and accountability Monitor adherence to laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Review regional practices to maintain consistency and quality across field offices.
Address operational and personnel matters with sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism.