Program Director ULS

NEW LIFE CENTERS OF CHICAGOLAND NFP•Chicago, IL

12h•Onsite

About The Position

The Program Director position is full-time, 40 hours per week (exempt, benefits eligible) and will primarily take place at our Little Village locations. The Program Director will oversee a team of Mentors dedicated to providing supports and services for up to 30 eligible youth released pretrial who may otherwise be subject to pretrial detention This team will receive referrals for youth from the State’s Attorney Office and Pre-Trial Services. Program Director is responsible for overseeing the facilitation of high-quality programming, planning and implementation of events/activities that may include sports, and connections to other social services. May require some local travel (reimbursable). This position is in-person.

Requirements

Must become a Certified Mandated Reporter. Training provided.
Must pass a background check, must not have any pending cases.
Must pass a Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System background check.
Must pass a National Sex Offender Registry background check.
Must have a working phone and phone number.
One year experience working in the human services field in a capacity that involves direct services to at-risk youth.
Cross-cultural competency.
Ability to communicate effectively both written and verbally.
Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel.
Must be willing to be trained and proficiently utilize database(s) and information tracking systems relevant to duties.
Must keep confidentiality of participant information.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
Valid Illinois driver’s license, insurance, good driving record, access to a vehicle. Subject to driving background check.
General knowledge of sports.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual English/Spanish preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Assures youth and staff participation in information sessions to explain expectations, roles, and responsibilities of participants.
Assures attainment of enrollment goals.
Delegates tasks as necessary to team members.
Clearly communicates goals and objectives to team and maintains staff accountability.
Serves as a liaison and youth advocate with families, school administrators, and social and youth services agencies.
Assists in creation, implementation and monitoring of progress of case-plans, goals, and objectives set with youth and family/school.
Is a main contact person in partner communications for the program.
Track deliverables, review monthly outputs, and initiate corrective actions when performance dips.
Drive education engagement—coordinate enrollment or re‑engagement in appropriate high school or equivalent; align tutoring, mentoring, and after‑school programming to academic goals.
Oversee and coordinate court accompaniment for participants, ensuring youth are supported during hearings, providers are prepared to present relevant updates, and communication between the court, SAO, and service teams remains consistent and timely.
Produces documents, receipts and correspondence regarding activities and progress as necessary for consistent evaluation of program and timely report submittal.
Provides regular follow up with staff to meet goals and maintain team wellness.
May create performance plans with team members to increase positive personal development and training as needed.
Assists in annual budget process.
Approved credit card reports and timecards.
Communicates regularly with mentors to assure they are assisting youth to address challenges, celebrate milestones, assist in identifying goals and problem solving.
Assures lessons provided by mentors are relevant and appropriate.
Supervision includes on-site visits, regular check-ins, and break-out planning meetings.
Develops relationships with partner organizations and builds “warm referral” network for linkages.
Assures documentation of all participant contacts and services provided and assists data team and development team with data collection and required reporting.
May maintain a caseload of up to 6 participants.
Documents detailed participant case-notes and other items as assigned.
Maintains accuracy of budget and spending plan and assures team is spending on target.
Participates in required evaluations and audits.
Demonstrates New Life Centers’ values.
Attends required meetings and trainings.
Other duties as assigned by the Supervisor.