Program Director - Family Services

LifeWorks•Austin, TX

17h

About The Position

LifeWorks is hiring a Program Director for Family Services, including the Travis County Transformation Project (TCTP), an innovative pre-arrest diversion initiative serving youth and families involved in assault family violence incidents. The director provides leadership, oversight, and coordination to support program effectiveness, contract compliance, community partnerships, staff supervision, data tracking, and continuous quality improvement. The role advances trauma-informed, restorative, and family-centered services in collaboration with LifeWorks programs, law enforcement agencies, Travis County partners, community organizations, and families. TCTP offers respite shelter, mental health services, youth and family advocacy, and restorative healing circles as alternatives to detention and court involvement. This full-time, exempt position combines office, community-based, and respite-center work, with local travel throughout Travis County. The director provides program and operational leadership, supervises and develops staff, coordinates partnerships and service delivery, oversees data and reporting, and manages budgets, contracts, and revenue. A bachelor's degree in a related field and at least three years of progressively responsible program management or supervisory experience are required. A relevant behavioral health credential and valid driver's license are also required. A master's degree, full professional licensure, bilingual English/Spanish ability, and experience in several related areas are preferred. The listed salary range is $78,417–$105,956, depending on experience. Benefits include 24 accrued PTO days per year, 11 paid holidays per year, a premium-free employee medical plan with a $100 monthly HSA contribution, other employee or family medical, dental, and vision options, and a retirement savings plan with a 50% match on the first 6% of contributions.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Human Services, or a related field.
At least three years of progressively responsible program management or supervisory experience in behavioral health, youth services, juvenile justice diversion, family services, or a related field.
Licensed Social Worker (LMSW/LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC, LCP-A), or related behavioral health credential.
Valid driver's license.
Knowledge of trauma-informed care, restorative practices, positive youth development, and family systems approaches.
Knowledge of behavioral health and juvenile justice systems.
Strong leadership, organizational, and project management skills.
Ability to build collaborative relationships across diverse stakeholders.
Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
Ability to analyze data and use findings for program improvement.
Commitment to inclusive and youth-centered practices.
Ability to travel locally throughout Travis County and transport clients as needed.
Availability for periodic evening meetings, weekend work, family or client home visits, and community events.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Psychology, Counseling, Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Human Services, or a related field.
Full professional licensure is strongly preferred.
Bilingual English/Spanish ability is strongly preferred.
Experience managing community partnerships and multidisciplinary teams.
Experience with contract compliance, grant management, and outcome reporting.
Experience working with youth and families impacted by trauma is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide day-to-day leadership and operational oversight of the Travis County Transformation Project alongside service contract partners.
Promote a healing- and person-centered culture that uplifts clients’ dignity and strengths.
Ensure compliance with Travis County contracts, grant requirements, agency policies, and program standards, and align implementation with evidence-informed practices.
Develop and maintain operational procedures, workflows, and service delivery standards; create and implement corrective plans as needed.
Lead continuous quality improvement and identify opportunities to enhance the program.
Provide staff guidance and case consultation daily or as needed.
Hire, train, supervise, evaluate, and hold program staff accountable, including counselors and other assigned personnel.
Coach and guide staff on complex youth and family needs using strengths-based, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive approaches.
Promote trauma-informed care, restorative practices, equity, and accountability, including field mentoring staff who provide direct in-home services.
Review counselor calendars and caseloads and recommend adjustments to best serve clients and families.
Develop an intern program as appropriate.
Serve as a primary liaison with Travis County Juvenile Probation, law enforcement, schools, internal LifeWorks programs, and community partners.
Build and maintain cross-system partnerships that strengthen referral pathways, service coordination, and outcomes.
Represent the program at community meetings, stakeholder groups, public presentations, and collaborative initiatives.
Ensure timely access to counseling, case management, and healing circles for youth and families.
Provide coverage in community and home-based settings as needed, including during staffing transitions and high-acuity situations.
Monitor service quality and participant engagement, and ensure services prioritize youth and family voice and choice.
Transport clients and their belongings between residential settings as needed.
Oversee data collection, documentation, performance measurement, and outcome reporting, including engagement, service utilization, recidivism reduction, and family outcomes.
Prepare or provide program data and reports for agency leadership, funders, Travis County, and other stakeholders.
Conduct file reviews and ensure staff enter required data accurately, completely, and on time.
Help coordinate client files and other materials for funders, monitoring visits, and internal or external audits.
Develop and monitor program budgets, track expenditures, and steward grant and contract funds responsibly.
Monitor insurance billing, third-party billing, and other program revenue.
Participate in funding proposals, reports, and sustainability planning.