Program Manager

National Youth Advocate Program • Chicago, IL

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Under the general supervision of the Executive Director or designee, the program manager is responsible for the day-to-day administration and supervision of the assigned programs. The role requires the ability to effectively supervise multiple levels of staff, navigate a rapidly changing program, foster a positive and inclusive culture, and make sound operational decisions while remaining focused on the needs of youth and families. The scheduled hours are Monday through Friday, 9a - 5p. However, as the lead position of a 24/7 program, the individual must be willing to be available after hours and weekends.

Requirements

• Master's Degree in Human Services, Social Work, Public Administration, Psychology, Counseling, Organizational Leadership, or a related field required.
• Minimum of five years of progressive leadership experience in child welfare, behavioral health, human services, residential care, crisis services, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience supervising multidisciplinary teams and managing complex operations.
• Proven ability to lead in fast-paced, high-pressure environments requiring flexibility and sound decision-making.
• Strong commitment to trauma-informed care, diversity, equity, inclusion, and positive organizational culture.
• Prior child welfare experience required.
• Must be open and willing to work non-traditional work hours as well as on-call responsibilities.
• Must be able to embrace working as a diverse team both effectively and respectfully with persons of any background, race, color, religion, sexual orientation, ability, national origin, or culture.
• Provide excellent internal and external customer service.
• Must possess good verbal, listening, and written communication skills.
• Maintain a strong culture with staff.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Reliable personal transportation.
• Good driving record.
• Minimum automobile insurance coverage of $100,00/$300,000 bodily injury liability.

Nice To Haves

• A valid social work license is preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities

• Represent the Center and NYAP professionally in all external interactions.
• Oversee the daily operations of the Center, ensuring a safe, welcoming, and youth-centered environment.
• Provide overall leadership and management of a 24-hour, 7-day-per-week emergency reception and stabilization program serving youth involved in the child welfare system.
• Ensure continuous program coverage and operational readiness across all shifts, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergency situations.
• Develop and maintain a positive, inclusive, and trauma-informed culture that aligns with NYAP's mission, values, and standards of practice.
• Supervise and support multiple levels of staff, including clinical, nursing, direct care, administrative, and support personnel.
• Foster accountability, teamwork, professional development, and staff engagement throughout the program.
• Ensure compliance with all contract requirements, licensing standards, agency policies, accreditation standards, and applicable regulations.
• Ensure youth receive compassionate, trauma-informed care during periods of crisis, transition, and stabilization.
• Promote a culture that recognizes the dignity, strengths, and resilience of youth and families.
• Support staff in managing complex behaviors while maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment.
• Ensure timely coordination of admissions, discharges, referrals, and transitions in partnership with internal and external stakeholders.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for community partners, child welfare agencies, referral sources, and other stakeholders.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships that support positive outcomes for youth and families.
• Participate in meetings, case consultations, and program reviews with state agencies and community partners as needed.
• Recruit, hire, onboard, supervise, evaluate, and retain high-performing staff.
• Ensure appropriate staffing levels are maintained to support safe and effective 24/7 operations.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and performance management to promote staff growth and accountability.
• Maintain oversight of facility safety, security, emergency preparedness, and risk management practices.
• Respond to critical incidents, emergencies, and escalated situations as necessary.
• Promote a culture of safety for youth, families, staff, and visitors.
• Oversee the day-to-day functioning of the facility, including maintenance, cleanliness, supplies, equipment, and vendor coordination.
• Ensure the physical environment remains safe, welcoming, and conducive to stabilization and engagement.

Benefits

• Excellent training and continuing education and development opportunities offered on topics such as: PCIT, NMT, TF-CBT, BFST, CSAYC, TBRI, FFT and many, many more!
• Summer Hours (half day off on Friday's)
• Student Loan Repayment assistance , up to $1,200 per year!
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance for you and your family!
• 22 Days Off Each Year!
• Plus 11 Paid Holidays Per Year!
• Competitive salaries and benefits including a 401(k)
• Tuition Assistance
• Work Anniversary Trips !
• Peace leave
• Flexible Hours
• Phone allowance
• Mileage Reimbursement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager