Regional Intake Director

State of Maryland•Baltimore City, MD

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

This Management Service position serves at the Appointing Authority's pleasure. A resume must accompany your 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) regions and thirty-three (33) field offices across Maryland and is responsible for statewide reform and equity operations at the initial decision point of the juvenile justice system, as well as 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. GRADE 20 LOCATION OF POSITION DJS/Community Services Intake and Pre-Adjudication Services Unit Baltimore, MD 21202 (Baltimore City) Main Purpose of Job 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 Regional Intake Director (Program Manager II), so come join our team and make a meaningful impact on youth and the community at DJS! The main purpose of this position is to administer Intake and Pre-Adjudication Services, manage staff and other resources, and ensure that the goals and objectives of the Department are carried out within the region. The incumbent provides leadership to supervisory and intake staff who deliver services to juveniles referred by law enforcement, citizens, local education, and community agencies, while ensuring compliance with State and Federal laws, regulations, collective bargaining agreements, and Departmental policies and procedures. This position also leads and manages Departmental Reform at the initial decision point for the agency, oversees regional intake operations and case outcomes, and works closely with judges/magistrates, law enforcement, state attorneys, youth attorneys, local education agencies, and other state human service agencies to ensure intake complaints are processed according to legal requirements.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in juvenile justice, youth-serving, human services, or related programs or initiatives, including at least three (3) years of supervisory or managerial experience.
Experience must include managing or supporting program or operational planning; implementing policies, procedures, or initiatives; coordinating with internal and external stakeholders; and using data or performance information to evaluate programs, improve operations, or support outcomes.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in public administration, social work, criminal justice, education, public policy, or a closely related field
Experience leading system-level reform, organizational change, or program improvement initiatives using data, performance metrics, or objective decision-making tools to evaluate effectiveness, identify trends or disparities, and achieve measurable improvements in service delivery, operational efficiency, youth outcomes, or public safety
Experience managing juvenile intake, pre-adjudication, diversion, detention alternatives, or pre-court operations, with knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and practices
Experience developing and sustaining regional or community-based service continuums, including diversion, prevention, behavioral health, educational, or case management services that address the needs of youth and families
Experience establishing and maintaining cross-agency partnerships with courts, legal stakeholders, law enforcement, State and local agencies, service providers, and community organizations to coordinate services and address complex system or operational issues

Responsibilities

Planning, organizing, and evaluating the overall management of the Region’s Intake and Pre-Adjudication Operations, including developing short- and long-range plans, goals, and objectives; establishing procedures, priorities, standards, and deadlines; and ensuring operations accomplish Departmental goals
Directing regional Intake and Pre-Adjudication community programs and services, including Child In Need of Supervision (CINS), Pre-Court supervision, Pre-Adjudication continued case management, integrated case management services, somatic, mental health and substance abuse assessment and services, educational services, and diversion programs
Managing intake processes and programs to ensure compliance with State and Federal laws, regulations, Departmental policies and procedures, and accepted professional standards and best practices; evaluating program effectiveness and taking corrective action as necessary
Providing leadership and direction for regional staff, including recruitment, selection, assignment, performance evaluations, mitigating conferences, disciplinary actions and separations, workload management, staff coverage, and overtime expenses
Managing the development of youth- and family-focused approaches, continued case management models, and a regional continuum of care to address youth and family needs, provide prevention and diversion services, reduce future re-offending, and promote public safety
Managing secure detention decisions and the use of appropriate objective tools, including IDT and DRAI, in accordance with statute, the Department’s risk scoring instrument, and State and Federal guidelines
Managing community outreach, program development, and regional partnerships, establishing collaborative working relationships with the courts, juvenile services stakeholders, service agencies, law enforcement, State’s Attorney’s Office, youth’s counsel, and the community
Managing intake and pre-court data collection, computerized automated systems, accounting and budgeting, procurement, personnel processes, and strategic planning, ensuring information is accurate, timely, and useful and that regional resources support operations
Developing and implementing approaches for managing complaints received by the Department, adhering to Maryland State laws and regulations and utilizing national best practices
Collaborating with agency staff, other State agencies, law enforcement, courts, and other stakeholders to identify and create programs, initiatives, products, and services that improve Departmental operations, enhance services to youth, improve staff performance efficiency, and ensure public safety
Managing the implementation of Departmental reforms and new initiatives, monitoring progress toward regional objectives and goals, collecting and evaluating data, and implementing improved practices and procedures
Managing special projects and initiatives; representing the Department at meetings, conferences, and other forums; supporting the principles of the Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative (JDAI); and contributing to Department programs
Managing assessments and reviews to prioritize the best interest of the child, family, and public safety, monitoring program service providers, identifying additional resources and diversion services, and ensuring proper implementation and impact of initiatives
Managing OTJ training and required certification of staff with the Maryland Police Correctional Training Commission (MPCTC) and ensuring staff maintain required certification