Youth &Family Services Programs Manager

Thornton Township•South Holland, IL

About The Position

The Youth and Family Services Manager plans, directs, and oversees Thornton Township youth and family programs, including seasonal enrichment, after-school activities, family support initiatives, and community partnerships. The role ensures programming is safe, inclusive, well organized, and responsive to Township residents while overseeing staff, resources, and service quality. The Manager administers and evaluates programs, develops calendars and operating procedures, oversees participant registration and records, and promotes child safety and compliance with mandated reporting requirements. The position coordinates staff onboarding and required screenings and training with Human Resources; communicates with families, schools, vendors, community partners, and Township leadership; monitors facilities, supplies, transportation coordination, contracts, and expenditures; and prepares budgets and program reports. The Manager also responds to concerns and emergencies and supports special events, grant documentation, outreach, and other assigned duties. Work may take place in offices, schools, program facilities, and outdoor settings. Schedules may vary based on program needs and may include occasional evenings, weekends, and special events. Successful candidates may be required to complete a background investigation, applicable screening, child-safety training, and Township onboarding.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
Knowledge of youth development, program operations, child safety practices, mandated reporting, customer service, budgeting, supervision, and records management.
Ability to lead diverse teams, maintain confidentiality, communicate with families, address concerns, resolve conflicts, prioritize tasks, and use Microsoft Office and program tracking systems.
Current CPR/AED and First Aid certification and mandated reporter training are required or must be obtained within a Township-established time frame.
Other program-specific credentials may be required.
A valid Illinois driver's license may be required for assigned duties.
Successful candidates may be required to complete a background investigation, applicable screening, child-safety training, and Township onboarding.
Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, reach, supervise activities, and occasionally lift or carry up to 25 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in education, social work, human services, public administration, or a related field preferred.
Three or more years of relevant youth, education, family services, or community program experience, including supervisory experience, preferred.
Experience with child-centered programming, staff scheduling, program administration, and resident or family engagement desirable.
An equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

Plan, administer, evaluate, and improve youth enrichment, after-school, summer, and family service programs in accordance with Township goals.
Supervise, schedule, train, coach, and evaluate assigned program coordinators, instructors, assistants, and support staff.
Develop program calendars, activities, enrollment processes, staffing plans, and daily operating procedures.
Oversee participant registration, attendance, authorized pickup, emergency contacts, incident reporting, and secure program records.
Promote child safety, appropriate supervision, professional conduct, inclusion, and compliance with mandated reporting requirements.
Coordinate staff onboarding and required background checks, training, certifications, and health screenings with Human Resources.
Maintain positive communication with parents, guardians, schools, vendors, community partners, and Township leadership.
Monitor program supplies, facilities, transportation coordination, contracts, expenditures, and purchasing documentation.
Prepare budgets, activity summaries, enrollment statistics, performance reports, and recommendations for program improvements.
Respond to participant concerns, emergencies, complaints, and service needs promptly and professionally.
Support special events, grant-related documentation, outreach activities, and other related duties as assigned.
Comply with Township policies and safeguarding procedures.