DIRECTOR OF YOUTH SUPPORT SERVICES

GENERAL SUMMARY:

The Director of Youth Support Services is responsible for supervising and/or supporting direct care staff in the delivery of case management, education and career services.  The Director of Youth Support Services guides best practices in care coordination, linking residents to internal and community resources, and self-management tools.  The Director of Youth Support Services supervises and/or assists case managers and support staff in providing robust case management, counseling, and effective services by developing and coordinating individualized case plans for Covenant House New Orleans’ children, youth, and families to successfully transition into a stable, self-sufficient lifestyle, and family reunification where possible.  The Director of youth Support Services will also supervise, lead, and support the development, planning and implementation of best practices to assist children, youth, and families in achieving their case plan goals, including safety plans, specialized counseling, physical and behavioral health care, educational advancement, employment, and life skills in conjunction with referrals to necessary legal, health and social services.  This incumbent will train and support Covenant House staff in understanding and assisting all youth seeking residential and supportive services with a holistic approach.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Initiate and maintain positive, professional, and mentoring relationships with youth and staff in accordance with the Covenant House Mission, Principles, and Core Values. 

• Promote a peaceful, healing environment by utilizing the principles and practices of trauma-informed care and positive youth development in all aspects of work and youth engagement, including crisis prevention, intervention, and de-escalation. 

• Ensure that Covenant House New Orleans (CHNO) is a welcoming, safe, and secure “homelike” environment for all receiving services. 

• Develop, implement, and lead program interventions to meet the needs of clients as they seek residential services across programs. 

• In collaboration with youth, Case Managers and Resident Advisors will enhance and expand the development and implementation of individualized case plans for parent, child, and family as a whole. 

• Provide leadership and guidance to Case Managers to ensure successful delivery of services and effective implementation of Agency policies and procedures (regularly communicating through oral or written documentation 

• Oversee individualized care, support, and follow-up to help youth and families access community resources and achieve case plan goals including safety plan, specialized counseling, physical and behavioral health care, educational advancement, employment, and life skills in conjunction with referrals to necessary legal, health, and social services. 

• Oversee support services to parents and children that encourage active participation in classes, workshops and other activities and facilitate safe transportation and supervision of off-site activities (i.e. coordinating staff and vehicle transport and managing a budget for transportation).  

• Lead weekly supervision with Support Services staff to ensure successful delivery of services and effective implementation of Agency policies and procedures (regularly communicating through oral or written documentation) to family clients across all Agency programs. 

• Assist in the design and implementation of systems to assess, collect, maintain, and analyze data; generate interim progress reports, final reports, evaluation, and other information related to projects(s) or program(s). 

• Establish and implement short- and long-range goals, objectives, policies, and operating procedures; monitors and evaluates operational effectiveness and effects changes required for improvement. 

• Ensure the collection and entry of program data and review to correct errors and omissions. 

• Ensure client information in both electronic and paper case files is consistently entered and updated; complete timely entries into resident matrix, ETO, HMIS, and other information systems as required. 

• Accurately and effectively communicate directives from upper management, memos from other departments, and Agency policies to all staff in Supportive Services. 

• Supervise the completion and accuracy of appropriate documentation (i.e. progress and transition notes; significant event and critical incident forms; overnight discharge planning; meals, chores and room inspection forms, etc.). 

• Commit to continuous professional development and integration of training and tools into individualized tasks and responsibilities. 

EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

•   Master’s degree in social services or related field.
•   Minimum of five (5) years of professional leadership experience, preferably in a non-profit/residential setting.
•   Prior experience working with youth and children who have experienced trauma and other emotional and behavioral challenges, using trauma-informed care.
•   Professional leadership and direction in working with the serviced population.
•   Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities to serve target population.
•   Knowledge of program planning, management and development of programs funded through grants.
•   Experience with preparing and managing contracts/grants.
•   Ability to establish and maintain effective, positive relationships with youth, children, staff, management, and all organization stakeholders.
•   Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to communicate effectively with all levels of staff.
•   Ability to organize effectively; adapt to changing conditions; exercise sound judgment in crisis situations; supervise youth and maintain order; and exercise authority in an appropriate manner.
•   Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel & PowerPoint
•   Valid driver’s license