Director of Emerge

Kids Above All is seeking a full-time Director for our Emerge program located in our Chicago-South Cottage Grove office. 

Job Summary: The Director of Group Homes and Emerge will provide leadership and direction to group home and transitional living programs including staffing, determining appropriate policies, procedures and systems and compliance with all DCFS, COA,  (ad d HUD please) agency and other regulatory bodies.  The Director will also support and provide for quality improvement, program evaluation, human resources and training and development activities. This position will participate in the development, implementation and deployment of quality, fiscally sound programs.

Essential Functions:

• Implement and execute department operational plans that are in sync with the agencies strategic plan
• Oversee implementation of all program related activities including budgeting and staffing, quality improvement, program evaluation, contract monitoring and compliance, funding opportunities, program direction and supervision, recruitment and retention, orientation and training, employee relations and policy and procedure development
• Ensure safety and well-being of residents and staff with age appropriate, culturally sensitive programming and activities
• Take a leadership role in the local community
• Articulates agency services and goals to the community for the purpose of establishing and maintaining the agency’s position within the community
• Work collaboratively with identified staff around external development opportunities and special projects elated to the site and/or community, building partnerships what will strengthen and support families and communities
• Maintain active working relationships with DCFS, LANS and other external organizations
• Maintains an active interest and participates in the professional field at all levels, analyzing trends or innovations in specific programs;
• Monitors, recommends and implement policy and procedure changes affecting program operations
• Collaborate with VP of programs and finance staff to develop, implement and monitor budget, working closely with supervisory and direct service staff to ensure appropriate management and utilization of resources
• Work collaboratively across agency programs and management staff regarding program development or enhancements, development opportunities, etc., which provides for ongoing supervision, training and development of staff
• Other duties as assigned to achieve the mission of the program and agency

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Social Work or, or similar degree from an accredited university and 5-7 years recent experience in a residential, or like facility and/or homeless services.
• Must possess good diagnostic, analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills and communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Ability to manage in stressful situations, make good decisions, organize, and prioritize work
• Must be a team player and work cooperatively with the management team, board members and agency staff
• Strong computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Word required
• Must be willing to travel as needed and meet all other DCFS employment requirements including Child Welfare License

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work to be performed by the person assigned to this position. This description does not state or imply that the above are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Job requirements and salary grade are subject to modification.