Program Director Jobs

The Department of Youth Services (DYS) is seeking a dedicated and service minded individual looking for a challenging and rewarding experience to fill the role of Program Director in the Southeast Region.

• Oversee the operation of the program to ensure a high quality of care and oversight of the population and ensure that all DYS policies and procedures are adhered to.

• Conduct security audits and checks; ensure adequate controls for contraband; respond to programmatic issues and emergencies, conduct investigations when necessary

• Direct, assign and supervise the work of direct care professionals in the unit, ensure adequate staff to client ratios that conform to Early Education and Childcare regulations; confirm and approve time in SSTA for subordinate staff; prepare work schedules; manage the use of overtime; ensure staff members are certified annually in Restraint Techniques, Suicide Prevention First Aid, CPR and PREA; supervise personnel in the reporting structure.

• Prepare written materials including but not limited to monthly reports, internal and external investigative reports, serious incident reports, emergency/contingency plans.

• Manage the process of Performance based Standards project (online database that compares MA DYS to other states), update and revise program procedures.

• Provide oversight of Emergency Preparedness training and drills, PREA audit compliance; provide written response post-audit/on- site visit to inquiries from DYS monitors to ensure DPH compliance.

• Work as a member of the program’s team of senior staff in developing program goals and objectives.

• Maintain the safety, security, and order of a locked secure treatment program with an emphasis on the safety and security of staff, clients and visitors.

• Develops community involvement to provide enrichment opportunities for youth and to foster community relations.

• Establish effective communication systems and working relationships with Regional Managers, Clinicians, Caseworker staff, families, outside agencies and volunteers.

• Ensure effective communication within the program by organizing and acting as chair of regular staff meetings; create a regular structure for daily shift change, bi-weekly community meeting, weekly administrative meeting, monthly supervisors meeting, monthly all staff meeting and shift meetings as needed.

• Create opportunities for program improvements and to exploit successes; Conduct program analysis to determine budgetary, training and physical resource needs; Recommend program revisions based on analysis and evaluation.

• Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills as well as clinical and organizational skills in a field directly related to the functions of the Department of Youth Services.

• Demonstrated understanding of clinical concepts and practice along with experience working in settings with clinical services.

• Knowledge of the DYS continuum of care and the goals and objectives of DYS.

• Knowledge of the Principles of Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative (J.D.A.I.).

• Ability to supervise and integrate employees and programming from a variety of disciplines.

• Knowledge of and the ability to work with other areas of the criminal justice field.

• Considerable knowledge of State laws pertaining to juvenile laws and juvenile rights including experience in juvenile/adult corrections.

• Ability to allocate resources within a set budget.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook.

• Experience with the laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures governing juvenile justice as well as the professional standards of assigned unit activities.

• Knowledge of the types and availability of public and private organizations providing services to juveniles.

• Familiarity of the types and application of emergency medical procedures such as basic first aid, and CPR.

• Trained in Restraints and crisis intervention.

• Experience of DYS programming, population data, and internal operations including DYS data management system (including JJEMS).

• Minimum Age Requirement: 21 years

• Must be able to perform the physical requirement of the job (i.e. Ability to properly restrain or subdue youth through appropriate use of handcuffs or other restraint techniques) if necessary.

• Able to talk and/or hear, stand and walk, run, kneel and climb stairs, as well as lift, carry, push, or pull up to 55 pounds with or without assistance and with or without the use of devices and/or equipment to assist in the lifting effort.

• Based on assignment, incumbents may be required to possess a current and valid motor vehicle driver’s license at a class level specific to assignment.

• Upon hire, incumbents must complete and maintain a valid certification in crisis intervention, suicide prevention, Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and first aid.

• Incumbents may be exposed to verbal and/or physical confrontations and potentially dangerous environments.

• Incumbents may be required to physically restrain youth.

• Incumbents typically work a standard work week (four 10-hour shift); however, may be required to work extended hours, nights, holidays or weekends.

• Incumbents may be required to travel in-state and based on assignment may be required to travel out of state.

Schedule: Monday through Friday 8:45am-5:00pm with late night on Tuesday, 1:00pm – 9:00pm with Saturday and Sunday off.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!