Program Director

VQ is a national comprehensive child, youth and family services organization committed to providing successful and effective services while adhering to the highest professional standards.

VQ operates around the nation, providing care services such as residential programming, community-based services, and in-home services for children and their families. We work with state and federal governments to go where the need is greatest and give back to communities that need our services the most. Regardless of the circumstances and background that a child comes from, we believe they deserve an opportunity for a good life.

The Program Director plays a pivotal role in steering the day-to-day operations, strategy, financial management, and administrative tasks of the program. This role is the main point of contact in emergencies, acting as a dynamic leader to uphold program standards and safety, while also being the primary connection to external agencies, funders, and stakeholders. The Program Director is tasked with implementing policies & procedures and overseeing a trauma-informed, results-focused service delivery. Additionally, the Program Director excels in team building, conflict resolution, and fostering an environment conducive to innovation, problem-solving, and teamwork. This position not only demands flexibility, with a schedule that extends beyond the typical workday to include evenings, weekends, holidays, and on-call duties, but also a commitment to personal leadership growth. The ideal candidate will actively pursue self-improvement and professional development to enhance their leadership skills, ensuring they remain at the forefront of effective program management and team leadership.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Strategic Planning and Innovation:
• Develop and implement the strategic plan and vision for the program.
• Proactively improve program performance and quality of services through quality assurance and continuous quality improvement practices.
• Innovative approach to problem-solving, employee development, and ensuring compliance.
• Adapt to changes and additional duties with a productive and growth mindset.
• Leadership and Workforce Development:
• Take ownership of building a positive culture that supports growth, teamwork and collaboration with an emphasis on trauma informed care.
• Establish open communication by facilitating a strength-based, feedback-rich environment with clear expectations.
• Maximize team performance by ensuring high-quality training, supervision, and regular performance evaluations.
• Oversee and optimize the entire recruitment process and the full span of the employee lifecycle.
• Direct the development and enhancement of systems, focusing on leveraging technology.
• Continued growth and development as a leader, leading by example with commitment to self awareness and skill development.
• Flexible schedule to accommodate staff meetings, unannounced visits, and other program needs to accommodate all shifts.
• Engage in continuous learning through organizational training and external professional development opportunities, including off site training and meetings.
• 
  Partnerships and Communication:
• Functions as the primary liaison with contract, funding, and licensing entities.
• Oversee contract management, government liaison, and communications. Cultivate and sustain constructive relationships with stakeholders at local and state levels, thereby amplifying the program's scope and effectiveness.
• Participate in and facilitate meetings with external stakeholders, effectively managing concerns and conflict with professionalism and openness.
• Works in collaboration with VisionQuest leadership and other sister programs to ensure continuity and consistency across programs.
• Willingness to fill vacant roles as needed.
• Assist with after hours on call responsibilities and unannounced visits.
• Compliance, Quality Assurance and Continuous Quality Improvement
• Develop and submit regular reports to both internal and external stakeholders, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Guarantee compliance with all relevant organizational, licensing, and funding standards, proactively staying informed of policy and procedure changes.
• Review findings from the departmental monthly audits, ensuring action plans are developed and completed as needed.
• Take responsibility for and lead change, risk, and resource management initiatives in order to enhance quality of services and process improvement.
• 
  Operations Management:
• Manage financial oversight, adhering to budgetary constraints and operational requirements.
• Supervises and manages the daily operations of the entire program to ensure a safe therapeutic environment.
• Directly supervise department leads as assigned or depending on the needs of the program.
• Other tasks and responsibilities as assigned.

SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Proficient in reading, interpreting and applying ORR P&P
• Leadership, Supervision and Conflict Management
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills with ability to listen actively
• Knowledge in implementing and ensuring compliance with policies and procedures
• Budget Management
• Application of change, risk and resource management principles
• Adaptability and continuous learning for program improvement and staff development
• Commitment to professional development and proactive research
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Excellent writing and technical proficiency

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree in social work or equivalent degree in education, psychology, sociology, or other relevant behavioral science degree OR a Bachelor’s degree plus 5 years’ experience in child welfare administration, child protective services.
• Must also have 2 years experience in program management or as director of a licensed childcare program.
• Experience working with the Office of Refugee Resettlement is highly preferred.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish is preferred.
• Flexible schedule (evening, weekends, holidays) to facilitate program services.
• Cleared tuberculosis test results.
• Must be able to pass a drug test.
• Must be able to provide proof of required vaccinations.
• Cleared background checks from appropriate entities, including Child Abuse and Neglect and FBI criminal background.
• Obtain and maintain CPR/First Aid and Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) certification.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be eligible to drive to facilitate program services as required.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• May lift and carry up to 10 pounds frequently, up to 20 pounds occasionally, up to 50 pounds infrequently.
• Performs tasks that may involve standing or walking 50% of the day; sitting 50% of the day.
• May bend, stoop, reach and grasp as necessary.
• Must be able to provide First Aid and CPR.
• Must be able to perform physical holds as instructed in Crisis Prevention Intervention training (CPI).

The pay range for this role is: 94,553 - 94,554 USD per year (885 Grace Dix Village)