Program Director - Community Counseling Centers of Chicago : Job Details

Title: Program Director

Position Type: Full Time

Salary: $55,000 - $60,000

Who we are:

C4 was founded in 1972 to help people released from psychiatric hospitals into the Uptown and Edgewater communities stabilize in the community. Since that time, C4s service area has expanded to rekindle hope for individuals and families on Chicagos north and west sides, remaining committed to community-level, system-focused interventions; C4 always seeks to avoid restrictive levels of care and maximize families agency to lead their recovery, allowing them to heal in their homes and community. C4 is the leader in building hope and breaking down barriers from the personal to the systemic - for Chicagos systematically disadvantaged communities through the delivery of effective, empirically supported, and trauma-informed mental health services. C4 seeks to equip 7,000 individuals annually to help them move from trauma to living, to working and thriving within their community.

Our Mission Community Counseling Centers of Chicago (C4), a behavioral health advocate and social service provider, offers quality, comprehensive customer-oriented services tailored to the diversity of its consumers.

Our Vision - Community Counseling Centers of Chicago (C4) will be, and will be recognized as, essential to the wellbeing of the communities we serve.

Philosophy - C4 believes that people recovering from mental illness and emotional trauma are able to live, work and thrive in the community.

Purpose:

The Program Director for the Youth Drop-In Center is a key leadership role responsible for the overall operation and success of the center. This non-clinical position involves overseeing daily operations, managing staff, engaging with the community, and ensuring the program's objectives are met. The Program Director will serve as the site director, handle administrative tasks, and work closely with both internal and external stakeholders to provide a supportive and effective environment for youth.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Site Management: Oversee the effective management and integration of service delivery functions for the Youth Drop-In Center, ensuring continuity, consistency, efficiency, and effectiveness.
• Operational Policies: Develop, implement, evaluate, and ensure compliance with C4s service delivery operating policies, procedures, and reporting requirements.
• Communication: Provide routine status reports to the President & CEO, advising of significant problems, including operational issues that may impact the achievement of program objectives.
• Strategic Planning: Assist in creating short- and long-range service delivery strategies for the Youth Drop-In Center, ensuring successful implementation of these strategies.
• Professional Relationships: Initiate, cultivate, and maintain professional relationships within C4 and with human services and government agencies, health service vendors, and public and private groups to enhance service delivery and community presence.
• Staff Supervision: Train, supervise, and guide two part-time employees, setting performance expectations, fostering a collegial and transparent operating culture, and recommending performance improvements or disciplinary actions as necessary.
• Community Outreach: Develop and implement outreach strategies to promote the centers services, recruit participants, and engage with the community effectively.
• Administrative Duties: Handle administrative tasks, including scheduling, budgeting, and reporting. Provide backup for the Quality and Utilization Manager in coordinating audits by credentialing and funding bodies.
• System Evaluation: Work closely with C4 leadership to evaluate systems for process improvements and efficiency. Stay updated on current service delivery, medical services, and operational reporting requirements.
• Committee Participation: Actively participate in committees and special projects as required.
• Long-Term Planning: Develop long-range objectives and plans for the Youth Drop-In Center.
• Quality Assurance: Check the quality and timeliness of work produced by the team and provide coaching and guidance to direct reports. Adhere to C4s confidentiality practices and procedures.
• Additional Duties: Perform other duties as assigned by the President & CEO.

Competencies (Minimum Skills, Knowledge and Experience):

• Ability to manage and motivate staff effectively.
• Experience in training, supervising, and developing team members.
• Skills in setting performance expectations and providing constructive feedback.
• Proficiency in developing, implementing, and evaluating strategic plans and operational policies.
• Ability to create and execute short- and long-range objectives.
• Experience in managing and integrating service delivery functions to ensure effectiveness.
• Strong skills in building and maintaining professional relationships with community partners, agencies, and stakeholders.
• Experience in developing and implementing outreach strategies to recruit participants and promote services.
• Ability to represent the program and its interests in community settings.
• Competency in handling administrative tasks such as budgeting, scheduling, and reporting.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize responsibilities effectively.
• Attention to detail in maintaining accurate records and ensuring compliance with policies and procedures.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective interaction with staff,stakeholders, and community members.
• Ability to provide routine status reports and communicate significant issues to leadership.
• Proficiency in representing the program in meetings and public forums
• Skills in identifying and addressing operational and programmatic issues.
• Ability to evaluate systems for process improvements and implement effective solutions.
• Experience in making informed decisions that support program goals and objectives.
• Competency in checking the quality and timeliness of work produced by the team.
• Ability to manage performance improvement processes and recommend corrective actions as needed.
• Experience in overseeing audits and ensuring compliance with quality standards.
• Understanding and respect for diverse populations and their needs.
• Ability to foster an inclusive and supportive environment for both staff and participants.
• Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and priorities.
• Skills in managing unexpected challenges and adjusting plans as needed.
• Commitment to adhering to confidentiality practices and ethical standards in all aspects ofthe role.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in management, social work, education or a related field; relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Proven experience in program management, particularly in a youth or community-focused setting.
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills with the ability to manage and motivate a team.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in community outreach, participant recruitment, and relationship-building.
• Ability to handle administrative tasks, process improvements, and maintain accurate records.
• Passion for supporting youth and aligning with the mission of the Youth Drop-In Center.