Child Development Jobs in Springfield, MO (NOW HIRING)

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Program Director is a professional staff member of Isabel's House who oversees and coordinates all aspects of the crisis nursery - meeting the needs of the children (ages 0-12 years old) by providing leadership, direction, and supervision of direct care team members and volunteers. The Program Director of Isabel's House implements all licensing regulations, rules, policies, and procedures while maintaining efficient and effective operation of the facility. The Program Director is responsible for areas including development, retention, and leadership of the 24/7 Direct Care Team. This position is responsible for developing a staffing plan to provide consistent care through communication between all Program Team members about the children's needs. The position is supervised by the Executive Director and works independently and collaboratively.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Master's Degree (MSW) in a relevant field required, and two years of experience working in a residential care facility.

• Knowledge of child development (physical, social, and emotional) and child behavior management
• Ability to work flexibly to meet individual/programmatic needs
• Demonstrate excellence in organizational communication (verbal and written), supervision, management, and leadership skills
• Prioritize workload independently and appropriately with the ability to meet deadlines
• Excellent computer skills
• Exercise sound judgment, critical thinking skills, appropriate personal responsibility, problem-solving, and initiative
• Knowledge of current community resources for children's needs is preferred
• Maintain strict standards of confidentiality and professionalism.
• Satisfactory results of all background checks, driving records, and physical checks.
• Must possess a valid Missouri driver's license, proof of vehicle insurance, and have access to a vehicle during work hours.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Child Program Management:

• Ensure that program activities comply with all relevant Rules for Licensing Residential Treatment Agencies for Children and Youth, legislation, and professional standards
• Provide trauma-informed services to families in crisis, including support, advocacy, crisis intervention, safety planning, parenting support, information, and referrals, as needed
• Develop, implement, and update a service plan for each child that addresses education, recreation, medical care, nutrition, social/emotional, and behavioral needs of the child and includes maintaining family connection (in partnership with Operations Manager, Social Services, and Direct Care Team)
• Develop the curriculum and daytime activities, including planning and coordinating all field trips
• Assist with the care of children as needed

Leadership:

• Implement the human resources policies, procedures, and practices of the organization
• Supervise program staff by providing supervision, direction, input, and feedback
• Provide clear direction, supervision, and leadership to all members of the direct care team, in collaboration with Program Assistants, ensuring compliance with licensing and organization policies and procedures. Supervision of direct-care team members outside of these shifts may be required as necessary
• Implement team member coaching, mentoring, and, when needed, progressive discipline process.
• Create and maintain direct care team members' schedules, maintaining the ratio, in collaboration with Program Assistants
• Maintain time off requests and review direct care payroll
• Communicate with the Development team regarding volunteer and intern needs and opportunities
• Oversee and manage volunteers within the program, as well as collaborate with volunteer boards and committees

Staffing:

• In consultation with the Executive Director, recruit, interview, and select well-qualified program staff
• Implement a performance management process for all program staff, ensuring timely completion for licensing compliance and staff development
• Engage volunteers for appropriate program activities using established volunteer management practices
• Ensure all staff members receive orientation and appropriate training in accordance with organizational standards outlined in the annual training plan

Administration:

• Ensure that personnel files for the program are filed timely and kept confidential, including new hire paperwork, certifications, and performance reviews.
• Report all expenses by established deadlines, remaining within the approved budget, and assist with project spending management as directed
• Monitor the program activities regularly and conduct an annual evaluation according to the program evaluation framework
• Report evaluation findings to the Executive Director and recommend changes to enhance the program, as appropriate

Community Outreach:

• Maintain a professional and collaborative attitude with outside vendors, community resource partners, medical providers, and other outside stakeholders.
• Communicate with clients and other stakeholders to gain community support for the program and to solicit input to improve the program
• Liaise with community partner agencies to ensure the effective and efficient program delivery

Other duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work on a computer for long periods of time (up to four hours)
• Sit or stand for long periods of time (up to four hours)
• Weekend and evening meetings and events required
• Participate in on-call rotation as needed and for emergency on-call
• May be required to lift children weighing up to 50 pounds
• Health risks due to daily contact with children staying at Isabel's House