Program Manager

Program Manager - Center for Family Engagement and Well-Being.

*Master's Degree in Human Services, Social Work, Public Administration, Psychology, Counseling, Organizational Leadership, or a related field required.

*Minimum of five years of progressive leadership experience in child welfare, behavioral health, human services, residential care, crisis services, or a related field.

Location: 777 N Green St. Chicago, IL. 60642

Position Summary

Under the general supervision of Executive Director or designee, the program manager is responsible for the day-to-day administration and supervision of the assigned programs, can effectively supervise multiple levels of staff, navigate a rapidly changing program, foster a positive and inclusive culture, and make sound operational decisions while remaining focused on the needs of youth and families.

Scheduled Hours: Monday through Friday, 9a - 5p. However, this is the lead position of the program that is 24/7 so must be willing to be available after hours and weekends as well.

Working At NYAP

• NYAP's commitment to doing what is best for children, youth and their families is a core value and one that we look for in our newest team members.
• Excellent training and continuing education and development opportunities offered on topics such as: PCIT, NMT, TF-CBT, BFST, CSAYC, TBRI, FFT and many, many more!
• Summer Hours (half day off on Friday's)
• Student Loan Repayment assistance , up to $1,200 per year!
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance for you and your family!
• 22 Days Off Each Year!
• Plus 11 Paid Holidays Per Year!
• Competitive salaries and benefits including a 401(k)
• Tuition Assistance
• Work Anniversary Trips !
• Peace leave
• Flexible Hours
• Phone allowance
• Mileage Reimbursement

Responsibilities

• Represent the Center and NYAP professionally in all external interactions.
• Oversee the daily operations of the Center, ensuring a safe, welcoming, and youth-centered environment.
• Provide overall leadership and management of a 24-hour, 7-day-per-week emergency reception and stabilization program serving youth involved in the child welfare system.
• Ensure continuous program coverage and operational readiness across all shifts, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergency situations.
• Develop and maintain a positive, inclusive, and trauma-informed culture that aligns with NYAP's mission, values, and standards of practice.
• Supervise and support multiple levels of staff, including clinical, nursing, direct care, administrative, and support personnel.
• Foster accountability, teamwork, professional development, and staff engagement throughout the program.
• Ensure compliance with all contract requirements, licensing standards, agency policies, accreditation standards, and applicable regulations.
• Ensure youth receive compassionate, trauma-informed care during periods of crisis, transition, and stabilization.
• Promote a culture that recognizes the dignity, strengths, and resilience of youth and families.
• Support staff in managing complex behaviors while maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment.
• Ensure timely coordination of admissions, discharges, referrals, and transitions in partnership with internal and external stakeholders.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for community partners, child welfare agencies, referral sources, and other stakeholders.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships that support positive outcomes for youth and families.
• Participate in meetings, case consultations, and program reviews with state agencies and community partners as needed.
• Recruit, hire, onboard, supervise, evaluate, and retain high-performing staff.
• Ensure appropriate staffing levels are maintained to support safe and effective 24/7 operations.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and performance management to promote staff growth and accountability.
• Maintain oversight of facility safety, security, emergency preparedness, and risk management practices.
• Respond to critical incidents, emergencies, and escalated situations as necessary.
• Promote a culture of safety for youth, families, staff, and visitors.
• Oversee the day-to-day functioning of the facility, including maintenance, cleanliness, supplies, equipment, and vendor coordination.
• Ensure the physical environment remains safe, welcoming, and conducive to stabilization and engagement.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Human Services, Social Work, Public Administration, Psychology, Counseling, Organizational Leadership, or a related field required.
• Minimum of five years of progressive leadership experience in child welfare, behavioral health, human services, residential care, crisis services, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience supervising multidisciplinary teams and managing complex operations.
• Proven ability to lead in fast-paced, high-pressure environments requiring flexibility and sound decision-making.
• Strong commitment to trauma-informed care, diversity, equity, inclusion, and positive organizational culture.
• Prior child welfare experience required.

Other Skills & Qualifications

• A valid social work license is preferred, but not required.
• Must be open and willing to work non-traditional work hours as well as on-call responsibilities
• Must be able to embrace working as a diverse team both effectively and respectfully with persons of any background, race, color, religion, sexual orientation, ability, national origin, or culture
• Provide excellent internal and external customer service
• Must possess good verbal, listening, and written communication skills
• Maintain a strong culture with staff.

Driving and Vehicle Requirements

• Valid driver's license
• Reliable personal transportation
• Good driving record
• Minimum automobile insurance coverage of $100,00/$300,000 bodily injury liability

Benefits listed are for eligible employees as outlined by our benefit policy.

"We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans"

If this describes YOU, please apply today!

Who We Are

National Youth Advocate Program has been serving communities and clients since 1978 and we continue to grow each year. Our growth allows us to expand and develop new and innovative programs to meet the ever-changing needs of those we serve. We offer unique and personalized services for families and individuals in four areas: Prevention/Intervention, Positive Youth Development, Out-of-Home-Placement and Reunification/Permanency.

We know you are compassionate and dedicated to serving your clients and communities and NYAP is dedicated to providing support to those who join our team! We look for individuals that are ready to make a direct impact and are excited to be an instrument in supporting the needs of our children, youth, and families.

An Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.

National Youth Advocate Program has been serving communities and clients since 1978 and we continue to grow each year. Our growth allows us to expand and develop new and innovative programs to meet the ever-changing needs of those we serve. We offer unique and personalized services for families and individuals in four areas: Prevention/Intervention, Positive Youth Development, Out-of-Home-Placement and Reunification/Permanency.

We know you are compassionate and dedicated to serving your clients and communities and NYAP is dedicated to providing support to those who join our team! We look for individuals that are ready to make a direct impact and are excited to be an instrument in supporting the needs of our children, youth, and families.