Program Director

Job Description

Job Description

Join Our Leadership Team as Program Director: Open-Residential Youth Services (Detroit, MI)

Spectrum Child & Family Services is seeking a highly qualified, experienced professional to fill the demanding, profoundly rewarding role of Program Director for our Valor Place (open residential ) program in Detroit, Michigan .

We require a leader with a strong background in social work, criminal justice, or correctional administration and a proven track record of successful leadership in youth residential programs. The ideal candidate has a deep passion and expertise in guiding staff who work with youth who display challenging behaviors, including verbal and physical intimidation.

About the Role and Our Mission

The Program Director provides strategic oversight and leadership for the day-to-day operations of this open-residential youth childcare institution. This role is critical in ensuring the safety, well-being, and positive development of the youth under our care, many of whom may have experienced significant trauma associated with abuse, neglect, and lower socioeconomic levels.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Management & Compliance Excellence : Oversee all daily functions, ensuring strict adherence to all relevant regulations, policies, and procedures. This includes maintaining 100% compliance with State of Michigan DHHS Licensing and Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) standards.
• Strategic Staff Leadership & Retention : Ensure staff are effectively trained and provide decisive leadership and mentorship. The Program Director must champion initiatives to support, develop, and retain high-quality, resilient staff who work effectively with youth displaying challenging, aggressive, or crisis behaviors, thereby minimizing turnover.
• Behavioral & Safety Oversight : Drive the implementation of trauma-informed practices and evidence-based behavior management strategies to maintain a secure environment and facilitate youth accountability and growth.
• External Collaboration : Collaborate with external stakeholders, including DHHS Licensing, Wayne County, Care Management Organizations, and community partners, often acting as the lead point of contact for audits and accreditation efforts.
• Relationship Building : Develop and maintain positive, professional relationships with youth, families, and staff, emphasizing a culture of respect and therapeutic intervention.

Our Treatment Approach

Our approach is deeply rooted in trauma-informed care and is designed to prevent recurring legal involvement, promote prosocial development, and lead to successful life outcomes.

Therapeutic Services include weekly individual therapy, group therapy, trauma-focused services, family therapy, and robust reentry planning.

Qualifications :

Qualified candidates must meet one of the following combinations of education and experience to qualify under MDHHS licensing requirements

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and 2 years of work experience in a child-caring institution.
• Two years of college from an accredited college or university and 3 years of work experience in a child-caring institution.
• A high school diploma and 4 years of work experience in a child-caring institution.

Candidates must complete and return a record of no findings on the DHHS Central Registry Clearance, a criminal history background check free of felony convictions, a physical examination that indicates satisfactory health status free from communicable diseases, including TB, and the physical ability to perform the functions of this job description with or without accommodation. Must have reliable transportation and a valid State of Michigan Driver’s License.

What we offer:

Join a team committed to transforming young lives. We offer a comprehensive package for this vital leadership role:

• Compensation commensurate with experience
• 31 Days of Paid Time Off Annually
• BCN Medical
• BCBS Dental
• BCBS Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• 403(b) with employer match
• $25,000 Life Insurance

Join the team today!

Affiliations: Social Current, American Correctional Association (ACA), National Juvenile Detention Association, Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).