Program Director, Youth Futures Initiative

Organizational Summary

The Youth Empowerment Project (YEP) is a community-based, 501(c) 3 non-profit organization that provides an array of services to at-risk youth in the Greater New Orleans region. YEP strives to always provide the highest quality services to all of our youth and their families.

Position Summary

The Program Director (PD) for YEP's Youth Futures Initiative (YFI) is the individual who will be

primarily responsible for the successful implementation and oversight of the Youth Futures Initiative.

The PD will report directly to the Executive Director and will supervise the Youth Advocates assigned to the program. Additionally, the PD will facilitate and coordinate trainings for YEP staff that are critical to program success, manage relationships with key juvenile justice stakeholders and referral partners, develop strong relationships with youth and families and ensure Youth Advocates maintain strong relationships with youth and families, develop a streamlined referral process, and oversee service plan development and delivery.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Social Work or related field required. LCSW or LPC preferred
• A minimum of 5 years of experience working with court-involved and/or disconnected and/or out-of- school youth required
• A minimum of 3 years in a management/ leadership position at a youth-serving organization required
• Proven experience and familiarity with the local juvenile justice system including knowledge of key stakeholders highly preferred
• Ability to develop, maintain, and cultivate strong relationships with key juvenile justice stakeholders including parents, judges, lawyers, probation officers and facility personnel highly preferred
• A strong commitment to and understanding of YEP's history and mission required
• A deep understanding of positive youth development techniques and strategies required
• Familiarity with social service agencies, school personnel, and key community stakeholders who interface with court-involved youth and their families
• Proven track record of working effectively with key community stakeholders
• Familiarity with New Orleans' neighborhoods highly preferred
• Comfortable working with diverse groups of individuals
• Flexible, dependable and has an excellent work ethic
• Strong writing and oral communication skills
• Computer literate (good typing skills and proficient with Microsoft office)
• Prior experience working with ETO or a similar social service data base highly preferred

How to apply

How to Apply

Qualified applicants must submit all of the following to be considered for this position: cover letter, resume, and a list of three references. All materials should be emailed to Megan Faunce atjobs@youthempowermentproject.org. The closing date for applications is Friday January 3, 2014.

No phone calls please.