Director of Residential Services, Central Region

The Department of Youth Services (DYS) is seeking a dynamic and experienced professional to manage the day-to-day residential operations of 24/7 facilities for the Central Region. The Director will provide effective oversight in the delivery of residential treatment services to youth who have been committed to the care and custody of DYS.

The Director will possess a positive track record in daily management to ensure that DYS delivers high-quality intervention across its entire residential continuum (overnight arrest, alternatives to detention, detention, treatment, and independent living), in hardware-secure, staff-secure, group care, and community residential settings. Our ideal candidate will champion the foundation and experience in working effectively with and through others, budgeting and fiscal management, collaboration, problem solving, listening, decision making, crisis management, public relations skills, policy and regulatory compliance, personnel forecasting, developing efficient systems/processes, and promoting and establishing strong internal/external relationships.

For additional information about the Department of Youth Services and its programs, please watch:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gyP0kCJ181nBakh9Cc0pNNEyPw7kAoI6/view

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Provide effective oversight, administration, and operational direction for 24/7 youth facilities; ensure clinical, educational, and medical services, and other rehabilitative and safety components are delivered in a coordinated and effective manner
• Establish and maintain an effective system of control with all staff, provider agencies, and associated stakeholders to ensure accurate and efficient communication
• Lead regular team meetings to ensure operations and services are being executed, including policy development and risk assessment
• Strengthen and foster the Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative (JDAI) designed to reduce the number of pre-trial detention admissions and to shorten the length of stay for youths in custody
•  Ensure that DYS’ programs meet the Department of Early Education and Care’s, the Department of Public Health’s, and the Department of Public Safety’s licensing requirements
• Oversee the maintenance, repair, and upkeep of the facilities to ensure safe and secure physical plants; Participate in the development of capital improvement plans in conjunction with the agency’s Director of Capital Planning
• Confirm all programs, both state and provider-operated, maintain adequate staffing levels at all times and adhere to all DYS policies pertaining to residential treatment
• Manage, monitor, and analyze a budget for program services, administrative, facility operations, and personnel; approve expenditures within prescribed allocation
• Provide staff appropriate training and information regarding all policy and practice changes
• Establish quality and efficiency standards in all areas of responsibility and ensure that these standards are measured and reviewed on an ongoing basis
• Foster support/development of direct reports through timely feedback and facilitate the ability of staff to achieve the highest level of professional growth, performance, and career advancement

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Knowledge and familiarity with DYS regulations and practice including care and custody of juvenile offenders and service provision systems
• Passion and commitment to  establishing and developing evidence-based programming for committed youth
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of operations and project management including coordination, communication, prioritization, troubleshooting, adherence to budget and completion of goals
• Capacity to manage a diverse workforce, including a bargaining unit environment; ability to embrace diversity as a strategic advantage
• Ability to establish standards, program of valuation, performance management, quality improvement, and investigatory processes
• Critical thinking skills, using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
• Ability to lead, inspire and empower staff, demonstrating confidence and leadership presence
• Thoroughness, independence, and excellent written and oral communication skills
• Proficient usage of Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, and Outlook

Transportation Requirement: Must have reliable transportation.

Minimum Age Requirement: 21 years 

About the Department Of Youth Services:

As the Juvenile Justice agency for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Department of Youth Services promotes positive change in the youth in our care and custody. Our mission is to make communities safer by improving the life outcomes for youth in our care. We achieve our mission through investing in highly qualified staff and a service continuum that engages youth, families, and communities in strategies that support positive youth development.  For more information please go to: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-youth-services. 

Pre-Hire Process:

Candidates must pass a pre-employment screening which includes: 

• Drug Screening

• Psychological Screening

• Medical Examination

• Physical Abilities Test (PAT)

A criminal and tax history background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori  

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. 

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website. 

ADA Reasonable Accommodation: If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests 

For questions, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option #4.