Purpose

The job of Program Director - Youth Support Services is done for the purpose/s of planning, developing, implementing, organizing and coordinating the activities and related budgets for competitive or entitlement programs such as Foster Youth Services Coordinating Program, Homeless Program, Tobacco Use Prevention Education and Safe Schools; and serving as a resource to Shasta County school districts assisting with compliance with established program guidelines, policies, and state and federal regulations.

This job reports to the Assigned Administrator/Supervisor. 

Essential Functions

• Collects data (e.g. needs of students and assessing risk factors, student achievement, long range planning, etc.) for the purpose of evaluating the program for effectiveness.
• Conducts and facilitates a variety of trainings, meetings, and presentations for the purpose of informing, advising and providing technical assistance on program requirements and compliance support to a variety of internal and external staff and agencies.
• Consults with county school districts and community agencies (e.g. laws and mandates relating to the education of students in foster care and those who are experiencing homelessness., etc.) for the purpose of ensuring federal and state regulations are being followed.
• Coordinates with teachers, college and university personnel, resource specialists and probation counselors for the purpose of facilitating and coordinating the transitional process to local post-secondary institutions, but not limited to community college or universities.
• Coordinates local planing with probation, child welfare, mental health, social services, SELPA, and LEAs for the purpose of supporting implementation of school-based support infrastructures and data sharing to improve the educational outcomes for foster youth.
• Coordinates with the Foster and Homeless Youth liaisons in the application of Education Code for the purpose of providing recommendations and/or ensuring services are delivered in compliance with state accountability reporting requirements.
• Develops and monitors budgets for the purpose of ensuring expenditures are within program guidelines, budget limits and/or fiscal practices are followed.
• Establishes and supports ongoing collaboration with child welfare, probation, local education agencies (LEA) and other community or statewide organizations for the purpose of supporting the academic progress, school participation and social emotional engagement with district/schools.
• Facilitates department operations, the maintenance of services, and the implementation of new programs and/or processes (e.g. Foster Youth and Homeless Education Programs, etc.) for the purpose of providing services within established timeframes and in compliance with related requirements.
• Facilitates with the collaboration of internal and external personnel (e.g. State and Federal Departments of Education, Shasta County, etc.) for the purpose of implementing and/or maintaining services, budgets and program compliance.
• Prepares records and reports for the purpose of evaluating studies and semi-annual reports required by the State.
• Responds to issues and inquiries from school district administrators, parents, and educators regarding educational reform, school improvement efforts and providing special education for students with disabilities for the purpose of identifying the relevan

Other Functions

• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements:  Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform multiple, technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: operating standard office equipment including using a variety of software applications; preparing and maintaining accurate records;  analyzing data; conducting meetings; and planning agendas/meetings. 

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform algebra and/or geometry; read technical information, compose a variety of documents, and/or facilitate group discussions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions.  Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: pertinent laws, codes, policies, and/or regulations; personnel processes; standard business practices; program planning and development; concepts of grammar and punctuation; principles of best social work practices; adult learning styles and the change process;  business telephone etiquette; codes/laws/rules/regulations/policies; and practicing cultural competency while working collaboratively with diverse groups and individuals. 

ABILITY is required to schedule activities, meetings, and/or events; gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with similar types of data; and utilize specific, job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to identify issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data may require independent interpretation; and problem solving with equipment is limited to moderate. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adapting to changing work priorities; communicating with diverse groups and individuals; meeting deadlines and schedules; setting priorities; working as part of a team; and working with detailed information/data.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision following standardized practices and/or methods; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; operating within a defined budget. Utilization of some resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to have some impact on the organization’s services.

Working Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling,   and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 70% sitting, 15% walking, and 15% standing.  The job is performed in a generally hazard free environment.

Experience      Job related experience with increasing levels of responsibility is desired.

Education        Master’s degree in job-related area.

Equivalency    Master’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university preferred. Any combination equivalent to:  master's degree and five years of administrative experience. Experience in management and administration of health and social services programs and demonstrated skill in community organization preferred. 

The stated education and experience requirements are the preferred minimum qualifications for this job.   However, relevant experience to substitute for the education requirement and relevant education, certificates and/or licenses to substitute for the experience requirement may be allowed.

FLSA Status                                                    Approval Date                                              Salary Range

Exempt                                                                                                                                           23