Illinois Youth Advocate Program

Executive Director

Minimum Qualifications:

Master’s of Social Work degree from an accredited school of social work and three years work experience in social work administration; or a Master’s Degree in Human Services field from an accredited school and five years work experience in Human Services Administration; or a Master’s Degree in Business Administration or Health Administration and five years experience in administration.

Supervision:

Is supervised directly by the Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Advocate Program (NYAP); and consults with and seeks the approval of the Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer or his/her designee on all changes to matters of day-to-day operations and policy; and reports to the Board of Directors.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Provides direct oversight, support and supervision of the activities of the Illinois Youth Advocate Program (ILYAP) as directed, including:

• Helps design, maintain and execute child welfare procedures and systems as established by the State and NYAP
• Ensures and monitors compliance with policies and procedures of NYAP, The Illinois Department of Children and Family services (DCFS) and related national, local and state regulatory and governing agencies
• Provides oversight and supervision of ILYAP’s Intake/Referral Department
• Effectively manages budgets and control expenses
• Maintains prudent financial management practices for the program
• Implements goals, objectives, policies, procedures and work standards for assigned programs
• Plans, organizes, directs, assigns, reviews and evaluates the work of charges
• Reviews and validates statistical records and other reports
• Enlists cooperation and support of community groups and the public in obtaining and maintaining program interest and participation
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
• Identifies program needs of youth and families
• Ensures that job descriptions are developed, that regular performance evaluations are held, and that sound human resource practices are in place
• Develops recruitment materials, training plans and personnel systems
• Sees that an effective team, with appropriate provision for succession, is in place
• With the approval of the Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer or his/her designee, is responsible for the recruitment, employment and release of all personnel, both paid staff and volunteers
• Provides guidance to staff and volunteers to ensure that roles and responsibilities are defined within ILYAP.  Encourages staff and volunteer development and education and assists program staff in relating their specialized work to the total program of the organization
• Represents the agency in the child welfare and general community.  Advocates for children, youth and families through systems advocacy and active participation in state and national initiatives and campaigns
• Ensures the timely production of monthly, quarterly and annual reports as are necessary and/or required
• Prepares written reports as requested
• Serves as a spokesperson for ILYAP to promote the agency as requested
• Maintains relationships with outside consultants, vendors and others
• Performs other duties as requested by the Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer or his/her designee

Board Support

• Reports at all regular and special sessions of the Board of Directors
• Assists the Board to develop, adopt and evaluate organizational goals and objectives, and develops strategic short and long-term plans
• Assures that the organization has a long-range strategy which achieves its mission, and toward which it makes consistent and timely progress
• Develops, recommends and monitors annual budgets, identifying program and grant revenue and expenditures
• Provides monthly financial reports to the Finance/Development Committee and Board, with recommendations for budget adjustments
• Provides leadership in developing program, organizational and financial plans with the Board of Directors and staff and carries out plans and policies authorized by the board
• Sees that the board is kept informed on the condition of the organization and all important factors influencing it
• Recommends organizational policies, and establishes procedures consistent with them
• Provides staff support to the board and its executive committee, and ensures support for all subcommittees established by the board
• Jointly conducts official correspondence of the agency, and jointly executes legal documents
• Ensures the organization is in compliance with all government and fund requirements and other administrative, fiscal and legal responsibilities
• The position oversees a full-time office and staff and may require weekend and evening work.  Travel throughout the state and nationally may be required

Management Style

In addition to the above, the Executive Director will be:

• A team player in touch with staff, management and the community, and willing to perform all of the responsibilities and duties necessary for the operation on an effective organization
• A positive, “can do” advocate
• Able to resolve conflicts and work calmly and effectively in sensitive situations
• A flexible innovator who stays current with the profession
• An effective communication
• A dependable, honest and effective leader
• A critical thinker with the courage to pursue good ideas