DIRECTOR, FAMILY SERVICES - NORTHERN IDAHO

The FSD is responsible for all of the operations of an IYR Community Services program including but not limited to, counseling, case management, transition and aftercare, skill building, wraparound, reintegration, and recovery support services as applicable to the specific site. The FSD manages operations and supervises professional staff in the delivery of therapeutic services and case management of youth and families who are referred by government, local and private agencies or other private entities. Positions supervised by the FSD vary depending on the size of the program. The FSD works under the general direction of the Community Services Administrator.

IDAHO YOUTH RANCH POSITION DESCRIPTION INTRODUCTION

Due to the nature of our work, employees of Idaho Youth Ranch must hold themselves and each other to a high standard of conduct and service. Our employees are entrusted with the care of someone else's child or family members. Our employees spend time in the private homes of clients providing services, picking up donations or delivering purchased items. We must ensure, to the fullest extent possible, that each employee understands his or her obligation to preserve that trust and fully accept his or her role as a representative of IYR.

IYR position descriptions reflect the scope, degree of difficulty, knowledge, skill, time, effort, and character required of the employee. IYR position descriptions provide a comprehensive view of job expectations. Rather than being composed of only a list of tasks, they are much broader in scope. Position descriptions identify the intended outcomes or results for work being done, the qualities/character essential to success of employees, the essential job tasks, and other minimum qualifications. It is not our intent to overwhelm employees with pages of duties and responsibilities, but to provide them with an explanation that is representative of the time and energy they commit to their jobs and careers.

POSITION

The FSD works under the general direction of the Community Services Administrator.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES RELATED TO THIS POSITION

As a result of the supervision and support provided by the FSD, the youth and families assigned to his program will:

Make steady progress toward the achievement of their service goals;
Know they are valued and are worthy of respect;
Successfully complete the service process;
Be kept informed of their status and/or eligibility for program services; and
Be prepared for their discharge from the services, and equipped to become or remain responsible family and community members.

FUNDAMENTAL QUALITIES (The Essence of the Job)

Underlying Principles. This area relates to and identifies the key personal internal characteristics, qualities, and traits the FSD must have and fully utilize to manage program employees and resources in ways that optimize youth and families' opportunities to achieve their service plan goals.
1. Ability to Relate. The FSD relates well to clients and to employees he supervises.
  1. He possesses a caring and accepting attitude. He has patience. He enjoys being around and relating to youth and families, even when they are not at their best. The FSD can bridge the gap between his team members and the clients served. He models effective conflict and dispute resolution skills. He demonstrates appropriate responses to crisis. The FSD understands that the care and concern he gives to the clients served may not be appreciated, but is given nonetheless.
  2. He has positive working relationships with individuals, agencies or departments that receive services from his site. He is comfortable working with community partners. The FSD is confident in his dealings with the general public. He develops and cultivates program supporters. He enjoys community relations activities.
2. Personal Qualities. The FSD is optimistic in outlook and resourceful in meeting challenges. He has the ability to incorporate agency values into leadership and management practices in discernable ways. He willingly abides by the agency ethics policy and the Code of Ethics for IYR Program Employees.
3. Organizational Orientation. The FSD abides by and actively supports the IYR mission, policies, procedures and practices. He understands that his work is part of a larger helping system that includes other IYR programs, the youth's family and support system, community professionals, and placing entities. He understands that IYR's mission is to help youth and their families experience long term success rather than just short time progress, and he approaches his work in that way.
Exercise Judgment. This section relates to the way the FSD uses her mental abilities to carry out her duties and responsibilities. She works in a dynamic environment that requires critical thinking and sound judgment. She is proficient at analyzing problems, considering alternative courses of action and implementing effective solutions.
1. Know and Understand. The FSD develops her knowledge of the agency and larger system of care through training and study. She progressively develops her knowledge of administrative and supervisory practices. She maintains her knowledge of the program's treatment components and can apply treatment strategies as opportunities arise.
2. Observe. The FSD is constantly aware of what is happening in his work environment. She shares her observations through individual, group and clinical supervision to help them intervene in situations more effectively. Her knowledge, observation and clinical skills give her the ability to be proactive and to intervene effectively in administrative, personnel, and program matters.
3. Learn. The FSD aspires to learn and grow both personally and professionally. She seeks out learning experiences. She effectively applies what she has learned through study and on the job experience.
4. Organize. The FSD ensures the program is operated in an organized manner. She works with her team members to maintain an orderly work environment. She approaches each task after first thinking about how it should be organized to best achieve the desired result.
Purposeful Action. This domain relates to how the FSD acts in carrying out his work duties and responsibilities.
1. Team. The FSD is the team leader within her program. He conducts regularly scheduled individual and team meetings. He strives to help others understand the importance of team unity. He understands the importance of team members feeling safe in sharing their views and questions. He holds himself and other team members responsible for their individual and team assignments. He supports team participation in decision making but is not hesitant to make the final call. He directs team activities in ways that reinforce effective program practices. He is an active member of the Idaho Youth Ranch Director Team.
2. Accountability. The FSD takes responsibility for his own actions, and encourages accountability in others. He holds his team and other staff members accountable for their performance. He uses mistakes as learning tools, and focuses on changing undesirable behavior rather than affixing blame. He provides constructive feedback to team members, and program and agency leaders. The FSD assists team members in holding each other accountable in ways that are consistent with the agency's values and treatment model.
Engage. This job domain relates to the level of active involvement the FSD must maintain to be an effective manger. The FSD stays engaged with staff members and community partners. Although her job requires administrative/office work, she stays "in the game," and not on the sidelines. The FSD demonstrates effective leadership with staff members and community partners alike. She helps team members and community partners stay on task and provides outreach, direction and support as needed and appropriate.
Model. The FSD "walks the talk," by living and working in a manner consistent with agency values, policies and program practices. He demonstrates a positive outlook, appropriate use of humor, patience, energy, perseverance, adaptability, punctuality, attention to detail, creativity, and the value of a healthy lifestyle. He keeps his emotions under control (or at least appears to) at all times. He demonstrates effective conflict resolution, problem solving, and strength-based methods that are consistent with our treatment approach. He demonstrates authority figures can be helpful and trusted.
Communicate. The FSD strives for clear, objective, constructive communications in all internal and external interactions. Her written work products are accurate, complete, and timely. The FSD provides program information to her supervisor and agency executives as requested, and passes on important agency information to her team members as appropriate. She demonstrates effective verbal, non-verbal, and written communication skills. She is an active listener. She is able and willing to confront individuals and situations constructively, with care and an eye on the larger purpose (the end in mind). She keeps other staff members informed and in the loop. The FSD abides by agency communication protocols.
Teach. The FSD shares his knowledge and experience with those he supervises. He uses the "teachable moment" to address patterns of negative behavior and offer positive behaviors to replace them. He expects team members to do their best and enthusiastically acknowledges their accomplishments.
Manage. The FSD supports her team members by ensuring they get the resources, tools, and training required to do their jobs well. She is well organized, allocates resources purposefully, and establishes systems to help accomplish tasks and goals. Her actions are responsive, not reactive, and designed to achieve program effectiveness and efficiency. The FSD is objective and consistent. She helps her team members manage their duties and responsibilities. When the opportunities arise, she helps youth with the management of their daily tasks and assignments.
"Whatever It Takes". The FSD does not recognize the words, "That's not my job." He is committed to the success of the agency, his program, his team members and the youth in his charge. He willingly applies his skills and energy to any task that needs to be done.

TREATMENT / SERVICE TASKS

Client Services. The FSD ensures that clients are properly oriented, engaged and progressing in treatment. She warmly welcomes inquires into services by community partners and the general public. The FSD actively screens and assigns all referrals. As opportunities present themselves, she helps community partners understand and follow services as outlined by the agency, contracts and treatment model. She ensures that team members know their responsibilities in providing client services. She works with the Residential Director to ensure effective coordination and collaboration of residential and community services.
Supervision. The FSD ensures appropriate levels of supervision are provided at all times. He provides direct supervision of Reintegration Specialists and Clinicians. He demonstrates effective ways of supervising and managing his team. If he observes or learns of any unethical or ineffective practices of staff, he intervenes immediately, takes appropriate action to stop it, reports to his supervisor and takes any other steps required by agency policy or procedures. He consistently and regularly provides clinical supervision to his team and Residential Clinicians as assigned. He partners with the Residential Director in the supervision of Residential Clinicians.
Therapy. The FSD ensures that program treatment components are operating in conformance with agency guidelines. He ensures that each team member receives supervision to support effective case management and/or clinical skills. His actions are administratively and clinically balanced in compliance with core treatment components as outlined by the agency's standards and procedures. He works to increase the skills of his team to support the client's completion of treatment goals. He supports the implementation of treatment strategies developed in supervision.
Balanced Approach Restorative Justice (BARJ). The FSD is well versed in BARJ and ensures that all program employees apply BARJ practices in their work. She is supportive of youth efforts to restore their victims. She supports program measures that manage, reduce and alleviate the risk youth pose within their homes and communities.
Reintegration. The FSD supports the reintegration process. He ensures that team members understand the transitional nature of residential/institutional care and do not see it as an end to itself. He encourages team members to help clients discover and identify community supports that will help them be successful when they return home or to another community setting.
Performing Standard and Procedures (SAPs). The agency has established SAPs that prescribe the specific way that tasks are to be performed. In addition to being responsible for the effective performance of her own tasks, the FSD ensures that all program employees carry out their duties and tasks in accordance with the SAPs.

OPERATIONS TASKS

1. Human Resources. The FSD abides by all agency personnel policies and procedures. She takes responsibility to ensure her own personnel record and the personnel records of her direct reports contain the information required by licensing, contracting, accreditation, and agency standards. She confronts all discrimination and harassment in the work place by reporting all incidents in accordance with agency policy. She completes and maintains required training, competencies, certifications and skills courses.
Supervision. The FSD follows the supervisory guidelines established in the IYR Supervisor's Manual. He ensures that all new employees are properly oriented before they are assigned tasks and responsibilities. He supports his own supervisor by asking for help or guidance when he needs it. He asks for regular feed-back on his own job performance. He evaluates his own performance, makes improvements and works with his supervisor to establish annual performance goals.
Financial Management. The FSD is responsible for the site's budget and financial management. She ensures the site operates within budget limits and in conformance with all agency and program accounting policies and procedures. She is responsible to ensure that all financial practices and record keeping are being handled appropriately.
Employee/Client Safety. The FSD is responsible to ensure employees perform their duties and responsibilities in a safe manner. He actively promotes a safe work environment by confronting any unsafe behavior. He completes safety meetings, accident and injury reports, and safety audits to ensure that the site meets licensing and accreditation requirements. He abides by all agency safety policies and practices.
Risk Management. The FSD is continually aware of behavioral and environment risks in her site. She takes steps to reduce or eliminate those risks through team discussions, review of environmental conditions in the clients' home, and updating of road and weather conditions. Appropriate levels of supervision will be provided to evaluate the level of risk. She ensures that the facility, vehicles and equipment are free of safety hazards. She immediately responds to and rectifies unsafe work conditions or practices.
Facility Management. The FSD ensures a clean and well maintained working environment for staff members. He works with his team members to manage the upkeep of their facility, equipment, and other assets. He takes pride in the condition of his facility, and helps instill this pride in his team.
Quality Assurance & Improvement. The FSD views quality assurance and improvement as an every day opportunity. She constantly looks for ways to improve her own work performance and her team's performance. She supports all agency QA/QI requirements. The FSD actively participates in the Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) meetings at both program and agency levels. She carries out CQI strategies, tasks, and assignments directed by her team, program, and the agency.

GENERAL INFORMATON

Work Schedule. To meet licensing, contracts and other agency requirements, IYR must ensure it has proper staff to client ratios and supports client needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Employee work schedules are established to effectively meet the service needs of clients. The FSD normally works during typical business hours, but may occasionally work or spend some time at work during other non-business hours to respond to agency needs and crisis situations. The FSD has on-call responsibilities 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Travel. The FSD is required to attend organizational meetings and training sessions that require overnight travel and that may last for several days.

MINIMUM POSITION QUALIFICATIONS FSD

Education & Knowledge. A Master's degree in Social Work or a related human services field and a professional license is required. Ability to develop good working relationships with community and contract agencies. Knowledge of family systems, strength perspective, social services and juvenile justice system. Some knowledge of and ability to use computers.
Experience and Skills. Two years of clinical, supervisory and management experience in a program providing services to at-risk youth and families. Experience with home-based services preferred. Ability to handle multiple complex tasks concurrently. Ability to formulate a program budget and operate within budgetary and accounting guidelines. Must possess strong leadership and organizational skills.
Driver's License. Must have a valid Idaho's driver's license or obtain one within 15 days of hire, as a condition of continued employment.
Certification. Must hold current certifications in first aid, CPR, and physical/non-physical crisis intervention, or complete the requirements for certification within ninety (90) days of hire date.
Physical Condition. Must be in good health as certified by a physician within 30 days of hire. Must have the physical ability to perform essential job duties and responsibilities.
Other. Must be at least 25 years of age. Must not have a criminal record, or must obtain a criminal history clearance via Idaho Department of Health and Welfare licensing rules and IYR criminal history policies and procedures.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The Idaho Youth Ranch offers competitive salary and benefits. For a summary of those benefits, please click on the "Benefits" tab.

INSTRUCTIONS

Fax letter of interest, resume, salary requirements and three professional references to Human Resources, at 208-377-2819, or e-mail hr@youthranch.org.
The Idaho Youth Ranch is an Equal Opportunity Employer.