Employment

Director of Social Work

The Director of Social Work helps lead the effective implementation and continuous improvement of Youth First’s school-based social work and prevention programs. This position is responsible for all aspects of Youth First’s Social Work Model, including hiring, training, and supervising social workers and other clinical supervisors; overseeing evidence-based practices; managing data collection; guiding quality improvements; and collaborating with schools and other community agencies. The Director ensures that best practices in social work and prevention are continuously strengthened and sustained in order to meet Youth First’s mission. This position works closely with the Director of Programs, other staff, educators, community partners, evaluators, Board members, other volunteers, and funders.

Reports to: Vice President of Social Work and Programs

Roles & Responsibilities:

Leadership

• Leads all aspects of Youth First’s Social Work Model with an emphasis on evidence-based practices, data driven decision-making, continuous quality improvement, and collaboration.
• Develops and oversees annual social work service plans that meet the mission of Youth First.
• Serves on Youth First’s leadership team, advises and supports the VP of Social Work and Programs, and collaborates with others.
• Reports outcomes and progress through anecdotal evidence and data collection to various stakeholders.
• Participates in Board committees and activities as requested.

Manager Functions

• Responsible for hiring, onboarding and managing clinical supervisors, social workers and social work interns.
• Ensures social workers provide compassionate and caring attentiveness to the needs of students and families.
• Ensures adherence to Youth First’s Standard Operating Procedures, Core Values, and Social Work Ethics through trainings, site visits and record audits.
• Mitigates risks and liabilities associated with the delivery of social work services.
• Conducts and reviews annual job performance evaluations for clinical supervisors and social workers.
• Provides oversight of evaluation protocols, tools, and data collection in collaboration with evaluators.
• Works with social workers to resolve coverage needs, schedule paid time off (PTO), and report sick days.

Clinical Supervision/Training

• Orchestrates professional development for social workers.
• Leads social work meetings, group supervision, and individual supervision.
• Provides case consultation for high risk cases.
• Assists with the development of individual or family service plans as needed.
• Reviews clinical activities reports submitted by social workers through Apricot data collection system.

Community Partner

• Works closely with school leaders who partner with Youth First for social work services.
• Represents and advocates for Youth First in the community, collaborating with and/or serving on relevant committees or coalitions.
• Coordinates Social Work Advisory Group to gain insights from others with professional expertise.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Master’s Degree in Social Work or related field.
• Clinical Supervision experience – three or more years.
• School Social Work experience – five or more years (Youth First experience a plus).
• Clinical experience working with children, adolescents and families – five or more years.
• Clinical experience working with diverse socio-economic populations.
• Experience in addictions, crisis management, behavior management and/or evidence- based programs.
• Strong leadership, management, organizational, problem-solving, writing and interpersonal skills.
• Effective leader guiding teams through the decision-making process.
• Effective trainer, presenter and large group facilitator.
• Ability to manage and complete multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong commitment to professional development and ethical practices.
• Knowledgeable about school and student concerns, the community and social service/mental health resources.
• Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office programs, spreadsheets, word processing and web-based activities.
• Ability to adopt and utilize technological advancements as needed.

To apply, interested applicants should email a cover letter, resume, and list of three (3) references to Laura Keys, Vice President of Social Work & Programs, at lkeys@youthfirstinc.org.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Youth First will not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, assignment, evaluation, promotion, discipline, termination, or any other employment action on the basis of any characteristic or class, which is now or may in the future become protected by law. Employment with Youth First is based solely on qualifications and competence for the particular position to be filled. Since such qualifications and competencies are not peculiar to any type or class of individuals, and since Youth First recognizes the value of a diverse workforce, there will be no discrimination in employment decisions and actions on the basis of age, race, gender, color, national origin, disability, religion, marital status, or sexual orientation.

Updated 9-18-19