Youth &Family Services Programs Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

The Youth and Family Services Manager plans, directs, and oversees Thornton Township youth and family programs, including seasonal enrichment, after-school activities, family support initiatives, and community partnerships. The position ensures safe, inclusive, well-organized programming, effective staff supervision, responsible resource management, and quality service to Township residents.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan, administer, evaluate, and improve youth enrichment, after-school, summer, and family service programs in accordance with Township goals.

• Supervise, schedule, train, coach, and evaluate assigned program coordinators, instructors, assistants, and support staff.

• Develop program calendars, activities, enrollment processes, staffing plans, and daily operating procedures.

• Oversee participant registration, attendance, authorized pickup, emergency contacts, incident reporting, and secure program records.

• Promote child safety, appropriate supervision, professional conduct, inclusion, and compliance with mandated reporting requirements.

• Coordinate staff onboarding and required background checks, training, certifications, and health screenings with Human Resources.

• Maintain positive communication with parents, guardians, schools, vendors, community partners, and Township leadership.

• Monitor program supplies, facilities, transportation coordination, contracts, expenditures, and purchasing documentation.

• Prepare budgets, activity summaries, enrollment statistics, performance reports, and recommendations for program improvements.

• Respond to participant concerns, emergencies, complaints, and service needs promptly and professionally.

• Support special events, grant-related documentation, outreach activities, and other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED required; a Bachelor's degree in education, social work, human services, public administration, or a related field preferred.

• Three or more years of relevant youth, education, family services, or community program experience, including supervisory experience, preferred.

• Experience with child-centered programming, staff scheduling, program administration, and resident or family engagement desirable.

• An equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience may be considered.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of youth development, program operations, child safety practices, mandated reporting, customer service, budgeting, supervision, and records management. Ability to lead diverse teams, maintain confidentiality, communicate with families, address concerns, resolve conflicts, prioritize tasks, and use Microsoft Office and program tracking systems.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Valid Illinois driver's license may be required for assigned duties. Current CPR/AED and First Aid certification and mandated reporter training are required or must be obtained within a Township-established time frame. Other program-specific credentials may be required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, reach, supervise activities, and occasionally lift or carry up to 25 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation. Work may occur in offices, schools, program facilities, and outdoor settings, including occasional evenings, weekends, and special events.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Successful candidates may be required to complete a background investigation, applicable screening, child-safety training, and Township onboarding. The employee must comply with Township policies and safeguarding procedures. This description is not an exhaustive list of duties and does not create a contract of employment.