Full-Time Program Director - YPLP/Melrose

Job DetailsJob Location: Melrose, MA 02180Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $61,786.92 - $61,786.92 Salary/yearJob Shift: Day ShiftPosition Summary Lead the daily operations, staff, and strategic direction of a licensed group home serving young parents and their children in care. The Program Director ensures a safe, structured, and trauma-informed environment that supports youth development, permanency goals, and full regulatory compliance. This role partners closely with DCF, families, clinical teams, and community providers to deliver high-quality care and outcomes. Key Responsibilities Provide leadership, supervision, and coaching to direct care staff, supervisors, and case management teams. Build a positive, accountable, and mission-driven culture centered on youth success. Ensure compliance with DCF licensing standards, agency policies, and contractual requirements. Oversee admissions, discharges, case documentation, incident reporting, and resident records. Support individualized programming that promotes educational, emotional, and social growth. Manage behavioral crises and ensure effective implementation of support plans. Oversee staffing schedules, hiring, onboarding, training, and performance management. Ensure 24/7 program coverage and respond to emergencies or critical staffing needs. Manage program budget, approve timesheets/expenses, and monitor resources. Maintain facility safety standards, drills, medication oversight, and operational readiness. Prepare reports, participate in audits, inspections, and quality improvement efforts. Serve as primary liaison with DCF, schools, healthcare providers, families, and community partners. Participate in on-call rotation and respond to after-hours incidents as needed. Perform other related duties as assigned. Qualifications & Competencies + Required TrainingQualifications & Competencies Bachelor’s degree preferred in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or related field. 2–5 years of experience in social services or residential care, including at least 2 years in a supervisory or leadership role. Strong knowledge of Massachusetts DCF/EEC regulations, trauma-informed care, and adolescent development. Proven experience in staff supervision, program operations, and crisis intervention. Excellent communication, leadership, organization, and problem-solving skills. Ability to lead diverse teams and effectively support youth impacted by trauma. Valid Massachusetts driver’s license and reliable transportation. Ability to pass CORI, SORI, fingerprinting, and DCF background checks. Required Training Must complete and maintain required certifications/trainings provided by Centerboard, including: CPR/First Aid Crisis Prevention/Physical Restraint Training Medication Administration HIPAA OSHA Ethics & Professional Boundaries Trauma-Informed Care / Collaborative Problem Solving New Hire Orientation and other agency-required trainings