Regional Program Director – Detention Diversion Advocacy Program (DDAP)
$2,500 Sign-On Incentive
Who We Are
RFK Community Alliance provides high-quality care and support to people and families facing complicated challenges. As a multi-service agency, we offer a wide range of programs serving a variety of needs across all ages, from infants to seniors. We are team players when it comes to caring. We work with the people we serve, their families, schools, and other community partners to develop a network of support. We provide opportunities to build skills and confidence. We nurture strengths, determination, and resilience.
Who You Are
You are a dedicated leader passionate about reducing disparities in the juvenile court system, particularly for youth of color. As the Regional Program Director for RFK Community Alliance's Detention Diversion Advocacy Program (DDAP) in Suffolk County, you’ll oversee a program that provides critical community-based support and supervision to help youth set positive goals and reach their full potential. Your work directly impacts youth referred by judges, attorneys, probation officers, and others, helping them avoid detention and thrive within their communities.
Position Summary
The Regional Program Director of the Detention Diversion Advocacy Program (DDAP) at RFK Community Alliance is responsible for the leadership, strategic direction, and overall operational management of the DDAP in [region]. This program is designed to provide advocacy and support to youth involved in the juvenile justice system, with the goal of diverting them from detention into community-based services. The Director will oversee program implementation, ensure compliance with contractual obligations, foster partnerships with community stakeholders, and lead a team of case managers and program staff to achieve program goals.
Key Areas of Responsibility
- Program Leadership:
Lead the strategic direction of DDAP and community-based programs within the region, aligning program activities with RFK Community Alliance’s mission and goals. Ensure high-quality, trauma-informed care and culturally competent services are provided to youth.
- Program Growth & Development:
Identify opportunities for growth and expansion of the DDAP and community-based programs within the region. Lead the development and implementation of new programs to address emerging needs of justice-involved youth and the communities served. Build the program’s regional footprint by establishing new partnerships and services.
- Coordination & Collaboration:
Coordinate and support new and existing programs, ensuring alignment and collaboration across initiatives. Work closely with other regional programs and leaders as well as internal departments across the agency to ensure consistency in service delivery, sharing of best practices, and holistic support for youth.
- Team Management:
Supervise and support program staff, including case managers, counselors, and administrative personnel. Oversee hiring, training, and performance evaluation. Promote professional development and collaboration among team members.
- Client Services & Advocacy:
Advocate for youth in the juvenile justice system by coordinating individualized service plans aimed at reducing detention. Ensure youth and their families receive necessary resources, counseling, and referrals to community-based services.
- Compliance & Reporting:
Ensure program compliance with legal, contractual, and funding requirements. Develop and submit required reports to stakeholders, including grant funders and government agencies. Maintain accurate data collection and analysis to track program outcomes.
- Partnership Development:
Build and maintain strong relationships with community-based organizations, schools, courts, law enforcement, and other stakeholders to support youth diversion. Represent DDAP in community forums, coalitions, and advocacy groups.
- Budget Oversight:
Manage the program budget, ensuring cost-effective operations. Work closely with the finance department to monitor expenditures and ensure financial compliance with grants and contracts.
- Continuous Improvement:
Lead efforts to evaluate and improve program services. Implement evidence-based practices and integrate new approaches to better serve program participants. Identify trends and challenges within the region to adjust program strategies.
Position Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of experience in related Human Services field or 5 years’ experience without a degree
- Minimum of 2-5 years of experience in a social services, youth advocacy, or criminal justice setting, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or leadership role. Experience working with justice-involved youth or vulnerable populations is highly desirable.
- Strong leadership and team management skills
- Proven ability to build and expand program services and partnerships
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to a fast-paced environment
- Knowledge of juvenile justice systems, court processes, and diversion programs
Shift
40 hours per week
How We Promote Equity, Cultivate Leaders, and Grow Together
At RFK Community Alliance we’re dedicated to a culture where everyone can show up to work as their full authentic selves. Diversity and inclusion doesn’t happen by accident, it’s by design. Together we’re the designers. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workplace makes our organization stronger. We care about including diverse perspectives and experiences throughout every level. Which is why we’re committed to honoring, celebrating, and fostering diversity and inclusion on our team, in our clientele, and within our community. Our team must reflect our community and vice versa. We value, respect, and support all types of diversity across all identities including, but not limited to, ethnicity, race, gender, LGBTQIA, age religion, and abilities. We take responsibility for the community we’re creating here at RFK Community Alliance, and we’re here to contribute to the progression of our society to a more inclusive and equitable one.
Why You’ll Love Us
In addition to being a part of a supportive team, we offer amazing employee benefits, including:
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Generous paid time off
- Holiday Pay
- Educational Assistance
- Employer-paid life insurance
- Employer paid Short & Long Term Disability
- Retirement Plan with generous employer match
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Comprehensive Employee Assistance Program
$2,500 Sign-On Incentive
This position is eligible for the RFK Community Alliance Sign-On Incentive in the amount of $2,500 in your first year of employment. You will receive $500 after 3 months; $500 after 6 months; $1,500 after 12 months.
