DIRECTOR OF FAMILY SUPPORT PROGRAMS

City of Chicago Department of Law; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Chicago Department of Family & Support Services is seeking a Director of Family Support Programs to lead the Homeless Division, oversee day-to-day operations, and ensure alignment with city priorities. You will supervise staff, manage grants, and drive continuous quality improvement across programs and partner agencies.

The role involves policy development, performance monitoring, and collaboration with senior leadership to deliver effective family support services citywide.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or higher in a relevant field with required years of experience, including supervisory responsibilities.
• Master’s or higher in a related field with 4+ years of relevant program admin experience.
• Associate’s degree with 7+ years of program administration experience, including supervisory duties.
• Associate’s degree with 9+ years of program administration experience, including supervisory duties.
• Nine years of work in planning and administration of a social or community service program, with 2 years in a supervisory role.

Responsibilities

• Directs and implements work policies and procedures for an assigned unit, ensuring alignment with division planning.
• Develops program policies and objectives to standardize and improve service delivery.
• Oversees evaluation of delegate agencies, partners, and contractors for quality improvement.
• Oversees outreach staff, ensuring execution of work plans and client services.
• Provides leadership in staff recruitment, performance management, and professional development.
• Collaborates with senior leadership on program planning, reporting, and grant development.
• Prepares statistical and narrative reports and integrates them into division improvement efforts."
• Establishes partnerships with other divisions to ensure smooth program administration.

Skills

Leadership

Program management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences, Education, Human Services, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field

Master’s Degree or higher in Social Sciences, Education, Human Services, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field

Associate’s Degree in Social Sciences, Education, Human Services, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field

Associate’s Degree in Social Sciences, Education, Human Services, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field

Nine years of experience in planning and administration of a social or community service program with 2 years in a supervisory role

Job description

Job Description - DIRECTOR OF FAMILY SUPPORT PROGRAMS (417269)

Job Description

DIRECTOR OF FAMILY SUPPORT PROGRAMS

Job Number:

417269

Description

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

DIRECTOR OF FAMILY SUPPORT PROGRAMS

DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY & SUPPORT SERVICES

Bureau/Unit: Homeless Division

Number of Positions: 1

Applications for this position will be accepted until 11:59pm on 10/27/2026

The Director provides day-to-day leadership and oversight of an assigned unit and/or group of programs, ensuring that services are effectively delivered, staff are supported, and program operations align with departmental and division-wide priorities. The position leads the implementation of policies, procedures, work plans, and continuous quality improvement strategies designed to strengthen service delivery and operational efficiency. On a typical day, the Director works closely with the Senior Director, Project Managers and program staff to monitor operations, address emerging issues, provide guidance, and ensure that teams are meeting established goals and performance expectations. The Director also oversees the work of delegate agencies, community partners, and contractors, reviewing program performance and identifying opportunities to improve outcomes, coordination, and service quality. The Director collaborates regularly with division and departmental leadership on program planning, performance management, reporting, staffing, and operational priorities. This includes reviewing data and narrative reports, participating in planning and assessment activities, supporting grant development, and developing partnerships across City departments and community stakeholders. The position also provides leadership in staff recruitment, performance management, professional development, and team effectiveness; interprets departmental policies and procedures; and facilitates advisory committees and work groups as needed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Directs and implements work policies and procedures for an assigned unit and/or centers (e.g., community, regional, satellite) ensuring integration into the overall division planning and continuous quality improvement
• Works with the Senior Director to develop program policies and objectives to standardize, coordinate, and improve efficiency of service delivery to clients
• Directs the evaluation of delegate agencies, partners and contractors in all program options/models to ensure continuous quality improvement
• Directly oversees outreach staff and ensures they are executing work plans, performing work operations and providing services to clients
• Provides support and oversight during encampment cleanings and special projects.
• Participates in the hiring and performance evaluation process for subordinate staff and makes recommendations for disciplinary action
• Ensures effective communication and teamwork within assigned unit
• Directs the preparation of statistical and narrative reports and works with the leadership team to ensure integration into overall division continuous quality improvement efforts
• Collaborates with the division’s senior leadership team keeping them apprised of unit activities and operations and to ensure division-wide participation in program planning (e.g., self assessment and community assessment processes)
• Assists in the preparation of grant applications and other collaborative activities within assigned unit
• Establishes effective partnerships with other departmental divisions to ensure smooth program administration activities and processes
• Provides interpretive guidance of departmental policies and procedures to staff
• Meets with senior leadership to coordinate comprehensive education and family support services throughout the division
• Directs the development of advisory committees and work groups, as required

NOTE: The list of essential duties is not intended to be inclusive; there may be other duties that are essential to positions within the class.

LOCATION: Department of Family & Support Services (DFSS)

THIS POSITION IS EXEMPT FROM THE CAREER SERVICE

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training, and Experience

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in the Social Sciences, Education, Human Services, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a directly related field, plus five (5) years of experience in the planning and administration of a social or community service program, of which two (2) years are in a management/supervisory role related to the responsibilities of the position, OR
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s Degree or higher in the Social Sciences, Education, Human Services, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a directly related field, plus four (4) years of experience in the planning and administration of a social or community service program, of which two (2) years are in a management/supervisory role related to the responsibilities of the position, OR
• Graduation from an accredited college with an Associate’s Degree in the Social Sciences, Education, Human Services, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a directly related field, plus seven (7) years of experience in the planning and administration of a social or community service program, of which two (2) years are in a management/supervisory role related to the responsibilities of the position
• Graduation from an accredited college with an Associate’s Degree in the Social Sciences, Education, Human Services, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a directly related field, plus nine (9) years of experience in the planning and administration of a social or community service program, of which two (2) years are in a management/supervisory role related to the responsibilities of the position
• Nine (9) years of work experience in the planning and administration of a social or community service program, of which two (2) years are in a management/supervisory role related to the responsibilities of the position

NOTE:You must provide your transcripts or diploma at the time of processing

SELECTION REQUIREMENTS

This position requires applicants to complete an interview. The interviewed candidate(s) possessing the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position, based on the oral part of the interview will be selected.

Preference will be given to candidates with the following:

• Experience in the field(s) of homeless outreach, service delivery and/or housing
• Work experience within a large complex organization and/or public sector
• Experience establishing effective relationships with city departments with delegate agencies
• Experience in directing unit operations

For Information on our employees benefits please visit our benefits website at:

For Information on our salary and title structure visit our classifications website at:

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