Program Administrator Fellow

Justice Resource Institute; Needham (MA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bilingual bonus of $2,000

Professional development opportunities

Health insurance benefits

Retirement benefits including 401K

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Justice Resource Institute (JRI) in Needham is seeking a full-time Program Administrator Fellow to gain experience in group care and program management. The role involves comprehensive training at the Meadowridge Schools, preparing the fellow for future leadership opportunities.

Responsibilities include overseeing facility operations, ensuring regulatory compliance, and managing staff. Ideal candidates should possess a master’s degree and have significant management experience within a residential treatment setting. JRI values collaboration and supports employee development with a range of benefits.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree preferred in psychology, education, social work, or a related field.
• At least five years’ experience in a residential treatment program.
• Excellent communication skills and leadership abilities.

Responsibilities

• Assume overall responsibility for facility operations and program scheduling.
• Monitor program services to ensure compliance with regulations.
• Ensure adequate staffing for both direct service and administrative roles.

Skills

Communication skills

Leadership abilities

Knowledge of interventions

Education

Master’s degree in psychology, education, social work, or related field

Job description

Justice Resource Institute (JRI) is seeking a full-time Program Administrator Fellow. This person would be someone interested in group care and learning to run a program who does not yet have the experience to do so. Our team would train the Program Administrator Fellow at one or more of the five Meadowridge Residential and Educational programs in all of the key elements of program management and leadership. The goal would be that the fellow would be prepared for future leadership opportunities.

The Meadowridge Schools are each responsible for the care and treatment of approximately 36 students and employ over 65-85 staff members. The Program Administrator Fellow will work in partnership with JRI Program Directors or Division Directors. The Program Administrator Fellow is responsible for supervision of any assigned department heads and support staff, as appropriate to the program design.

Compensation

The pay range for this position is $70,000 to $73,000 per year. The listed range reflects what we reasonably and in good faith expect to pay for this role at the time of posting the position. The actual compensation an employee is offered may vary based on several factors such as experience, education, licensure, certifications and qualifications. This range may be modified in the future.

What You’ll Do:

• Assume overall responsibility for all facility operations and program scheduling. Continuously enhance service provision for all students.
• Monitor program services to ensure compliance with regulations and standards set by licensing and funding agencies, including securing all required licenses and certificates to operate the program.
• Ensure adequate staffing for both direct service and administrative roles by advertising vacancies, conducting interviews, checking references, hiring staff, and providing input on hiring decisions.
• Learn the functions of all program personnel and the systems they are responsible for.
• Meet regularly with assigned supervisees to ensure that services are aligned with student needs, appropriate communication takes place, documentation is accurate and timely, and that the environment is therapeutic and safe.
• Cultivate strong liaison relationships with JRI corporate staff, families, and agencies concerned with the welfare of JRI students.
• Offer emergency coverage and back for programs as needed, including on‑call responsibilities.
• Serve as a member of the Safety Committee or ensure that the Administrative Team effectively fulfills the Safety Committee’s duties.
• Lead initiatives focused on ensuring the safety of students, staff, visitors, and the physical facilities.
• Ensure staff are trained on the safety management program’s policies and procedures, and that they adhere to these guidelines.
• Support and adhere to all Treatment Team decisions.
• Facilitate family, community, and natural support connections that respect the cultural and linguistic preferences of those served.
• Provide staff training in areas designated by the supervising Vice President/Division or as identified based on expertise.
• Other duties as assigned by the Program Director/Division Director.

Why JRI?

• Be who you are! JRI is committed to creating a workplace built on respect, collaboration, and opportunity, where every employee is valued and supported in making a meaningful impact.
• We offer a $2,000 bilingual bonus to new hires who speak a second language fluently, other than English, and will use it to serve our clients!
• Reimbursement is available for employees to cover the registration costs and annual fees for any professional license required for work such as LMHC, LCSW, LICSW, RN and more!
• Access to our excellent Blue Cross medical and Delta Dental benefits.
• Retirement benefits including 401K matched up to $800 a year and pension after 5 years of employment.
• Professional development opportunities such as tuition reimbursement up to almost $4000 per year and discounted tuition rates to select partnership colleges and universities!
• Wellness benefits including access to employee engagement groups, self‑care resources, and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Generous paid time off up to 19 days for full time employees in your first year and much more!

Requirements:

• Must be 21 years or older.

Master’s degree preferred in psychology, education, social work, or a related field from an accredited college or university.

At least five years’ experience in a residential treatment program for population served, with at least three years at the management level.

Excellent communication skills (oral and written) and leadership abilities.

Knowledgeable of the needs of the population served; understanding of the range of interventions and treatment required by this population.

Experience in Performance Improvement concepts preferred.

Available to work evenings, holidays, weekend shifts as necessary.

Able to work alone in an unsupervised environment.

Maintains valid driver’s license (Able to drive 8 passenger van).

At JRI, you will learn to provide physical interventions and verbal de‑escalations to provide the safest therapeutic atmosphere for our youth.

Background and driving record checks will be performed.

At JRI, we are committed to fostering a workplace where every team member feels valued and respected. We believe that a culture built on mutual respect, collaboration, and opportunity allows our staff to thrive and do their best work. By supporting one another and recognizing each person’s contributions, we create an environment where people can grow, develop their skills, and make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. JRI is an equal opportunity employer.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.