Program Director

Youth Advocate Programs, Inc.; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 59,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. seeks a Program Director to lead the Washington DC program, overseeing participant services, personnel, and budget compliance.

The role applies a wraparound, strength-based model to deliver high-quality services in alignment with contracts and regulations. Responsibilities include intake, planning, staff supervision, and ensuring proper authorization of services, with a focus on continuous improvement and collaboration with community partners.

Qualifications

• Master's degree preferred in social work, psychology, counseling, or related field.
• Minimum one year of experience managing staff and budgets.
• Experience in community-based or human service programs preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee intake, assessment, and service planning processes with participants, families, and referrals.
• Ensure wraparound, strength-based service plans are developed and implemented.
• Monitor service delivery against participant goals, contracts, and outcomes.
• Ensure services are properly authorized/re-authorized by authorities or payors.
• Oversee staff recruitment, training, supervision, and policy compliance.
• Provide ongoing staff development and lead regular meetings.
• Foster collaboration and problem-solving to meet client needs.
• Ensure documentation, reporting, billing, and data entry are completed timely.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational skills

Team management

Budget management

Education

Master's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling or related field

Bachelor's degree with commensurate experience

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Electronic health record system

Job description

Status: Full-Time Salary

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Salary: $65,000

Summary of Position:

The Program Director is responsible for the overall administration and performance of the Washington DC program, including participant services, personnel management, and budget oversight. This role ensures high-quality, strength-based service delivery using a wraparound model, while maintaining full compliance with contractual, regulatory, and organizational requirements.

Specific Tasks Include:

• Oversee intake, assessment, and service planning processes, including interviewing participants, families, and referral sources.
• Ensure individualized service/treatment plans are developed and implemented using a strength-based, wraparound approach.
• Monitor service delivery to ensure alignment with participant goals, program outcomes, and contractual obligations.
• Ensure all services are properly authorized/re-authorized by referring authorities or third-party payors.
• Ensure participants receive the required hours, services, activities, and supports as specified by contracts
• Oversee revisions to service plans based on evolving participant needs and case review
• Recruit, hire, train, and supervise direct service and administrative staff in accordance with organizational policies and contractual requirements.
• Ensure staff meet all qualifications set by referring authorities and funding sources.
• Provide ongoing training, coaching, and professional development, including cross-training opportunities.
• Lead regular staff meetings and training sessions.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performing team environment focused on quality service delivery.
• Support staff in creative problem-solving to meet participant and family needs.
• Ensure services address education, employment, social, and other life domains.
• Facilitate access to community resources and professional supports.
• Oversee discharge planning, ensuring sustainable community linkages for participants and families’ post-service.
• Ensure timely and accurate completion of all documentation, reports, billing, and data entry requirements.
• Monitor adherence to required timelines, deliverables, and performance standards.
• Coordinate submission of administrative, fiscal, and programmatic reports to internal and external stakeholders.
• Maintain readiness for audits, reviews, and compliance monitoring.
• Manage the program within established budget parameters.
• Monitor expenditures and ensure fiscal responsibility.
• Identify opportunities for program growth, expansion, and innovation.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with referral sources, community partners, and stakeholders to support program sustainability.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Master's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or a related field is preferred (or equivalent combination of education and experience, where applicable)
• Bachelor's degree with commensurate experience may be considered.
• Minimum one (1) year of experience managing staff and budgets
• Experience in a community-based programming or human service program is strongly preferred.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; Experience using an electronic health record system is a plus.
• Reliable transportation, valid driver's license, and current auto insurance is required.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus.

Benefits Available:

• Medical/Prescription
• Dental
• Vision
• Short Term Disability
• UNUM Supplemental Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Pet Insurance
• Paid time off.
• Paid Holidays
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan.
• Pet Insurance
• Direct Deposit
• Weekly pay

Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on individual merit, skills, and qualifications, without regard to race, age, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, military or veteran status, or disability or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where YAP operates. YAP will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.