REGIONAL INTAKE DIRECTOR PROGRAM MANAGER II

State of Maryland; Maryland; Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Maryland’s Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) seeks a Regional Intake Director (Program Manager II) to administer Intake and Pre-Adjudication Services across the Baltimore region. You will lead supervisory staff, coordinate services with courts and law enforcement, and ensure compliance with state and federal regulations while advancing reform initiatives.

This role requires strong leadership in regional operations, data-driven decision making, and collaboration with diverse

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in juvenile justice, youth-serving, human services, or related programs, including at least three (3) years of supervisory or managerial experience.
• Master’s degree in a related field may substitute for two (2) years of the required general experience.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and evaluate the Region’s Intake and Pre-Adjudication Operations to meet Departmental goals.
• Direct regional intake programs including CINS, Pre-Court supervision, and diversion services.
• Manage intake processes to ensure compliance with laws and policies and evaluate program effectiveness.
• Provide leadership for regional staff, including recruitment, performance evaluations, and workload management.
• Oversee development of youth- and family-focused approaches and regional care continuums.

Skills

Leadership

Staff supervision

Program management

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Intake data systems

Job description

Introduction

This Management Service position serves at the Appointing Authority's pleasure.

A Resume Must Accompany Your Application.

The DJS Office of Intake and Pre-Adjudication Services and Reform contains the statewide intake, pre-court, and pre-adjudication services operations for five (5) regions and thirty-three (33) field offices across Maryland and is responsible for statewide reform and equity operations at the initial decision point of the juvenile justice system, as well as managing and monitoring a uniform statewide approach for the review of intake complaints and ensuring appropriate assessments and reviews are conducted to promote the best interests of the child and public safety.

Grade

20

Location of Position

DJS/Community Services Intake and Pre-Adjudication Services Unit Baltimore, MD 21202 (Baltimore City)

Main Purpose of Job

Join Us in Making a Difference at DJS! The Maryland Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) is dedicated to transforming young lives, creating safer communities, and fostering equitable systems. We are seeking passionate individuals for the role of Regional Intake Director (Program Manager II) , so come join our team and make a meaningful impact on youth and the community at DJS! The main purpose of this position is to administer Intake and Pre-Adjudication Services, manage staff and other resources, and ensure that the goals and objectives of the Department are carried out within the region. The incumbent provides leadership to supervisory and intake staff who deliver services to juveniles referred by law enforcement, citizens, local education, and community agencies, while ensuring compliance with State and Federal laws, regulations, collective bargaining agreements, and Departmental policies and procedures. This position also leads and manages Departmental Reform at the initial decision point for the agency, oversees regional intake operations and case outcomes, and works closely with judges/magistrates, law enforcement, state attorneys, youth attorneys, local education agencies, and other state human service agencies to ensure intake complaints are processed according to legal requirements.

Some key responsibilities of this position may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Planning, organizing, and evaluating the overall management of the Region’s Intake and Pre-Adjudication Operations, including developing short- and long-range plans, goals, and objectives; establishing procedures, priorities, standards, and deadlines; and ensuring operations accomplish Departmental goals
• Directing regional Intake and Pre-Adjudication community programs and services, including Child In Need of Supervision (CINS), Pre-Court supervision, Pre-Adjudication continued case management, integrated case management services, somatic, mental health and substance abuse assessment and services, educational services, and diversion programs
• Managing intake processes and programs to ensure compliance with State and Federal laws, regulations, Departmental policies and procedures, and accepted professional standards and best practices; evaluating program effectiveness and taking corrective action as necessary
• Providing leadership and direction for regional staff, including recruitment, selection, assignment, performance evaluations, mitigating conferences, disciplinary actions and separations, workload management, staff coverage, and overtime expenses
• Managing the development of youth- and family-focused approaches, continued case management models, and a regional continuum of care to address youth and family needs, provide prevention and diversion services, reduce future re-offending, and promote public safety
• Managing secure detention decisions and the use of appropriate objective tools, including IDT and DRAI, in accordance with statute, the Department’s risk scoring instrument, and State and Federal guidelines
• Managing community outreach, program development, and regional partnerships, establishing collaborative working relationships with the courts, juvenile services stakeholders, service agencies, law enforcement, State’s Attorney’s Office, youth’s counsel, and the community
• Managing intake and pre-court data collection, computerized automated systems, accounting and budgeting, procurement, personnel processes, and strategic planning, ensuring information is accurate, timely, and useful and that regional resources support operations
• Developing and implementing approaches for managing complaints received by the Department, adhering to Maryland State laws and regulations and utilizing national best practices
• Collaborating with agency staff, other State agencies, law enforcement, courts, and other stakeholders to identify and create programs, initiatives, products, and services that improve Departmental operations, enhance services to youth, improve staff performance efficiency, and ensure public safety
• Managing the implementation of Departmental reforms and new initiatives, monitoring progress toward regional objectives and goals, collecting and evaluating data, and implementing improved practices and procedures
• Managing special projects and initiatives; representing the Department at meetings, conferences, and other forums; supporting the principles of the Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative (JDAI); and contributing to Department programs
• Managing assessments and reviews to prioritize the best interest of the child, family, and public safety, monitoring program service providers, identifying additional resources and diversion services, and ensuring proper implementation and impact of initiatives
• Managing OTJ training and required certification of staff with the Maryland Police Correctional Training Commission (MPCTC) and ensuring staff maintain required certification

This position offers a hybrid telework schedule with occasional statewide travel as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education : A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience : Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in juvenile justice, youth-serving, human services, or related programs or initiatives, including at least three (3) years of supervisory or managerial experience. Experience must include managing or supporting program or operational planning; implementing policies, procedures, or initiatives; coordinating with internal and external stakeholders; and using data or performance information to evaluate programs, improve operations, or support outcomes.

Note : A Master’s degree in a related field may substitute for two (2) years of the required general experience.

Desired Or Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in public administration, social work, criminal justice, education, public policy, or a closely related field
• Experience leading system-level reform, organizational change, or program improvement initiatives using data, performance metrics, or objective decision-making tools to evaluate effectiveness, identify trends or disparities, and achieve measurable improvements in service delivery, operational efficiency, youth outcomes, or public safety
• Experience managing juvenile intake, pre-adjudication, diversion, detention alternatives, or pre-court operations, with knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and practices
• Experience developing and sustaining regional or community-based service continuums, including diversion, prevention, behavioral health, educational, or case management services that address the needs of youth and families
• Experience establishing and maintaining cross-agency partnerships with courts, legal stakeholders, law enforcement, State and local agencies, service providers, and community organizations to coordinate services and address complex system or operational issues

Benefits

State of Maryland Benefits

As an equal-opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity.

DJS values the experience gained by Veterans while serving our country. Veterans are welcome to apply for all current recruitments.

Bilingual applicants and people with disabilities are welcome to apply for all recruitments.

Candidates with lived experience relating to the criminal/juvenile legal system are encouraged to apply.

We welcome experienced professionals transitioning from federal service to explore rewarding career opportunities.