Youth Services Program Director — Independent Living

Gandara Center; Springfield (MA); On-site; USD 68,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, Vision, Pet and Life

Paid vacations

Paid holidays

8 discretionary days

Mileage Reimbursement

Job summary

Gandara Center in Springfield, MA seeks a Program Director for the DYS Pre Independent Living program. This full-time, on-site leadership role oversees youth services, admissions, service planning, and transition to independence in a trauma-informed, residential setting.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's (Master's preferred) and at least five years in juvenile justice or residential care with supervisory experience. Bilingual English/Spanish encouraged. Competitive benefits included.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in juvenile justice, residential care, independent living programming, behavioral health, or human services.
• Minimum of three years of supervisory or management experience.
• Experience with justice-involved adolescents or young adults preferred.
• Bilingual English/Spanish or bicultural applicants encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Ensure program services meet DYS regulations, agency policies, and licensing standards.
• Maintain a safe, structured, trauma-informed residential environment.
• Oversee admissions, orientation, occupancy agreements, service planning, and transitions.
• Coordinate housing stability, education, employment, behavioral health, and independent living skills.
• Monitor youth progress through case reviews and multidisciplinary meetings.
• Promote youth development and positive engagement.

Skills

Leadership

Supervision

Organizational skills

Verbal and written communication

Crisis intervention

Trauma-informed care

Community partnerships

Policy compliance

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Human Services, Social Work, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Public Administration, Education, or related field

Master's Degree preferred

Job description

Gandara Center in Springfield, MA seeks a Program Director for the DYS Pre Independent Living program. This full-time, on-site leadership role oversees youth services, admissions, service planning, and transition to independence in a trauma-informed, residential setting.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's (Master's preferred) and at least five years in juvenile justice or residential care with supervisory experience. Bilingual English/Spanish encouraged. Competitive benefits included.