Program Director | Transitional-Aged Youth Program

When you join The Home for Little Wanderers, you join a team of professionals dedicated to creating better, brighter futures for kids.

For over 200 years, The Home for Little Wanderers has helped build stable lives and hopeful tomorrows for vulnerable children and their families. Our 25+ community-based and residential programs serve thousands of at-risk youths from birth to age 26. Many of these children have experienced abuse, neglect, trauma, or a disrupted family life. As the oldest child welfare agency in America, we provide them with safe surroundings, permanent loving relationships, and a secure path toward a better, brighter future.

To learn more about the incredible impact our employees have on the lives of children and families, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXedSArtYbg

How You Will Be Making a Difference

Under the general direction of the AVP for Transitional Aged Youth Services, plan, direct, oversee and manage the operations and staff within the program(s). Collaborate externally with referral sources to ensure a steady flow of eligible clients to their program(s). Oversee the services, education and/or treatment plans of the clients and their families to ensure they are high quality and are consistent with the goals of the Program(s). Provide a safe learning environment for clients and their families.

• Plan, direct and oversee the activities within the program(s). Oversee all program(s) staff and provide regular one on one supervision to key leadership members. Ensure regular feedback and guidance is provided for employee development and enhanced productivity. Administer the performance evaluations and performance management process. Participate in the selection and termination of staff. Promote a positive work environment.


• Work with Senior Director to assess, develop and implement program(s) services appropriate to the needs of clients and their families. Ensure services are coordinated and integrated. Regularly evaluate services and implement plans, with measurable outcomes, for continual improvement


• Establish, maintain and nurture working relationships with community agencies, and federal, state, and local agencies to ensure a steady flow of eligible clients to program(s).


• Establish, review and implement program(s) policies and procedures. In consultation with Senior Director, continuously consider new processes and initiatives to improve and/or expand services as appropriate.


• Maintain effective working relationships with agency staff. Leverage the breadth and depth of agency resources available to ensure the successful management of the program(s). Responsible for compliance with policies of the agency at the Program(s) level.


• Participate in the development and implementation of the annual operating budget for the program(s). Monitor performance against approved budget allocations, investigate variances, and implement corrective actions as necessary. Communicate with Senior Director on issues related to budget or budget requests.


• Oversee the intake and discharge process and ensure all appropriate paperwork and all data entry is completed and delivered in a timely, efficient manner. Maintain program(s) census and ensure program(s) is following relevant agency guidelines.


• Oversee risk management and participate in crisis resolution. Review, approve and process critical incident reports to Quality Management and appropriate staff.


• Develop and prepare various reports as required, such as program(s) updates and share appropriate feedback with staff. Provide information on program(s) goals and objectives, treatment plans, resources and other pertinent information to appropriate collaterals as needed.


• May be responsible for providing agency thought leadership for special initiatives offered through state funders; may lead internal and external initiatives around such services (e.g., CBHI services, etc.)


• Attend monthly/quarterly meetings and represent program(s) and agency at internal and external meetings. Act as a liaison to providers and community resources.


• Oversee the maintenance of the facilities and equipment


• May provide 24 hour on-call support and provide rotating coverage to assure 24/7 on call program(s) support


• May provide direct care and/or services to clients and families in the program(s)


• May be required to carry a mobile device

Education and Experience

• Proven leadership and management experience in a multi-disciplinary setting required


• Masters Degree in Social Work, Human Services and/or Education preferred


• Professional license preferred


• Clinical experience preferred


• Prior experience in the field of Child welfare and/or child education preferred


• Knowledge of Child Welfare system with working knowledge of state agencies


• Computer application skills (e.g. MS Office, SPSS, etc) required


• Computer literate including Microsoft Office with the ability to learn new software applications

Valuing Diversity

We are committed to excellence in diversity, equity, and inclusion, while simultaneously creating a culture that supports those values. We believe the differences we bring enhance our ability to provide exceptional service and care to diverse children, families, and communities. Moreover, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging align with our values and our mission to help vulnerable children and their families build permanent, positive change.

What The Home Can Offer You

In addition to the chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of the youth we serve, The Home for Little Wanderers offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Generous time off including up to 15 days per year for new full-time employees, plus 11 holidays, and 5 sick days


• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance available


• Extensive training to new staff


• Tuition reimbursement of up to $2,400 per fiscal year


• 403(b) Retirement Plan with employer match


• Employer paid Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance, plus Basic Life and AD&D Insurance


• And more!

Pay Range Positioning Summary

The pay range listed represents the company’s good faith estimate of the salary or wage range for this position at the time of posting, as required under applicable law. Actual compensation will be based on a variety of factors, including a candidate’s relevant experience, education, skills, and internal equity relative to other employees in similar roles. Candidates with less directly related experience may be placed toward the lower end of the range, while those with extensive or specialized experience may be placed toward the higher end. Market conditions and budget considerations may also influence final pay decisions.