Project Director III

Job Summary

Under the leadership of the Deputy Executive Director of Resident Daily Life (RDL), the Project Director III is a leader responsible for assisting management in support of all aspects related to the day-to-day administrative duties, operations, scheduling and programming within the division. This position also serves as the liaison between the Division of Resident Daily Life (RDL) and other divisions, contractors and any professional services. This position is confidential.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Master's Degree from an accredited college or university in Management, Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Social Work, or other human services related field AND at least two (2) years employment in youth detention, corrections, and/or community residential services, with at least one (1) year of employment that required direct and continuous supervision of juvenile offenders OR

• A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Criminal Justice, Psychology, Social Work, Education or other related Human Services field AND at least three (3) years employment in youth detention, corrections, and/or community residential services, with at least two (2) years of employment that required direct and continuous supervision of juvenile offenders.

• United States citizenship.

• 21 years of age at the time of application submission

• Eligibility for or current licensure in/by the State of Illinois as Licensed Social Worker (LSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), preferred.

Hiring Requirements

• Illinois residency obtained within 90 days of date of hire.

• Pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check including but not limited to LEADS, CANTS, and professional references.

• A result of negative from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Child Abuse Registry.

• Must pass required and nationally recognized written examination(s) for direct care and supervisory positions.

• Meet additional minimum requirements for eligibility established by the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts (AOIC).

• Must pass Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) screening requirements.

The qualifications listed above are intended to represent the minimum skills and experience levels associated with performing the duties and responsibilities contained in this job description. The qualifications should not be viewed as expressing absolute employment or promotional standards, but as general guidelines that should be considered along with other job-related selection or promotional criteria.

COMPANY OVERVIEW

The Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center (JTDC) provides safe and temporary housing for youth ages 10 - 18 with pending legal action in the Cook County Courts. The JTDC is dedicated to providing its youth with leadership, structured care, and supervision through a balanced approach of creative programming and services that teach responsibility, accountability, and sensitivity. Each member of the JTDC staff is actively encouraged and supported in pursuit of creative participation, personal well-being, and professional development.

As the largest juvenile detention center in the nation, the facility contains five major departments and various offices consisting of 600 employees who serve an average daily population of 280 residents.

Cook County offers outstanding benefits, including:

• Medical Insurance

• Dental Insurance

• Vision Insurance

• Basic Term Life Insurance

• Pension Plan and Deferred Compensation Program

• Competitive Salaries

• Employee Assistance Program

• Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time

Physical Requirements

[This job requires the ability to perform the essential functions contained in this description. These include, but are not limited to, the following requirements.]

• Ability to move desks, beds and other furniture to conduct security checks.

• Ability to step up on elevated surfaces, such as beds or stools, to conduct room searches.

• Reaching, bending, and stooping to perform security checks, housekeeping and other tasks.

• Extended periods of walking throughout the facility.

• Extended periods of standing.

• Ability to physically restrain residents under adverse conditions, including the ability to manage weights of 75lbs. to 200 lbs. when restraining adolescents.

• Ability to respond to emergency situations according to JTDC policies, procedures and protocols.

• Ability to effectively communicate (hear and respond) 10 codes through the intercom/radio transmission monitoring system.

• Lifting and carrying containers for meals, laundry bags and other items weighing up to 35 lbs.

• Must be able to work overtime-based on departmental needs.

Typical Duties

• Comprehensive knowledge of project management principles that will allow for the appropriate oversight of assigned projects within JTDC

• Comprehensive knowledge of department processes, procedures, and/or policy

• Analyze, review and assist with the development of processes, procedures, and/or policy

• Collaborate with other project directors when needed to achieve departmental and facility wide goals

• Ability to apply logic and reasoning to identify the strength and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems

• Attend, coordinate and/or facilitate RUR and DCFS meetings as scheduled

• Maintain RDL reports, databases (i.e. RMIS, RUR's as directed by the DED

• Coordinate placement interviews clinical assessment and testing with stakeholders, JTDC caseworkers and center management

• Serve as a JTDC Liaison with NBJ, DCFS, IDJJ, CC Courts, Public Guardian and others as it relates to residents demographic and contact information.

• May serve as a hearing officer or represent management in the grievance process

• Monitor and administer username and passwords for resident telephone system and probation systems

• Review and approve all behavioral plans for residents

• Collaborate with Quality Assurance to provide quarterly performance measures

• Serve as an active participant of the Health and Safety Committee

• Collaborate with other divisions to coordinate Mass Casualty Drills

• Assure that residents receive approved services, allotted phone privileges as well as conduct routine resident telephone audits (some random) and maintain a residents current phone list, etc.

• Attend various meetings related to residents including, but not limited to transfer, RESET, MDT, RUR, recovery/stabilization unit services.

• Resolve and follow up with issues related to residents, employees, attorneys, caseworkers, as well as visitation and scheduling, resident counsel etc.

• Complete facility rounds and inspections

• Video reviews as needed

• Assist with assuring administrative and operational compliance with standards, policy, etc.

• Respond to any PREA related inquiries and complete proper documentation/notification

• Ambassador oversight

• Participate in the Recruiting, provide assistance and recommendation to DED, represents management relative to the interview panels

• Provide data and information to assist in the preparation of CBA negotiations as needed

• Participate in Resident Daily Life goal development, strategic planning and quality assurance initiatives

• Provide routine reports, updates, and overall status of RDL projects to the DED as required

• Coordinates casework activities with centers by scheduling work assignments, setting priorities, and monitoring the work performances of all JTDC Caseworkers.

• Provides assistance to staff in developing effective caseload management techniques to maintain timely service to residents.

• Develops and implements duties associated with the social work practices of the facility.

• Ensures case management records are complete and in compliance with state and federal regulatory laws.

• Assist with special projects and coordinate court matters with probation, court services, and internal/external legal counsel.

• Ability to serve as an Administrator on Duty (AOD) and respond to the facility emergencies as needed

• Performs other duties as assigned.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics

• Ability to deliver results while working with others and encourage a team culture that aligns with JTDC core values

• Ability to exhibit critical thinking skills and mature judgment

• Ability to work independently in order to perform Division needs assessments, analyze results, and identify and propose solutions.

• Previous experience in project management and process improvement a plus.

• Creative problem-solver dedicated to the advancement of the team(s) and a shared vision.

• Task-oriented with strong organizational skills.

• Highly accountable, flexible, and effective under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to work flexible hours.

• Ability to build internal and external relationships and effectively

• Understand and communicate in English (verbally and in writing).

• Demonstrates proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint to create and deliver executive level presentations

• Demonstrates skills in database creation and maintenance via internal data system (RMIS)

• Bilingual communication skills preferred.

Working Conditions

• Exposure to resident behavior problems that may include physical acting out and require safe physical management skills.

• Exposure to residents with complex mental health issues and/or disorders.

• Exposure to youth with various states of cleanliness and hygiene.

• Exposure to various health related conditions or residents of a communicable nature which requires precaution and adhering to medical instruction.