Director of Youth & Family Services - Mesa, AZ

Director of Youth & Family Services 

The Director of Youth and Family Services provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for Youth & Family Services programs, including Department of Child Safety (DCS)-contracted and family-centered services. This role is responsible for ensuring high-quality, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and compliant service delivery aligned with agency standards, contractual requirements, and applicable regulations. 

The Director oversees program operations, staff development, quality management, and community partnerships to support child safety, family stability, positive client outcomes, and operational excellence across assigned programs. 

Salary: $70,000 - $80,000 yr

Responsibilities: 

1. Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for Youth and Family Services programs, including DCS-contracted and family-centered services.  
2. Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, licensing, accreditation, contractual, and agency requirements.  
3. Oversee program operations to ensure services are trauma-informed, culturally responsive, evidence-based, and aligned with approved program models and service standards.  
4. Provide leadership, supervision, coaching, and accountability to Program Managers, Supervisors, and assigned leadership staff.  
5. Support recruitment, onboarding, retention, staff development, succession planning, and performance management across Youth and Family Services programs, 
6. Monitor program performance indicators including referrals, staffing levels, service timelines, documentation standards, contract deliverables, revenue/budget, and client outcomes.  
7. Oversee quality assurance and continuous improvement activities including audits, file reviews, incident reviews, corrective action plans, and performance improvement initiatives.  
8. Ensure accurate and timely documentation, reporting, billing practices, and data tracking in accordance with program, contractual, and agency requirements.  
9. Review operational trends, staffing needs, program performance data, and compliance risks to support informed decision-making and service improvements.  
10. Monitor and impact program budgets, revenue performance, operational expenditures, staffing resources, and service capacity in collaboration with leadership and finance teams.  
11. Develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with DCS representatives, licensing entities, community partners, courts, schools, and other stakeholders.  
12. Respond to escalated operational, employee relations, compliance, safety, and client concerns in collaboration with agency leadership and support departments.  
13. Ensure adherence to mandated reporting requirements, confidentiality standards, safety procedures, programmatic best practices, and agency policies.  
14. Participate in strategic planning, leadership meetings, organizational initiatives, and operational improvement efforts.  
15. Support implementation and management of organizational and operational changes using a collaborative and solutions-focused leadership approach.  
16. Ensure programs maintain readiness for audits, licensing reviews, contract monitoring activities, and external evaluations.  
17. Create tools, training materials, checklists, desk aids, and other resources to help teams achieve key performance indicators and client outcomes.  
18. Maintain professional representation of A New Leaf in all internal and external interactions.  
19. Attend meetings, trainings, and special projects as assigned by leadership. 

Qualifications: 

Education:   

• Master of Social Work (MSW) prefered.  

Experience: 

• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in child welfare, youth services, family preservation, behavioral health, or related human services programs.  
• Minimum of three (3) years of leadership or management experience overseeing staff, program operations, and compliance functions.  
• Experience managing DCS-contracted, family-centered, or community-based programs preferred. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of Arizona child welfare systems, trauma-informed practices, family-centered service delivery models, and community-based resources.  
• Experience with program compliance, audits, corrective action planning, quality management, and performance monitoring.  
• Strong leadership, organizational, communication, conflict resolution, and relationship-building skills.  
• Experience managing operational priorities, staff development, and cross-functional collaboration in a fast-paced environment.  
• Proficient in documentation standards, data tracking, reporting practices, Microsoft 356 products including Excel, and the use of electronic systems related to program operations. 
• Experience in Substance Use Prevention services preferred.  

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements: 

• Primarily office-based work with regular travel between program locations, community partner meetings, agency sites, and stakeholder meetings throughout the East and West Valley.  
• Frequent attendance at meetings, trainings, community events, licensing reviews, and operational oversight activities at multiple service locations. 
• Ability to sit for extended periods while working on a computer. 
• Occasional lifting of up to 25 lbs. for materials or office supplies. 
• Exposure to typical office equipment, such as computers, phones, and printers. 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and operational responsibilities  
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and sound judgment in all employee, client, and community interactions.  
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions in accordance with applicable law. 

Compliance Requirements:       

• Must Be At Least 21 Years of Age  
• Class One Fingerprint Clearance Card 
• DCS Central Registry Background Check 
• Drug Screening 
• CPR/First Aid Certification 
• Therapeutic Options Training (Depending on Program) 
• Valid Unrestricted Driver’s License    
• Current Auto Liability Insurance  
• 39 Month Motor Vehicle Record  
• Adhere to all organizational policies, including the Code of Conduct, professional standards, and relevant regulations.  

Mandated Reporter Requirements: 

• As a mandated reporter under Arizona statute A.R.S. § 13-3620, you are required to immediately report any suspected abuse or neglect of a minor to your Supervisor, Manager, Director, Clinical Director, or Chief Officer, who will assist in making the appropriate report to authorities. 
• Reports should be directed to either the local law enforcement agency or child protective services (1-888-SOS-CHILD). Abuse suspected of involving a family member or legal guardian should be reported to child protective services, while other cases should be reported to law enforcement. 

Responsible To: Chief Compliance Officer  

Supervisory Responsibilities: Program Managers, Supervisors, and other assigned staff within the Youth Services division. 

We appreciate your interest in our organization. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, religion, color, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status. 

A New Leaf is an at-will employer. Any offer of employment with A New Leaf is contingent upon a successful consumer report, which includes verification of employment, education, criminal background search, and driving records. 

A New Leaf is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and participates in the E-Verify program.  

BENEFITS PACKAGE: 

All of our employees enjoy the following benefits: direct deposit, competitive pay, accrued sick time, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), an annual team member appreciation event, and an informal yet professional team environment. 

For full-time employees, we also provide the following as part of the total compensation plan: Medical/Dental/Vision Coverage, Accrued Sick and Vacation Time, Paid Holidays, Life Insurance, AD&D, Short-Term Disability, 401(K), Tuition Reimbursement, and a Wellness Program. This program has received a Silver Level of excellence in worksite wellness and includes Annual Biometrics, Gym Reimbursements, Wellness Initiatives, Workers Compensation improvements, and much more.