Are you passionate about empowering youth with foster care experience to build bright, successful futures? Do you want to lead a transformative program that makes a lasting impact in their lives? Join our team as the VT Youth Development Program Director and help shape the path for young people transitioning into adulthood.
As the leader of the VT Youth Development Program, you will oversee a dynamic, strengths-based program that focuses on critical areas of well-being—housing, education, employment, social connections, and more. You’ll ensure that youth not only receive the support they need but also have opportunities to be leaders and advocates, driving meaningful changes in the foster care system.
If you’re an experienced administrator, a strategic thinker, and a passionate advocate for youth, this is your chance to make a profound difference. Apply today to be part of an impactful, youth-driven movement!
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
The VT Youth Development Program (YDP) is a partnership with the Vermont Department for Children and Families (DCF) and ensures that youth with foster care experience enter adulthood with the necessary support to build productive and fulfilling lives. Using a strengths-based and youth-driven approach, the program promotes well-being across the following domains: housing, education, employment, social connections, transportation, health, enrichment and basic needs. The Youth Development Program also offers participating youth access to leadership, advocacy and training opportunities in order to ensure that the foster care system is informed by and responsive to the youth who are served by it.
The YDP Director is responsible for program oversight and development, training and support to the statewide YDP network (eight agencies), coordination with DCF Central Office and other stakeholders, and supervision of the Statewide YDP Team.
The ideal candidate for this position will be skilled at managing complex administrative tasks and maintaining relationships with a diverse array of stakeholders; committed to supporting the values and mission of the program and agency; and motivated to continuously identify strategies to improve program operations in order to better serve youth impacted by foster care.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Program Oversight and Development
● Creating and enforcing annual subcontracts with partners statewide.
● Conducting site monitoring, including annual file reviews for Subcontractors, and enforcing Corrective Action Plans when necessary.
● Developing and maintaining program requirements, forms, and policies.
● Reviewing and approving all YDP Plans of Care for statewide service provision.
● Reviewing and approving all funding requests and extended foster care agreements.
● Analyzing monthly program data, including spending and billing utilization, and developing strategies to improve outcomes.
● Developing and monitoring a program budget that includes program expenses, payments to Subcontractors, and direct stipends to youth, in partnership with the EYS financial office.
● Timely submission of required reporting elements to DCF.
Training and support to the YDP network
● Coordinating and facilitating monthly YDP Network Meetings, including training.
● Providing technical assistance and support to all 16 Youth Development Coordinators statewide.
● Developing and updating orientation materials for new staff.
Coordinating with DCF Central Office
● Serving as the liaison between DCF, YDP, and EYS.
● Representing YDP in statewide meetings and workgroups.
● Responding to requests for data.
● Advocating for initiatives to enhance the foster care system.
● Establishing pathways for youth served by YDP to influence the system via leadership and advocacy opportunities.
Supervising the Statewide YDP Team
● Overseeing the performance of the YDP Assistant Director, who is responsible for Medicaid billing, managing the YDP database, and coordinating monthly payments to Subcontractors.
● Overseeing the performance of the Advocacy Coordinator, who is responsible for facilitating the Youth Advisory Board and coordinating all events related to youth leadership and advocacy.
QUALIFICATIONS:
● Master’s Degree in Social Work, Counseling, Public Administration, or a related field in the healing arts
● Clinical licensure (LCSW, LICSW, LMHC, etc.) or eligibility for licensure required
● Minimum of 3 years of experience in program management or leadership roles, preferably within youth services, foster care, or related systems (strongly preferred)
● Proven experience in grant administration, including budgeting, compliance, and reporting
● Prior experience with grant writing
● Strong knowledge of trauma-informed care, positive youth development, and strengths-based approaches
● Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record; willingness and ability to travel in-state and attend national conferences as needed
● Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and other relevant software platforms; experience with databases and data management systems is a plus
● Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with experience in report writing, presentations, and public speaking
● Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with state agencies, community partners, and a diverse range of stakeholders
● Demonstrated leadership in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in service delivery and team management
● Lived experience or personal involvement in the foster care system or related systems of care (strongly preferred)
● Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and solve complex problems creatively
● Strong organizational and project management skills, with experience overseeing a statewide or large-scale program
WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
The statewide administrative offices for YDP are housed at the Elevate Youth Services office in Berlin, VT. The YDP Director shares an office space with the Statewide YDP Team, which is comprised of a Director, Assistant Director, and Advocacy Coordinator. Youth work at EYS is collaborative and the atmosphere is professional casual. Individual supervision is provided at least twice per month.
This position primarily involves work performed in an office environment. Employees are required to have the physical ability to operate standard office equipment, including computers, printers, and keyboards, and to have the close visual acuity necessary for tasks such as preparing and analyzing data, viewing a computer screen for extended periods, and reading documents.
The position requires the mobility to move short distances within the office and other locations, as well as the ability to drive a motor vehicle to retrieve lightweight materials (up to 20 lbs.) or attend in-person meetings. Occasional in-state travel is required for meetings, and attendance at national or regional conferences may be expected.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
BENEFITS:
Vacation Allowance 15 days
Personal Days 3 days
Holidays 12 days
Sick Leave 10 days
Health Insurance Yes
Dental/Optical Not available at this time
Long Term Disability Yes
Life Insurance Yes
403B TSA Plan Yes
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Yes
50% Discount GMC Fitness Membership Yes
This is a full-time, exempt position based on a 37.5 hour work-week.
Background check required
● Position open until filled
● EYS is an EOE
Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three references to apply by clicking the reply icon at the top left of this posting.