Family Services Program Director

Benefits :

401(k)

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Paid time off

POSITION : Family Services Program Director

STATUS : Full-time

CLASSIFICATION : Exempt

REPORTS TO : Director of Operations

PAY RATE : $67,000 - $69,472 per year

POSITION SUMMARY :

The Family Services Program Director leads a community-based program that supports families involved with or at risk of involvement with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). This role balances program oversight with direct service responsibilities, providing long-term case management while supervising staff, managing program operations, and coordinating family engagement initiatives. The Director also collaborates with internal teams and external partners-including the Kankakee office and Parenting Program-to ensure services are trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and aligned with the needs of the families served.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES :

Program Leadership & Administration

• Provide strategic direction and daily oversight of all Family Advocacy Center services and operations.
• Supervise, mentor, and train program staff to ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery aligned with trauma-informed practices, program models, documentation standards, and client engagement strategies.
• Train, and supervise interns from local colleges and universities, ensuring alignment with learning objectives and program needs.
• Monitor compliance with DCFS contract requirements and agency standards.
• Review and approve financial assistance requests from Family Caseworkers; maintain accurate records to ensure emergency funds are used appropriately and equitably.
• Track program expenses and ensure budget adherence across designated line items.
• Coordinate with the Parenting Program to develop and implement family-centered activities that benefit both caregivers and children.
• Implement family engagement events such as workshops and interactive community activities.
• Oversee support groups for women and mothers that foster emotional wellness, parenting support, and peer connections.
• Collaborate with the Lead Worker in the Kankakee office to align efforts and expand program reach in that service area.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with external agencies to strengthen referral networks and service integration.
• Represent the program at outreach events, community forums, and coalition meetings.
• Complete and submit required monthly and quarterly reports in a timely and accurate manner.
• Utilize data to evaluate program effectiveness, identify service gaps, and support continuous quality improvement efforts in collaboration with agency leadership.

Direct Services

• Manage a limited caseload and provide long-term case management, including intake, assessment, service planning, and follow-up.
• Advocate for families and connect them with appropriate internal and external resources.
• Document all casework and family interactions in compliance with DCFS and agency procedures.
• Coordinate services with DCFS caseworkers and other community professionals to ensure comprehensive family support.
• Maintain current knowledge of local resources and eligibility requirements to facilitate effective referrals.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS :

• Master's degree required in Social Work
• LSW required, LCSW preferred
• At least two (2) years of experience in a social service or child welfare setting.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English (fluent in speaking, reading, and writing).
• Knowledge and skill in working with families in crisis or in sensitive situations.
• Professional demeanor and ability to prioritize responsibilities and function effectively during stressful or busy periods.
• High degree of cultural sensitivity and ability to work effectively with families from diverse racial, socio-economic, ethnic and educational backgrounds.
• Ability to engage, assess, motivate, and support participants using advocacy and coaching skills that are compassionate, strengths-based, and non-judgmental.
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check.
• Must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

WORK SCHEDULE :

Monday-Friday; 9am-5pm

Occasional evenings and weekends, as needed

Required in-person work at the Kankakee office (2) days per month

Benefits :
• 401(k)

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid time off

Compensation : $67,000.00 - $69,472.00 per year

History

The Spanish Community Center (SCC) has a special place in Will County's history as an example of what a small group of committed individuals can do to make a difference.

Over 50 years ago, the Adler, Maher, and Hernandez personally responded to the needs of the migrant community in Joliet by founding the SCC out of a house located at 205 Herkimer St, before relocating to its current location in the early 1980's.

Today, the SCC stays true to its mission of serving as Will County's only bilingual one-stop shop of social and educational services. Although originally focused on Spanish-speaking peoples, we proudly serve individuals of all backgrounds.

Our Mission The Spanish Community Center helps improve the life for Latinos, immigrants, and low income people through educational and social services.

Our Vision The Spanish Community Center is a bridge to the well-being of all members in an inclusive and engaged community.

Our Values

• Excellence
• Trust through integrity
• Welcoming environment through empathy and respect for all
• Belief in the potential of each individual
• Advocacy for and with the community
• The power of a diverse local community