Program Director- Social Services
Job description
About the role
It maintains a safe, structured environment that advances child development and skill building within a mission-driven team. Success depends on compliance, staff leadership, and a trauma-informed, youth-guided approach.
Leaders set direction and build the conditions for their teams to succeed. They hire, coach, and hold people accountable. Leadership work spans strategy, communication, and decision making. Effective leaders give clear context and remove obstacles for the people who report to them. Leadership roles are measured by team outcomes, retention, and delivery. Most organizations expect leaders to be visible, predictable, and generous with context.
Key facts
What you'll do
Program standards align with DCF, DEEC, contract, and agency policies through consistent oversight and review. This work ensures the residential environment meets regulatory and contractual obligations.
Staff development receives guidance through supervision, training, evaluations, and professional growth opportunities. Team capacity strengthens as these practices build knowledge and support effective practice.
Youth receive support to create and carry out treatment and crisis plans that address immediate needs and safety. Case planning responds to each young person's circumstances and service needs.
Partnerships with community service providers are sustained to access resources and broaden support networks. Strong relationships maintain continuity of services for residents.
Scheduled visits and active engagement foster a structured, supportive environment tailored to youth routines and well-being. Daily presence and interaction create stability and trust.
Youth schedules incorporate educational or vocational goals, recreation, and life skills to guide development. Planning balances learning, growth, and meaningful activities.
On-call rotation and crisis response address immediate needs and uphold safety for residents and staff. Availability supports continuity of care and rapid response.
Accurate records support quality and regulatory adherence.
All interactions and decisions integrate a trauma-informed, youth-guided, and culturally responsive approach in practice and communication. This perspective shapes services and environments for residents.
Requirements
A Master's degree in a related field is required alongside at least 5 years of supervisory experience with youth or similar populations. This advanced experience prepares candidates for leadership in complex residential settings.
A Bachelor's degree in a related field is required with at least 2 years of relevant experience for roles with less advanced preparation. This pathway still supports work with youth and teams in residential contexts.
Candidates must be 21 years or older and hold a valid driver's license to fulfill location and on-call responsibilities.
Practical notes
The position is based in Dedham and follows a Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm schedule. Employment depends on meeting degree, experience, and licensure requirements. Typical interview steps
Leadership hiring usually includes a strategy case, a people scenario, and a values conversation. Candidates may be asked to turn around a struggling team or plan for growth. Past results are examined closely, especially how decisions were made. Interviewers dig into specific decisions you made and their consequences. Preparing two or three decision stories with numbers and lessons is the best use of time.
Good to know
Work in social services often involves structured routines, documentation standards, and on-call responsibilities. Teams in residential settings prioritize safety, compliance, and trauma-informed care. Common tools include electronic medical records and case management systems. Professional growth may include training, tuition support, and leadership pathways.
Career growth
Leadership careers move from manager to senior manager, director, and executive roles. Each step adds more scope and more responsibility for outcomes. The best leaders keep learning how to delegate, communicate, and decide. Leadership careers reward a record of building and developing people. The higher you go, the more your communication shapes the whole organization.