Director of Experiential Learning

White’s Residential and Family Services

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title:               Director of Experiential Learning Program

Department:         Residential Services

Employment

    Status:               Full-time/Regular/Exempt

Qualifications:     This person must have a bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, criminal justice, education or related field.  Four years residential/social service and/or teaching experience is required.

Reports to:            Chief Operations Officer

Job Summary:     This position is responsible for developing and growing the success of White’s Growing Teens for Life program, enhancing existing work experience opportunities and developing new ones that build critical life skills for students and better prepare them to succeed in society upon their departure from White’s.  He or she will provide leadership for the staff involved in the program and identify new experiential learning opportunities for the students through partnerships with other leaders at White’s, the broader business community, schools, and other constituent groups. This position will provide guidance for implementing evidence based programs and developing successful outcomes.  Must demonstrate sensitivity to our service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs.

Basic Responsibilities

1.               Provide leadership for the Growing Teens for Life program.  This includes program development,

        analyzing and implementing evidence based programs, data analysis, risk management, and

        outcomes assessments.

2.                           Identify new experiential learning opportunities that align with White’s mission, the strategic plan,

                                and the strengths of the students.  Collaborate with other staff to leverage institutional resources

                                and enhance the outcomes of White’s existing residential programs. 

3.                           Develop experiential learning curriculum that cultivates deep learning through the teaching of

                                qualified staff and hands-on training in order to achieve desired outcomes across the following

                                five critical areas:

-          General Education

-          Vocational Education

-          Life Skills

-          Financial Skills

-          Mentoring

4.                         Provide leadership and direction for direct reports and effectively perform all Human Resources-related tasks associated with leadership positions, including hiring, performance management, professional development, team building, and corrective action.

5.                         Oversee the independent living and after care activities and outcomes to ensure that students achieve life-long learning experiences and learn critical life skills that enable them to launch and be successful as citizens and families within the broader community.

6.                          Develop, implement and maintain policies and procedures in close conjunction with other staff to ensure compliance and consistency across programs.

7.                          Manage the program budget and ensures good financial stewardship across all staff within the department.

8.                          Serve as the key representative for the Growing Teens for Life program internally and externally, speaking in depth about the programs, goals and outcomes to a variety of populations of people in a variety of settings. 

9.                          Work closely with Development and Marketing and Communications staff  to develop strategies that further the reach of the programs, working together to create effective informational materials, promotional materials, media releases, newsletters, and grant proposals as needed.

10.                          Other duties as assigned and deemed necessary.                         

Supervision, Knowledge, Abilities

*              Have knowledge of residential child care practices, social work/counseling practices, data analysis, policy development in a regulated environment, and the ability to guide the use of the Evolv database. 

*              Must be organized and able to work with minimal supervision; effective project management skills are extremely critical

*              Must have good communication, listening skills

*              Must have highly developed crisis management/conflict resolution skills

*              Must be able to provide effective supervision, training, evaluation and discipline of staff

*              Must have a valid driver's license

*              Must be able to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.

*              Must be committed to the Mission, Core Values, and Vision of White’s Residential and Family Services.

Physical Demands of Position

*              Must be able to actively participate in the physical restraint of students who are in crisis (expected to meet the requirements of  MindSet physical restraints).

*              Must be able to handle the stress of intervening in crisis situations, handling medical emergencies, and making decisions quickly.

*              Must be able to do significant of walking.

*              Must be able to get up at all hours of the night to chase runaways, make phone calls to parents, contact the police and receive phone calls.

Working Conditions

*              This position may be required to live on campus, unless otherwise approved by the Chief Operating Officer of Residential Services.

*              Normal work hours will be Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

*              May be required to work some weekends to assist with storefront operations or attend special events (home and garden shows, farmer’s markets, herb festivals)     

*              Must attend work regularly and be on time.

*              Will work holidays as scheduled.

*              Must be able to work with residents' medical problems, including those that may expose him or her to bodily fluids.