DIRECTOR OF YOUTH HOME - 40000754

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GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The purpose of this position is to perform difficult professional and administrative work directing the operations of the County Juvenile Detention Facility. Serve as the liaison and spokesperson to State and local community agencies and the general public.

This class works under administrative supervision, developing and implementing programs within organizational policies and reports major activities to executive level administrators through conferences and reports.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this position. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the position as necessary.

• Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff, processing employee concerns and problems, directing work, counseling, disciplining, and completing employee performance appraisals.
• Coordinates, assigns and reviews work and establishes work schedules; maintains standards; monitors status of work in progress; inspects completed work assignments; answers questions; gives advice and direction as needed.
• Provides supervision, direction and technical advice to youth home staff.
• Develops, interprets, implements and enforces policies and procedures.
• Develop programs and services to comply with minimum standards for detention facilities.
• Directs the maintenance and upkeep of facility to ensure compliance with North Carolina State minimum standards for detention facilities.
• Prepares and monitors departmental budget.
• Directs the processing and maintenance of detainees’ records in accordance with policies and regulations.
• Prepares reports on detainees to ensure compliance with standards and regulations; establishes training programs to meet identified needs of department.
• Ensures close communication between youth home staff and juvenile detainees, court counselors, social workers or mental health workers.
• Serves as liaison and spokesperson to state and local community agencies and the general public.
• Develop and ensure proper procedures are used when requisitioning and keeping an inventory of food and other supplies.
• Performs related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: 

• Knowledge of juvenile justice principles, youth development, trauma-informed care, and North Carolina minimum standards governing juvenile detention facilities.
• Knowledge of detention facility operations, including staffing, scheduling, security protocols, facility maintenance, safety procedures, and environmental health requirements.
• Knowledge of policy development, program planning, compliance requirements, and regulatory reporting for secure youth facilities.
• Skill in supervising, directing, evaluating, and developing staff, including performance management, coaching, and disciplinary processes.
• Skill in budget development, financial oversight, purchasing, and inventory control within a public-sector environment.
• Skill in analyzing operational needs, interpreting policies, managing records, and maintaining compliance with legal and regulatory mandates.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively—verbally and in writing—with youth, staff, families, court officials, and community partners.
• Ability to respond calmly and make sound decisions in crisis situations, resolving conflicts and addressing behavioral or operational issues.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal departments, external agencies, and multidisciplinary partners.
• Ability to represent the Youth Home professionally as a liaison or spokesperson, maintaining confidentiality and ensuring a safe, structured, and compliant environment.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Science, Human Services, Business or Public Administration or related discipline is required, and

• Eight (8) years of youth home, detention or related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIREMENTS:

• Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission Certification.
• Local Confinement Facility Officer State of North Carolina.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license with an acceptable driving history.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.

• Performs light to medium work that involves walking or standing virtually all the time and also involves exerting between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or considerable skill, adeptness and speed in the use of the fingers, hands or limbs in tasks involving close tolerances or limits of accuracy.

UNAVOIDABLE HAZARDS (WORK ENVIRONMENT):

Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.

• None

STANDARD CLAUSES:

May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies (man-made or natural) to meet the business needs of Durham County.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice. 

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE:

Durham County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires Durham County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management. 

BACKGROUND CHECK STATEMENT:

This position may be subject to a background check, which could include, but is not limited to, criminal history (employment-related and/or SBI fingerprint-based), credit history, motor vehicle records, educational verification, and checks of the sexual offender registry, depending on the specific requirements of the role. A conviction record does not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment consideration, unless otherwise required by applicable state law.