The Director of Youth Services is an advocate for children, youth and families in our community, with a particular emphasis on supporting our most vulnerable and underserved residents and encouraging them to reach their highest potential. The Director is responsible for leveraging, collaborating, and building upon the work of a number of outside agencies and current grant-supported activities focused on youth and families. Additionally, the Director is involved in incorporating community opinion, especially from youth, about specific programming and identifying unmet needs. The Director will coordinate and ensure ongoing collaboration among various groups and service providers for youth and families.

The position will report to the Commissioner of Health and Human Services and will be expected to collaborate with other HHS divisions, Newton Public Schools and Newton library as well as working closely with outside fundraising organizations to implement the vision for a growing youth services program in Newton.

Essential Elements:

Coordinates and ensures continued collaboration among grant-sponsored programs, non-profits and other groups within and outside of City government currently providing services to youth and families Advocates, educates, and acts as a liaison to the community around children, youth and family services

Oversees the Mayor’s Summer Youth Internship Program working with public and private businesses to place youth in work sites that build experience and growth through on-site mentors as well as weekly skill-building workshops.

Oversees the Mayor’s City Hall Internship program placing young adults in city departments throughout the year for a number of internship opportunities.

Oversees Newton Teen Voice, a group of high school aged youth who meet weekly to discuss issues facing adolescents in Newton. NTV prioritizes projects and follows through the planning and implementation of solutions to issues facing teens while working closely with the Youth Commission and other affiliated youth serving organizations and schools.

Staffs the Youth Commission and ensures its participation in planning programming and activities of the Division of Youth Services.

Work together with fundraising organizations and programs to expand the Division of Youth Services and programming for children, youth and families within the community.

Participates as a Steering Committee member of Newton Cares: Coalition for Suicide Prevention and Mental Health

Seeks grant funding for programs, writes, submits, implements all aspects of grants received and responsible for grant reporting.

Oversees the Newton Youth Agency Network bringing together local youth serving agencies quarterly for professional development and networking opportunities.

Attends and participates in department, community, school or other meetings, conferences, or committees, task forces. Maintains contacts to keep abreast of developments in field or areas of interest or expertise.

Follows and adheres to department, City and other government rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Confers with service providers, City, and school officials as well as community members, especially youth.

Ensures records, reports, documents, forms and other data are prepared. . May provide supervision to program assistants, interns and other staff as necessary.

Performs other duties as required.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree and three to five years of related experience and/or training. Experience working with low income, youth of color and underserved youth is highly preferred. Graduate degree or training in allied fields desirable.

Compensations: $52,216 – $53,782

How to apply

Individuals interested in this position should submit a completed application, cover letter and resume to resumes@newtonma.gov . City of Newton Application Forms can be found at www.newtonma.gov/gov/hr/jobs.