La Rabida Children’s Hospital 

Program Director – Children’s Advocacy Center 

La Rabida Children’s Hospital is hiring a full-time Program Director for our Children’s Advocacy Center in Park Forest, IL.

At La Rabida Children’s Hospital, our mission is simple: we’re dedicated to maintaining and improving the quality of life for each of our patients with complex conditions, disabilities, and chronic illness. The path to completing this mission, however, is often complicated. Fortunately, we’ve got the best team around. If you are looking for your next career opportunity to partner with a compassionate multidisciplinary collaborative team, we have the job for you. 

Job Summary:

The CAC Program Director is responsible for the operations and programs of the La Rabida Children’s Advocacy Center and for building professional and community relations with law enforcement, area hospitals, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (ILDCFS), the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office (SAO) and other community constituencies. This position is responsible for coordinating Forensic Interviews (FI's), acts as a liaison to 40 members of the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT), and ensures that the CAC meets NCA standards. 

Essential Program Director Functions: 

• Supervises all aspects of work of the following positions: 

• Family Advocate, Case Manager, Forensic Interviewers, and Full- and Part-time Administrative Support Staff 

• Provide training and supervision for positions supervised 

• Complete performance reviews and evaluations on all positions supervised

• Approve payroll for all CAC staff 

• Provides oversight to ensure records and documentation are appropriately maintained. 

• Facilitates monthly case review with MDT members and CAC staff. 

• Provide oversight of FI referrals, scheduled and emergency. 

• Coordinate, support and consult with multidisciplinary team members such as DCFS, law enforcement agencies, and Cook County State's Attorney's office, medical providers, mental health providers, etc. 

• Remain current in relevant issues related to child abuse and childhood trauma.

• Participate in community outreach activities, including public speaking, information fairs, and collaboration with community organizations 

• Represent the La Rabida CAC at local, regional and national forums. 

• Ensures that the CAC meets NCA standards and completes NCA Accreditation Application and Site Visit every 5 years 

• Compose and produce reports to funders including ILDCFS, ICJIA and NCA. 

• Compose and produce grant proposals including ILDCFS, ICJIA and NCA. 

• Manages the CAC subpoena requests and completes certification and delegation of Forensic Interview reports.

• Provide trauma-informed trainings to various community agencies on child abuse, childhood trauma, CAC and FI-related topics and services provided by the CAC 

• Participate in bi-monthly Cook County CAC Advisory Board Meetings and quarterly Cook CAC Director’s Meetings 

What we need from you:

• PsyD or PhD (must have APA accredited internship in child or pediatric psychology), LCSW, or LCPC required within 1 year of employment in this position. 

• Related Work Experience: Three to five years post degree work with children who have experienced trauma (trauma, abuse/neglect field). Specific training and experience in trauma response in children. Experience in training clinicians and supervising support staff required 

• Licensure/Certification: Must be licensed in Illinois. 

• Specialization Knowledge and Skills: Substantial experience with children who have been abused, and/or neglected; with particular experience in the area of child sexual abuse. Excellent verbal and written communication skills and computer literacy are essential. Excellent organizational, training and communication skills required. 

• CPR required: Only certifications issued by the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross will be accepted.

Note: This position is entirely supported by grant funds. This position will be terminated when grant funds expire 

What you will receive:

• Competitive Salary

• Medical, Dental, and Vision

• Pet Insurance 

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

• Life & Disability Insurance

• Retirement Savings Plans & Matching

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Generous Paid Time Off & Holidays

• Free Parking

• Free breakfast and lunch on the last Friday of every month

Who we are:

La Rabida is a place unlike any other. We understand the needs of families with children dealing with the most serious or complicated of conditions. With teams of the best healthcare providers in Chicago, we give continuous, comprehensive care, education and support, helping families face their unique obstacles head on. 

La Rabida Children’s Hospital is very proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Conditions of Employment Required to demonstrate full vaccination status for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) with a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized or FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine; OR Qualify for a reasonable accommodation for an exemption from vaccine requirements based on a medical disability or because of a sincerely held religious belief. Additional information and instructions regarding how to request a reasonable accommodation will be provided on request at the time of selection.