What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Residential Services position at Covenant House Illinois?
Organization Overview
Founded in 2017, Covenant House Illinois (CHIL) provides critical protection and resources for youth ages 18-24 experiencing homelessness throughout Chicagoland and across Illinois. To date, CHIL has served nearly 2,000 young people, administering tailored, wraparound services, including interim and transitional shelter, workforce and education programming, clinical case management, life-skills training, and more to help youth permanently escape the cycle of homelessness. CHIL's programs and services are youth affirming, supportive, and rooted in harm reduction and trauma-sensitive care. With a newly renovated campus on Chicago’s west side and a recently enacted three-year strategic plan outlining a comprehensive vision of program expansion and service innovation, CHIL is uniquely positioned to meet the emerging needs of young people experiencing housing instability and provide the resources and care they need to achieve sustainable independence.
Position Summary
Covenant House Illinois (CHIL), part of the Covenant House International network, provides youth experiencing homelessness with safe shelter, unconditional support, and a path to independence. The Director of Residential Services oversees the operation, development, and growth of Residential Programs (Interim Housing and Rights of Passage) and supports staffing and engagement at the Youth Development Center. This role ensures high-quality, trauma-informed services through supervision, program management, and staff training. Working closely with the Director of Clinical and Supportive Services and community partners, the Director ensures alignment with agency philosophy, policies, and youth safety standards while exercising sound judgment in daily operations.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities1. Mission and Standards- Uphold CHIL policies, procedures, mission, and values.
- Center youth voice and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Apply trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and positive youth development in all services and crisis response.
- Build positive mentoring relationships with youth and staff.
- Oversee daily operations of Interim Housing, Rights of Passage, and Youth Development Center support.
- Ensure safe, clean facilities and compliance with Child Protection, licensing, OSHA, and regulatory standards.
- Coordinate meaningful daily programming, including life skills and recreation.
- Supervise staff across residential programs and manage the residential services calendar.
- Develop policies and ensure compliance with local, state, federal, and funder requirements.
- Monitor medication logs and ensure timely submission of required reports.
- Ensure accurate data entry and reporting in Efforts to Outcomes (ETO), HMIS, and other required systems.
- Maintain compliance with reporting and funding requirements.
- Support development and implementation of residential services with the Chief Program Officer.
- Coordinate staff assignments, daily activities, and supply management.
- Review incident reports and ensure clear communication regarding youth progress and concerns.
- Build partnerships with community organizations and service providers.
- Collaborate on housing, employment, education, and mental health resources.
- Participate in meetings and events related to youth homelessness advocacy.
- Evaluate program effectiveness using data, staff input, and youth feedback.
- Identify improvements and lead continuous quality improvement initiatives.
- Provide weekly supervision, performance evaluations, and staff meetings.
- Assist HR with onboarding, training, and professional development.
- Approve payroll and timesheets and communicate key updates to staff.
- Inform leadership of incidents affecting safety or operations.
- Ensure compliance with grant requirements, audits, and reporting.
- Collaborate with leadership to meet grant goals and manage documentation.
- Track program expenditures and support forecasting and adjustments.
- Submit expense reports and ensure responsible use of funds.
- Support staff during crises and implement emergency protocols.
- Train staff on CHIL’s trauma-informed program model.
- Provide ongoing training in case management, engagement, conflict resolution, and crisis intervention.
- Promote professional growth and continuous learning.
- Support interviewing, hiring, supervision, and performance reviews.
- Lead onboarding and ongoing training for staff working with youth experiencing homelessness.
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Nonprofit Management, or related field (Master’s preferred).
- 10 years working with homeless or youth populations, preferably in residential settings.
- Supervisory experience and strong knowledge of trauma-informed care.
- Experience with ETO, HMIS, and compliance reporting.
- Strong leadership, organizational, and project management skills.
- Knowledge of housing-first principles and community resources.
- Commitment to trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and positive youth development.
- Experience supporting LGBTQIA youth.
- Crisis intervention and conflict resolution skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and meet mandated reporting and HIPAA requirements.
- Strong collaboration, communication, and organizational skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
- CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
- Ability to pass background checks and work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
- This onsite role may involve high-stress situations requiring trauma-informed responses. Duties include standing, walking, lifting up to 50 pounds, and occasional driving. Reasonable accommodations may be provided.