What are the responsibilities and job description for the EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, INTAKE SERVICES position at State of Maryland - DJS Community Operations?
Introduction
This Management Service position serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority.� A resume must accompany your completed application.
GRADE
24
LOCATION OF POSITION
Baltimore City Juvenile Justice Center 300 N. Gay Street� Baltimore, MD 21202
Main Purpose of Job
Join Us in Making a Difference at DJS! The Maryland Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) is dedicated to transforming young lives, creating safer communities, and fostering equitable systems. We are seeking passionate individuals for the role of Executive Director, Intake Services (Program Manager Senior II), so come join our team and make a meaningful impact on youth and the community at DJS! As the Executive Director, Intake Services, you will lead statewide intake and diversion operations across all five DJS regions and Centralized Intake. Reporting directly to the Deputy Secretary of Community Services, you will shape how complaints are received, reviewed, and resolved, ensuring fairness, consistency, and compliance with state law. You are responsible for working with external stakeholders such as the courts, law enforcement, legal counsel, local education agencies and other State human service agencies to ensure Intake complaints are processed as prescribed by law while educating on DJS’ role in the process. Your leadership will directly influence the well-being of youth while maintaining public safety and building trust across communities. Key areas of leadership and responsibility include:� Drive System-Wide Excellence: Oversee and standardize intake and diversion operations, ensuring uniform processes, adherence to state laws, regulations, collective bargaining agreements, departmental policies, and consistent application of nationally recognized best practices.� Champion Positive Outcomes for Youth and Families: Lead critical assessments and reviews to protect the best interests of youth while safeguarding public safety, utilizing the law and objective screening tools and standards. Apply evidence-based practices such as probation transformation, cognitive behavioral strategies, positive youth development, and motivational interviewing, to guide staff, decisions, and recommendations.� Develop Community-Based Diversion Service Partnerships: Oversee the building and use of a diverse statewide array of diversion services and implementation for delinquency and CINS cases, to include monitoring and data collection both during and after diversionary services.� Leverage Legal and Policy Expertise: Follow Maryland statutes governing delinquency complaints and non-delinquent petitions. Review and evaluate court orders, writs, and other legal documents, and ensure staff are fully well-versed in presenting their decision-making process and recommendations to both internal and external partners.� Maximize System Knowledge: Utilize a working understanding of community detention, court and supervision services, and safety services to enhance intake-based services and partnerships and strengthen recommendations to the Court.� Build Strategic Partnerships: Collaborate with courts, law enforcement, counsel, local schools, and other state and community agencies to coordinate services, improve outcomes, and maintain public trust.� Inspire and Lead High-Performing Teams: Mentor, empower, and motivate staff. Set operational standards, foster productivity, manage conflicts effectively, and exercise sound judgment and discretion to drive performance and professional growth.� Project and Initiative Management: Oversee the implementation of Department-wide reforms and new initiatives related to Intake Services. This position is eligible to work a hybrid telework schedule.� This position does require some travel.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Experience: Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in juvenile justice system management, including managing multi-site operations and collaborating with external stakeholders, including at least four (4) years in senior management or leadership roles overseeing teams, programs, or organizational initiatives. Note: Candidates with ten (10) years or more of relevant experience in juvenile justice system management may substitute for the education requirement.
DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
The preferred candidate for this position should possess any of the following:� A Master’s degree (or higher) in criminal justice, social or behavioral sciences, public administration, social work, law, or a related field;� Executive-level experience leading juvenile justice systems, delivering measurable system improvements such as faster intake processing, higher diversion success, or strengthened compliance outcomes;� Expertise in Maryland statutes, juvenile justice policy, and departmental regulations, with a proven ability to translate legal requirements into effective statewide strategies and policies;� Track record of forging and sustaining strategic partnerships with courts, law enforcement, state agencies, community stakeholders, system-impacted youth and families to advance equitable youth outcomes and enhance public safety; and,� Knowledge of and/or experience with positive youth development, evidence-based practices, and juvenile justice policy, programs, and practices.
SELECTION PROCESS
Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Candidates shall be certified to the eligible list for a period of one (1) year.
EXAMINATION PROCESS
The assessment will be a rating of your resume based on your education, training, and experience as it relates to the requirements of the position. Therefore, it is essential that you provide complete and accurate educational and employment information on your application. Please make sure to provide sufficient information on your application to show the qualifications for this recruitment. For education obtained outside the U.S., you will be required to provide proof of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service. Please note that your answers on the supplemental questionnaire must correspond to the information provided on your application to receive credit. Applications that do not include a completed supplemental questionnaire will be considered incomplete and may be subject to disapproval. Please report all related experience and education. Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your resume to show that you meet the qualifications for this leadership role.
BENEFITS
STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
Online application process is strongly urged. However, if you are unable to apply online you may mail a paper application and resume to the address below or fax a paper application and resume to the fax number below. If you choose to fax or use regular mail, you must include on each page of the attachment your First and Last Name, the Recruitment Number that is located at the top of the bulletin and the last 4 digits of your SS#. The paper application must be received by 5 pm, close of business, on the closing date for this recruitment, no postmarks will be accepted. Incorrect application forms will not be accepted: Maryland Department of Juvenile Services��� OHR-Recruitment & Examination Unit��� 217 E Redwood St. Baltimore, MD 21202 Attn:�Recruitment #25-005483-0047 Fax number 410-333-4188��� TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay� Should additional information regarding this recruitment be required or if you have any questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services, Recruitment and Examination Unit at djs.careers@maryland.gov.�Include the Recruitment Title/Number that is located at the top of the bulletin.� If you are having difficulty with your user account or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division at 410-767-4850 or�application.help@maryland.gov.� DJS is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to diversity in the workplace. Specifically, we value diverse experiences regarding the educational background and justice system contact.� DJS values the experience gained by veterans while serving our country. Veterans are welcome to apply for all current recruitments.� Bilingual applicants and people with disabilities are welcome to apply for all recruitments.� Candidates with lived experience relating to the criminal/juvenile legal system are encouraged to apply.� We welcome experienced professionals transitioning from federal service to explore rewarding career opportunities.
Salary : $111,484 - $173,775