CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR

About the role

To lead, manage, and ensure the effective delivery of Independent Living services for youth ages 16–21 transitioning from foster care to adulthood, in alignment with Maryland’s Ready By 21 framework and Chafee Foster Care Program goals.

Responsibilities

• Ensure full compliance with Maryland DHS policies, including SILA and Aftercare service standards
• Oversee licensing, audits, and adherence to QRTP certification (if applicable)
• Maintain documentation and reporting protocols required by DHS and other oversight bodies
• Implement and monitor internal controls to ensure ethical, legal, and trauma-informed practices
• Develop, revise, and enforce operational policies and procedures for: Youth intake and eligibility, Service planning and goal tracking, Emergency response and incident reporting, Staff conduct, supervision, and grievance resolution
• Align program goals with Maryland’s Ready By 21 benchmarks and strategic priorities
• Lead strategic planning initiatives to expand services and improve outcomes
• Recruit, train, and supervise multidisciplinary staff (case managers, life skills coaches, clinicians, etc.)
• Establish clear performance expectations and conduct regular evaluations
• Facilitate ongoing professional development in trauma-informed care, youth engagement, and compliance
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Ensure youth voice is central to program design and decision-making
• Oversee development and implementation of individualized service plans
• Support youth in accessing education, employment, housing, healthcare, and financial literacy resources
• Monitor youth progress and intervene when barriers to self-sufficiency arise
• Facilitate youth participation in advisory boards and leadership development opportunities
• Build and maintain partnerships with: Local DSS offices and Independent Living Coordinators, Schools, employers, housing providers, and health services, Community-based organizations and mentorship programs
• Coordinate wraparound services and referrals to meet youth needs holistically
• Advocate for youth access to tuition waivers, stipends, and other entitlements
• Oversee collection and analysis of program data to evaluate effectiveness
• Prepare reports for funders, licensing bodies, and internal stakeholders
• Conduct regular audits of case files, service plans, and youth outcomes
• Use data to inform continuous improvement and strategic decision-making
• Develop and manage program budgets in alignment with funding requirements
• Audit expenditures and ensure cost-effective use of resources
• Oversee procurement and inventory of equipment, furniture, and supplies
• Seek additional funding opportunities through grants and partnerships

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Public Administration, or related field
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in independent living, foster care, or related field
• Experience with youth development, trauma-informed care, and community partnerships
• Strong leadership, supervisory, and organizational skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse teams
• Knowledge of Maryland’s Ready By 21 framework and Chafee Foster Care Program goals
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with data management systems

Skills

• Strong understanding of independent living principles and best practices
• Experience with regulatory compliance and policy development
• Excellent project management and strategic planning skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting

Benefits

• Competitive salary range of $80,000 - $90,000
• Full-time, 40 hours/week, W-2 status
• Flexible schedule options available
• Professional development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement savings plan
• Generous paid time off

Pay

$80,000 – $90,000

Schedule

40 hours per week, flexible schedule options available

Contact

To apply for this position, please fill out the form below. This is a Non–Exempt Position Under The Fair Labor Standards Act. LEAD4LIFE, INC. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. By submitting the contact form below, I acknowledge and affirm that I have read the above job description and fully understand and accept the position responsibilities, and requirements as described on this page. If I am hired to fill this position, I understand that a copy of this job description will be placed in my personnel file found in the Human Resources Department.