Director of Youth Programs
About the role
NAMI McHenry County is expanding youth-focused services designed to provide safe, supportive, and recovery-oriented spaces for young people experiencing mental health challenges. Through youth drop-in programming, support groups, family engagement, and community partnerships, NAMI is committed to helping youth and families access support before challenges escalate into crises.
Position Summary
The Director of Youth Programs is responsible for providing leadership, oversight, and strategic direction for NAMI McHenry County's growing youth services. This position combines program leadership, staff supervision, youth engagement, parent support, community collaboration, and clinical consultation to ensure high-quality, impactful services for youth and families.
Essential Responsibilities
Provide strategic leadership for NAMI McHenry County's youth services and youth engagement initiatives.
Evaluate program effectiveness and recommend enhancements to better meet community needs.
Collaborate with agency leadership to establish goals, priorities, and growth strategies for youth programming.
Aid in grant implementation, program reporting, and outcome measurement efforts.
Identify emerging needs and opportunities within the youth mental health landscape.
Supervise, mentor, coach, and support youth program staff and volunteers.
Provide ongoing guidance, feedback, and professional development opportunities.
Foster a positive, collaborative, and mission-driven team culture.
Assist with recruitment, onboarding, training, and retention of youth program staff and volunteers.
Ensure staff are utilizing trauma-informed, youth-centered, and strengths-based approaches in their work.
Facilitate support groups for middle school and high school-aged youth.
Provide direct support, engagement, mentorship, and guidance to youth participating in NAMI programs.
Assist in assessing concerns, identifying appropriate supports, and helping determine referrals and next steps.
Support linkage and referral to community-based services, outpatient treatment, crisis services, and higher levels of care when appropriate.
Collaborate with community providers and families to support continuity of care.
Assist in developing policies, procedures, and safety protocols related to youth services.
Facilitate communication with on-call clinical support on an as-needed basis.
Launch and facilitate parent and caregiver support opportunities.
Develop educational workshops, trainings, and resources for parents and families.
Provide consultation and support to families seeking information about mental health resources and services.
Promote family engagement as a key component of youth wellness and recovery.
Build and maintain strong relationships with schools, healthcare providers, social service agencies, youth-serving organizations, and community stakeholders.
Represent NAMI McHenry County at community meetings, coalitions, and outreach events.
Identify opportunities for collaboration and partnership that strengthen youth mental health services throughout McHenry County.
Serve as a community ambassador for NAMI's youth initiatives.
Participate as a member of the agency's leadership team.
Contribute ideas and recommendations that support organizational growth and innovation.
Collaborate across departments to ensure alignment of youth services with NAMI's mission and strategic priorities.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
Minimum of three years of professional experience working with youth and families in a behavioral health, educational, community mental health, youth development, or related setting.
Demonstrated experience facilitating groups and working directly with adolescents.
Strong understanding of youth mental health, family systems, crisis intervention, and community-based support services.
Experience supervising, mentoring, or leading staff, interns, or volunteers.
Excellent communication, relationship-building, and organizational skills.
Ability to pass all required background screenings.
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy, Human Services, Education, or a related behavioral health field.
Illinois clinical license in good standing (LCSW, LCPC, LMFT, PsyD, School Social Worker, or equivalent).
Experience developing, launching, or growing community-based programs.
Experience working within nonprofit organizations.
Knowledge of McHenry County behavioral health resources and systems.
Experience collaborating with schools, healthcare systems, and community partners.
Experience with grant-funded programs and outcome measurement.
Previous supervisory or staff management experience.
Desired Attributes
Passion for youth mental health and early intervention.
Strong leadership and strategic thinking skills.
Comfortable balancing direct service responsibilities with program management.
Ability to build trust and rapport with youth, families, staff, and community partners.
Commitment to trauma-informed, strengths-based, and culturally responsive practices.
Entrepreneurial mindset with a willingness to help build and grow new programs.
Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with agency leadership.
Physical Requirements
Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
Ability to utilize a computer, telephone, and standard office equipment.
Ability to travel throughout McHenry County for meetings, outreach activities, and community partnerships.
Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.