JTDC - Superintendent, Juvenile Temporary Detention Center

Position Overview

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Programming, Reentry, and Youth Services

Staff Leadership, Accountability, and Development

Policies, Data, and Continuous Improvement

Budget and Fiscal Management

Collaboration and External Relations

Minimum Qualifications

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Facility Operations and Safety

  • Directs all aspects of JTDC operations.
  • Maintains safety and security plan.
  • Ensures compliance with laws and regulations.
  • Maintains accurate records.

• Reform Implementation and Best Practices

  • Leads implementation of reform directives.
  • Embeds best practices into facility operations.
  • Drives culture change within the JTDC.
  • Maintains PREA certification and compliance.
  • Maintains awareness of research and best practices.

• Programming, Reentry, and Youth Services

  • Designs and implements programming.
  • Maintains aftercare and reentry systems.
  • Ensures programming is culturally and developmentally appropriate.
  • Establishes mechanisms for youth and family input.

• Staff Leadership, Accountability, and Development

  • Leads a large, complex workforce.
  • Develops and implements staff training program.
  • Promotes a culture of professionalism and accountability.
  • Monitors staff conduct and performance.

• Policies, Data, and Continuous Improvement

  • Develops and implements data-driven policies.
  • Establishes a performance management framework.
  • Makes decisions based on data to improve quality.

• Budget and Fiscal Management

  • Prepares and administers the JTDC's annual budget.
  • Manages contracts with vendors and service providers.
  • Monitors contract performance and service delivery quality.
  • Identifies resource needs and gaps.

• Collaboration and External Relations

  • Demonstrates proactive communication with Juvenile Probation.
  • Works collaboratively with Juvenile Probation leadership.
  • Engages youth, families, and community stakeholders.
  • Represents the JTDC in relevant convenings and forums.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A master's degree in management, public administration, criminal justice, social services, or a related field, and at least five (5) years of experience in youth detention, juvenile probation/court services, or community residential services, at least three (3) of which are at a supervisory or administrative level, with at least two (2) of those years in juvenile detention or residential services.
• OR
• A bachelor's degree in criminal justice, social services, or a related field, and at least seven (7) years of experience in youth detention, juvenile probation/court services, or community residential services, with at least four (4) years at a supervisory or administrative level, including at least two (2) years in juvenile detention or residential services.
• Completion of an approved leadership course of study or training related to youth and juvenile confinement within one (1) year of employment.
• United States Citizenship.
• Primary residence in the State of Illinois within 90 days of the date of appointment.
• Pass a pre-employment medical exam, drug screen, and background check (LEADs and CANTS), and professional references.
• A negative result from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services child abuse registry.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated experience leading reform implementation in a juvenile detention, residential, or correctional setting, including culture change initiatives and adoption of trauma-informed, restorative, or developmentally appropriate practices.
• Demonstrated experience with PREA compliance, including audit preparation, staff training, and policy development.
• Certification in restorative justice or demonstrated familiarity with restorative justice principles and practices.
• Demonstrated familiarity with Cook County and/or Circuit Court administrative policies, budgeting processes, and labor relations frameworks.
• Experience implementing recommendations from external reviews, consent decrees, or oversight bodies.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Comprehend and apply knowledge of juvenile detention, juvenile probation/court services, and community residential services.
• Lead and manage a large, complex workforce.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures.
• Use data to drive continuous quality improvement.
• Manage budgets and contracts.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders.
• Implement trauma-informed, restorative, and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Understand and apply PREA compliance.
• Work collaboratively with external partners.