Program Director

About the role

Compass Connections provides emergency shelter and group home placement for children, working to reunite them with their families as quickly as possible. The organization is hiring compassionate and dependable individuals for its Cameron facility in Los Fresnos, TX.

Benefits

• 100% employer‑paid medical, dental, and vision insurance (available on the first day)
• Retirement plan options
• Additional employer‑sponsored benefits (ask your recruiter for a complete overview)

Qualifications

• Fluency in English and Spanish
• Bachelor’s degree plus five (5) years of experience in child welfare administration and child protective services (required)
• Master’s degree in social work or a related behavioral science (preferred)
• Administrator’s license, First Aid, CPR, Emergency behavior intervention certifications
• Five (5) years of experience in program management or as director of a licensed childcare program (required)
• Six (6) plus years of experience in program management or as director of a licensed childcare program (preferred)

Responsibilities

• Meet all federal and state regulatory guidelines and standards applicable to the position
• Oversee and remediate deficiencies associated with federal and state standards
• Conduct regular active and archival video monitoring of the site
• Participate in service expansion planning, budget preparations, and short‑ and long‑term planning
• Organize and attend local and regional meetings with community entities
• Plan and participate in scheduled meetings, team decisions, and operations
• Serve as a member of the Compass Connections Management Executive Council
• Work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed or requested
• Implement safety protocols, including evacuating children and staff in emergencies
• Maintain confidentiality in all service population and program operations
• Uphold professional and ethical standards outlined in the employee handbook, including dress code compliance
• Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate program personnel in accordance with agency policies and federal/state standards
• Observe and evaluate buildings, grounds, equipment, staff, children, vehicles, and other resources; address issues promptly
• Build and maintain relationships with local facility staff, Office of Refugee Resettlement, legal representatives, DHS ICE, consulates, and other stakeholders regarding children’s placement or release
• Facilitate and supervise appropriate programming, treatment, and discharge planning for the service population
• Complete timely and accurate documentation per agency policies, contract, and regulatory requirements
• Frequent movement throughout the physical plant to address operational needs
• Meet all deadlines set by program supervisors and federal partners
• Support, encourage, and recruit foster parents for foster care programs

Requirements

• Pass a pre‑employment drug screen and random drug screens throughout employment
• Provide proof of work eligibility upon request
• Pass pre‑employment and biennial criminal background checks
• Demonstrate cultural and socio‑economic sensitivity to the service population
• Collaborate effectively with staff, service providers, and professionals
• Provide crisis intervention as trained by Compass Connections
• Maintain emotional control and professional composure in a fast‑paced environment
• Maintain required computer literacy
• Work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team without intensive supervision
• Know and follow all Compass Connections policies and procedures
• Receive an annual influenza vaccination or obtain an approved medical or religious exemption (proof required)
• Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States; sponsorship for employment visas is not available

Schedule

This position may require work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed or requested by the supervisor.