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Heartland Alliance

Associate Director of Policy and Training

Summary: Associate Director of Policy and Training reports to the Senior Director of SAFEty Initiatives. This individual will be responsible for developing and coordinating data collection for the purpose of tracking program development, evaluation, and improvement. The Associate Director of Policy and Training develops, updates and implements program and department policies and procedures to insure compliance with organization, licensing, funder and CARF accreditation standards. This positon coordinates and participates in CARF accreditation efforts and directs support functions related to staff training to insure compliance.

The Associate Director will ensure that services provided by the SAFEty Initiatives are provided in a quality manner in accordance with organization, licensing, funder and CARF accreditation standards; develop and implement policy to comply with confidentiality and accountability standards, validate quality of care through demonstrated achievement of outcomes and monitor improvement initiatives. The Associate Director is responsible for the planning and oversight of various programmatic and operational projects. This includes developing a training program to insure that staff has all of the professional development opportunities and tools they need to perform their duties with strict adherence to required standards (organization, licensing, funder and CARF accreditation) and expected levels of quality.

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Individual accountabilities and work volume will be established through the development of annual Success Objectives, within the framework outlined below.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Provides leadership in the development of department and program policies and procedures. Maintains and updates SAFEty Initiatives Policy Manuals.
  • Coordinates and participates in efforts to achieve and maintain CARF accreditation of SAFEty Initiatives and explores other accreditations that maybe necessary for the growth of SAFEty Initiatives.
  • Assists program managers and directors in the area of staff development and monitors implementation of quality improvement plans. Creates a positive and professional work environment for staff.
  • Develops, organizes, and participates in New Employee Orientation for SAFEty Initiatives' employees; Trains, coaches, and monitors SAFEty staff in quality management and program compliance processes.
  • Submits written reports in a timely manner with concern for accuracy and completeness.
  • Participates in various quality management committees, including, but not limited to, Heartland Alliance Corporate Compliance/Risk Management Committee, Heartland Human Care Services Quality Assurance Committee, Heartland Ethics Committee and HIPAA compliance.
  • Works with directors in interviewing, hiring, and training; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems to ensure consistency of policy and practice.
  • Trains SAFEty staff in various subjects as required by program administration, funders, licensing and accrediting agencies.
  • Represents SAFEty and the organization at a variety of external councils, coalitions, boards, committees, and civic or governmental bodies upon authorization.
  • Manages appropriate relationships as needed with government entities, non-governmental organizations, and civic associations.
  • Makes presentations at conferences and meetings, and leads professional seminars or meetings.
  • Provides research and written analysis of issues as assigned. Develops quantitative and qualitative research projects to further enhance the knowledge of the population(s) served by SAFEty Initiatives.
  • Remains current on developments in relevant populations, through independent study and attendance at seminars, conferences, conventions, and other related activities.
  • Provides updates to the supervising executive regarding service issues, strategic planning, new opportunities, management issues and to communicate program successes.
  • Collaborates with other functional areas within the organization to maintain service integration, provide technical assistance, and assure quality.
  • Participates in annual planning of strategic goals.
  • Participates in Cabinet Meetings and in Cabinet Sub-Committee meetings.
  • Manages and directly supervises a team of trainers who will be responsible for monitoring of compliance with required policies at the program level.
  • Other duties may be assigned.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Education and/or Experience: BA degree in Counseling, Social Work, health care administration, health care policy, or a related field and three years of professional level training experience which involves the development and implementation of training programs and policies. Minimum of two (2) years of previous supervisory experience.
  • Language Skills: Bilingual preferred. Excellent writing skills required. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents. Ability to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints. Ability to write reports that present data and other information in a logical and cogent manner. Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.
  • Computer Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Internet Explorer, Outlook/Exchange; Windows operating systems; and other software routinely used by Heartland Alliance.
  • Reasoning Ability: Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

Competencies: To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies.

  • Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
  • Project Management - Develops project plans; Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget; Manages project team activities.
  • Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
  • Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
  • Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
  • Quality Management - Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
  • Cost Consciousness - Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; Contributes to profits and revenue; Conserves organizational resources.
  • Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; educates others on the value of diversity; promotes a harassment-free environment; builds a diverse workforce.
  • Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization's goals and values; Benefits organization through outside activities; Supports affirmative action and respects diversity.
  • Innovation - Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention.
  • Other Skills:
  • Must have knowledge in adult learning theories and curriculum development.
  • Ability to use multiple instructional strategies to teach to various learning styles.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with all levels of SAFEty staff and to ask questions or seek direction from supervisory staff when needed.
  • Must possess excellent presentation skills.
  • Previous experience in social services or juvenile direct care.
  • Possess outstanding organizational skills and ability to meet established timelines.
  • Demonstrates a high degree of adaptability, comfortable in establishing new directions, managing rapid change and trying different approaches to deal with uncharted territories.
  • Ability to travel independently to SAFEty sites. Must have regular access to a reliable vehicle.
  • Ability to work during non-traditional hours such as evenings and weekends.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Ability to sit at a desk for a large portion of the day.
  • Extensive reaching, bending, and moving of objects up to 25 pounds to organize and place in files. Ability to carry a laptop computer and training materials.
  • May require periods of walking throughout the facility.
  • May require periods of standing.
  • Ability to effectively operate and utilize a computer.
  • Must be able to work longer hours based on departmental needs.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Heartland Alliance makes all hiring and employment decisions without regard to race, creed, color, age, gender, gender identity, marital or parental status, religion, ancestry, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, sexual identity, immigrant status, political affiliation or belief, ex-offender status (depending on the offense and position to be filled), unfavorable military discharge, membership in an organization whose primary purpose is the protection of civil rights or improvement of living conditions and human relations, height, weight, or HIV infection, in accord with the Organization's AIDS Policy Statement of September, 1987. Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodation should contact the Employee Services Office at (312) 660-1431.

Job ID: c7d6ca4ba66b82a700f06172b49a7a42
Employment Type: Other

This job is no longer available.

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