Torchora
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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Justice Program Supervisor

💰 $65,000 - $85,000

GovernmentNon-ProfitSocial ServicesLegalProgram Management

🎯 Role Definition

Are you a passionate leader dedicated to fostering a more just and equitable society? This role requires a dynamic and experienced Justice Program Supervisor to spearhead our innovative programs. In this pivotal role, you will guide a team of dedicated professionals, oversee the daily operations of critical justice initiatives, and ensure the delivery of high-quality, trauma-informed services to our clients. You will be instrumental in program development, stakeholder engagement, and data-driven decision-making to enhance program effectiveness and drive meaningful outcomes for justice-involved individuals and the community at large. This is an opportunity to make a tangible impact, challenge systemic barriers, and champion restorative and rehabilitative practices.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Senior Case Manager or Lead Advocate
  • Program Coordinator
  • Probation or Parole Officer
  • Social Worker with leadership experience

Advancement To:

  • Program Director or Division Director
  • Director of Justice Initiatives
  • Associate Director of Programs

Lateral Moves:

  • Grants Manager
  • Policy Analyst
  • Quality Assurance & Compliance Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Provide daily leadership, clinical supervision, and direct oversight to a multidisciplinary team of case managers, advocates, and program staff, fostering a collaborative and supportive team environment.
  • Develop, implement, and continuously refine program-specific policies, procedures, and service delivery models to ensure they are evidence-based, culturally competent, and trauma-informed.
  • Oversee all aspects of program operations, including client intake, assessment, service planning, and case closure, ensuring adherence to best practices and organizational standards.
  • Manage program budgets, monitor expenditures, and ensure fiscal responsibility, including contributing to budget development and financial reporting for grants and funding sources.
  • Ensure strict compliance with all contractual obligations, grant requirements, and relevant local, state, and federal regulations, preparing detailed reports for funders and government agencies.
  • Cultivate and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key community stakeholders, including law enforcement, court personnel, probation/parole departments, and other service providers.
  • Directly manage and de-escalate crisis situations, providing on-the-spot guidance and support to staff and ensuring the safety and well-being of both clients and team members.
  • Lead the recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and ongoing training of program staff, conducting regular performance evaluations and supporting professional development opportunities.
  • Champion the use of data for program improvement by overseeing data collection, ensuring data integrity in case management systems (like HMIS), and analyzing outcomes to inform strategic decisions.
  • Plan and facilitate regular team meetings, case conferences, and clinical supervision sessions to review client progress, address challenges, and promote integrated service delivery.
  • Represent the agency and program at community meetings, task forces, and public forums to advocate for client needs and promote awareness of program services.
  • Collaborate with the leadership team to identify funding opportunities, contribute to grant writing efforts, and participate in strategic planning for the organization's justice-related initiatives.
  • Develop and implement comprehensive quality assurance protocols to regularly evaluate program effectiveness, service quality, and client satisfaction through surveys, file reviews, and feedback sessions.
  • Oversee the maintenance of accurate, confidential, and comprehensive client files and records in accordance with HIPAA, legal, and ethical standards.
  • Mediate conflicts and address grievances from clients, staff, or community partners in a timely and professional manner, following established protocols.
  • Stay abreast of emerging trends, legislative changes, research, and best practices in the criminal justice, social services, and related fields to ensure program innovation and relevance.
  • Manage program logistics, including staff scheduling, caseload distribution, and resource allocation to ensure efficient and effective operations.
  • Drive a client-centered and strengths-based service philosophy, ensuring that program activities are tailored to the unique needs, strengths, and goals of each individual participant.
  • Evaluate and manage program risks, developing mitigation strategies to ensure the safety of clients, staff, and the organization.
  • Lead the development of program materials, including outreach flyers, client handbooks, and curriculum content, ensuring they are accessible and culturally appropriate.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to support grant proposals and advocacy efforts.
  • Contribute to the organization's broader strategic planning, DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives, and policy-level discussions.
  • Collaborate with communications and development departments to create compelling narratives and impact stories for public-facing materials.
  • Participate in agency-wide workgroups, committees, and training to foster a cohesive organizational culture.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Program Management & Development: Expertise in designing, implementing, and evaluating social service or justice-related programs from inception to completion.
  • Supervision & Staff Development: Proven ability to hire, train, supervise, and mentor a diverse team, including providing clinical or task-based supervision and performance management.
  • Case Management Systems: Proficiency with client databases and case management software (e.g., HMIS, ETO, Apricot, Salesforce for Nonprofits) for tracking services and outcomes.
  • Budget & Grant Management: Experience developing and managing program budgets, tracking expenses, and ensuring compliance with complex grant reporting requirements.
  • Crisis Intervention & De-escalation: Skilled in evidence-based techniques for managing crisis situations, de-escalating conflict, and implementing safety plans.
  • Data Analysis & Reporting: Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret program data to measure impact, identify trends, and prepare comprehensive reports for funders and stakeholders.

Soft Skills

  • Inspirational Leadership: A motivational leadership style with a clear commitment to fostering team growth, psychological safety, and a positive, mission-driven work culture.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Adept at building and maintaining strategic partnerships with a wide range of external agencies, including courts, corrections, and community-based organizations.
  • Advanced Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively and persuasively engage with clients, staff, judges, attorneys, and community partners.
  • Complex Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills to identify systemic barriers, address complex client needs, and develop innovative, resourceful solutions.
    li> Cultural Competency & Trauma-Informed Practice: Deep understanding of and commitment to applying principles of equity, racial justice, and trauma-informed care in all aspects of supervision and service delivery.
  • Adaptability & Resilience: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment, managing competing priorities and navigating complex bureaucratic systems with composure and sound judgment.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university.

Preferred Education:

  • Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW), Counseling (LPC), Criminal Justice, Public Administration, or a related human services field. Professional licensure (LCSW, LPC) is a strong plus.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Social Work
  • Criminal Justice & Criminology
  • Sociology
  • Psychology
  • Public Administration
  • Law

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • A minimum of 3-5 years of progressive experience in a relevant social service or justice-related field, with at least 1-2 years in a supervisory, leadership, or program coordination capacity.

Preferred:

  • Direct experience working with justice-involved populations (e.g., re-entry, diversion, alternatives to incarceration, victim services).
  • Demonstrated experience in program implementation, staff supervision, and grant compliance.
  • Lived experience with the justice system, or experience working in and with communities disproportionately impacted by the justice system, is highly valued.
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