Hybrid Director- Post Secondary Options-Career Resources & Scholarships bei Mercy Home for Boys & Girls

Join Our Team Today!

At Mercy Home for Boys & Girls, we are dedicated to empowering youth, fostering hope, and creating brighter futures. Our mission is to be advocates, educators, coaches, and role models for the young people we serve. We firmly believe that every individual deserves the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.

As one of the Top 100 Places to Work in Chicago—recognized by the Chicago Tribune for thirteen consecutive years—Mercy Home prides itself on prioritizing the growth and well-being of our team. We offer comprehensive training and ongoing professional development throughout your time with us.

If you're passionate, driven, and committed to making the world a better place, we want you on our team. Our dedicated staff provides healing, guidance, and opportunity to young men and women in need.

How You’ll Make an Impact

You will manage post-secondary options and career resources, in conjunction with clinical interventions offered through our Residential Programs, to promote positive youth development and prepare youth for independence. You will supervise the Post-Secondary Options and Career Resources team and develop vocational initiatives and community partnerships. You will also oversee the scholarship program.

In This Role, You Will:

• Develop, implement, manage, and monitor all operational, administrative, and programmatic processes related to career and post-secondary planning.

• Oversee implementation of financial literacy and job skills curriculum.

• Ensure consistent career readiness programming at Walsh Campus (career exploration, job skills activities, etc.).

• Support youth in developing job skills, securing on-campus or off-campus work/internships, and building career aspirations.

• Oversee payroll for all Mercy Home youth employment.

• Collaborate with the team to assess youth needs and establish pathways to sustainable employment.

• Guide students through college, post-secondary, and financial aid applications, as well as employment and internship opportunities.

• Partner with Mercy Home constituents and boards to create internship opportunities and provide oversight and communication.

• Report the impact of career initiatives to Advancement and other stakeholders to support grant and funding efforts.

• Collaborate with Advancement, Boards, and Community Care to organize career-related events and employment preparation activities.

• Manage GED and college tutoring resources and services across the agency.

• Support the GED and college tutoring instructor and coordinate ongoing tutoring needs.

• Partner with Community Care to ensure timely updates and communication regarding career development opportunities for residential youth, scholars, and Community Care members.

Scholarship Responsibilities:

• Work directly with scholars.

• Coordinate the annual scholarship application process for new and returning scholars in collaboration with the Department and Community Care.

• Ensure a continuum of educational support by collaborating with Education & Career Resources and Residential teams.

• Develop and maintain the annual scholarship program budget.

• Purchase and track approved scholarship expenses.

• Review tuition and financial aid award letters for each scholar.

• Maintain academic and financial records.

• Create scholar agreements.

• Communicate regularly with Care Managers regarding scholars’ needs and performance.

• Plan and execute scholar-related events (e.g., retreats, end-of-semester dinners) in collaboration with the Department and Community Care.

• Organize academic-related activities such as tutoring, post-secondary planning, and financial aid/tax information sessions.

Administrative Responsibilities:

• Promote the mission, values, and goals of Mercy Home.

• Provide quality supervision to all direct reports.

• Oversee hiring and onboarding of Coordinators with the Vice President.

• Maintain consistent communication with Residential Programs, Community Care, and department management.

• Manage day-to-day operations at West Loop Campus, ensuring staff and resources effectively support youth.

• Ensure holistic treatment and skill development in collaboration with the program treatment team.

• Evaluate career support services to ensure alignment with youth treatment plans.

• Support and implement agency policies and philosophies, including a commitment to personal and professional growth.

• Employ de-escalation and behavior management techniques per CPI protocol.

• Prepare accurate, timely reports in Blueprint and complete necessary agency documentation.

• Analyze and collaborate on data related to quality improvement and departmental outcomes.

• Participate in strategic planning meetings and committees across departments.

• Learn and apply the agency’s treatment philosophies and trauma-informed care practices.

What We Need From You:

• Master’s degree in education, psychology, social work, sociology, special education, or a related field.

• Strong understanding of and passion for career development, post-secondary education, vocational training, and sustainable employment for youth.

• Experience in program development and implementation.

• Ability to supervise and develop team members.

• Capacity to research and network with educational and workforce development organizations.

• Knowledge of college admissions and financial aid processes.

• Leadership and financial management skills.

• Experience working with adolescents, ideally in residential, community, or educational settings.

• Valid Illinois driver’s license, ability to drive a van, and maintain DCFS driving approval.

• Regular and predictable attendance.

• Flexibility with work hours based on program and youth needs.

• Ability to be on call for work or school-related matters.

• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.

• Sensitivity to cultural and individual differences.

• Professional judgment and discretion.

• Ability to interpret documents such as manuals and professional journals.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel; ability to learn other software programs.

• Commitment to confidentiality and training compliance.

• Dedication to the mission and values of Mercy Home.

Basic Information / Schedule Details

• Schedule: Monday to Friday, with two evenings until 7:30 PM. Flexibility required.

• Salary Range: $85,000 to $92,000

• Location: West Loop Campus – 1140 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607

• Benefits Info: https://www.mercyhome.org/working-mercy-home-2/benefits/

Why You’ll Love Working Here

At Mercy Home, our commitment to providing exceptional care for youth extends to our team. We offer top-tier training and professional development to support your growth.

• Recognized as a Top Workplace by the Chicago Tribune

• Equal Opportunity Employer

• Committed to Inclusion and Diversity

Visit us at www.mercyhome.org/jobs