Hybrid Program Manager at Safer Foundation

General Summary:

The First Appearance and Detention Court Specialist Manager is responsible for the oversight, coordination, and management of the First Appearance and Detention Court team, Leads, and Specialists. Provides direct supervision to the Lead Specialist, guiding operational priorities and workflow, and Specialists to provide effective, pretrial services to clients detained across Cook County. The manager plays a critical role in supporting pretrial justice functions and maintaining compliance with court protocols and agency policies.

Ensuring the team adheres to Article 110 Code of Criminal Procedure and Cook County policy. Works closely with Public Defender leadership, court staff, and the Sheriff’s office. Coordinates resources, scheduling, staffing, and caseload distribution across courthouses.

Primary office location Belmont Cragin, with frequent travel to multiple courthouses required. Standard business hours with early morning or extended hours, including weekends as needed.

Performance Results Description

The Position is properly performed when all essential duties and responsibilities are executed by following the Safer Values.

Exceeding Expectations, Communication and Collaboration, Integrity and Evidence Based Innovation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Stakeholder Interface

• Supervise and mentor the Lead Specialist and indirectly oversee the team of Court Specialists.
• Set performance goals, monitor productivity, and conduct performance evaluations of Lead Specialists
• Coordinate and manage daily operations related to first appearance and detention hearings.
• Monitor scheduling, staffing coverage, and the needs of the courthouses to maintain court efficiency.
• Serve as the primary liaison between court personnel, and Safer Foundation.
• Attend high-level court meetings as needed.
• Identify opportunities for system improvement, enhanced service delivery, and greater efficiency.
• Facilitate professional development for Leads and Specialist, promoting skill growth and readiness.
• Facilitate audits and quality assurance processes, ensuring consistency, compliance, and documentation accuracy.
• Develop and implement workflow protocols and procedural updates in coordination with leadership.
• Participate in operational meetings and provide status updates.
• Ensure all team members are adhering to the policies and procedures of Safer Foundation and Cook County Courthouses.
• Frequent travel required to Cook County Courthouses
• Performs other duties as assigned

Stakeholder Outreach and Recruitment

• Establishes and maintains professional partnerships with business partners, community leaders, and agencies.
• Demonstrate ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from employees, supervisors, clients, and the general public.

Tracking, Document and Reporting

• Track data, generate reports, and analyze trends related to appearances, case flow, and service outcomes.
• Responsible for providing monthly and quarterly program reports to Director of Supportive Reentry Services and leadership as needed
• Establish an audit process with the Director of Supportive Reentry Services in maintaining a regular audit schedule for reports.

Fiscal Reporting and Accountability

• Work with Cook County Public Defenders management to order supplies as necessary and gauging total amounts allocated, needs, and availability of funds.
• Responsible for providing monthly and quarterly program reports of supplies ordered.
• Review and approve timecards and request for time off and expense reports in a timely manner.

Supervision of People

• Supervise the Lead Specialists and indirectly oversee the team of Court Specialists.
• Documenting all supervisions and inter-departmental staffing
• Train and supervise staff in proper documentation, procedure, and protocol, troubleshooting issues and coaching on performance. Elevate issues requiring structural changes or input up to the Director of Supportive Reentry Services as necessary.
• Complete mid-year and annual performance reviews, corrective action plans, when necessary, review and approve timecards and request for time off and expense reports in a timely manner.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Passion for social justice.
• Strong understanding of court procedures
• Leadership and team-building capabilities with an emphasis on mentorship and performance management.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• High attention to detail with strong analytical and reporting abilities.
• Knowledge of the reentry process and cross-sectoral barriers faced by individuals upon release.
• Excellent communications (oral and written), computational and interpersonal skills.
• Hands-on experience and self-sufficiency with Microsoft productivity tools, including Outlook (for email), Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), and online collaboration tools (video conferencing, Zoom/Teams, messaging).
• Self-reliant, resourceful, and outcome-driven with the capability to function in a fast-paced, start-up work environment.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish highly desired

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, Public Administration, Legal Studies, or related field (Required).
• Minimum 3–5 years of progressive experience in court operations, detention proceedings, or related criminal justice services.
• 3-5 years of supervisory experience

Safer Foundation is a drug-free workplace.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action/Minorities/Females/Veterans

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