Director Child and Youth Protection

TITLE                                     Director of Child and Youth Protection

AGENCY                                Office of Child and Youth Protection

SUPERVISOR                        Vicar General

JOB SUMMARY       

The Director is responsible for implementing and maintaining the diocesan response to the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and the Essential Norms, and for creating a culture of safety for the children of the diocese. The Director supervises and coordinates the assistance needed by any victim of sexual abuse that occurred in the past or the present. The Director supervises the Diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator and ensures all incoming allegations of sexual abuse of minors by Church employees or volunteers are properly received and handled according to the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and state laws. Serves as staff to the Diocesan Review Committee.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Direct, supervise and collaborate with the Diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator (VAC) of the Office of Child and Youth Protection, and forward a monthly report of the VAC’s activity to the Bishop
• Assure appropriate and timely response to allegations which includes the canonical and civil process and victim’s outreach services
• Develop and promulgate appropriate policies and procedures to maintain the compliance with the Charter and Norms
• Work with parishes and schools to maintain full compliance with the Charter
• Direct the compilation and submission of the USCCB audit in its entirety
• Direct the compilation and submission of the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) audit
• Supervise the maintenance of the internal audit system to facilitate the USCCB audit
• Maintain positive relationships with pastors, school administrators, parish and diocesan staff and oversee on-site audits at parishes and schools to ensure compliance with safe environment procedures
• Supervise gathering of criminal background checks and maintain records
• Be the first contact for parishes and schools regarding safe environment issues
• Answer calls from victims as needed
• Prepare communication for the Joliet Official Bulletin
• Supervise the scheduling of Protecting God’s Children training sessions as needed
• Ensure proper procedures are followed when dealing with abuse cases and that proper files are maintained
• Process bills and maintain records
• Recruit and train new Virtus facilitators
• Initiate events to promote healing in the community by organizing the annual Mass for Victims

ADDITIONAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as staff to the Diocesan Review Committee and maintain minutes
• Incorporate new programs for adults as appropriate
• Arrange in-service sessions for parish safe environment coordinators
• Supervise the maintenance of the Virtus website
• Attend annual Virtus Conference and Illinois State Police Symposium (for accreditation)
• Handle other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate will be a practicing Catholic and will possess a master’s degree in Counseling, Social Work or Criminal Justice, and have at least five years of experience. Must have knowledge of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, and an understanding of the stages of victimization and the healing process. Must have strong verbal and written communication skills, excellent listening skills, good computer skills, along with strong interpersonal skills. Must possess the ability to use discretion and maintain confidentiality and must be able to express compassion and understanding to all types of people. Must also possess the ability to train individuals and lead training events. Fluency in Spanish preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This is a Full-time Exempt position with benefits.  Normal work week, Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. through 4:30 p.m., Fridays 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  Requires flexibility of schedule, evening and weekend work as needed.

To apply for this outstanding opportunity, please send your resume and cover letter to [email protected]. No phone calls, please.  When sending your resume and cover letter, please reference Director of Child and Youth Protection in the subject line of your email.