JOB SUMMARY

The Director of Transition Services reports to the Senior Director for Programs and plans, implements and provides oversight to all programs and services offered by Methodist Children's Home to assist young adults and graduating seniors in making the successful transition from MCH care to adult living. This position is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Independent Living Program, Advanced Education and After-Care Services offered to these young adults. This position requires strong organizational and leadership skills and the ability to work closely with other MCH staff and external stakeholders in carrying out the mission of Methodist Children's Home.

The Director of Transition Services must exhibit the intellectual and emotional maturity required to work with youth who have behavioral issues and difficulty relating to others due to developmental delays, mental health needs and trauma. This position requires respect and compassionate understanding for the youth in care and the ability to balance the need for nurture and structure in the work with youth. This position requires the ability to form and maintain effective working relationships with colleges, vocational schools, employers and other agencies in the community who serve young adults transitioning to adult living.  The Director must maintain a healthy value system, including moral and ethical behavior consistent with the agency's mission and core values. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES

• Select, train, supervise and evaluate staff assigned to Transition Services.
• Implement the MCH model of care in the programs operated by Transition Services. 
• Ensure a trauma-informed approach to care based on Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) principles is promoted and effectively implemented in work with program participants. 
• Promote an environment where staff establish connections with program participants that provide nurture, encouragement, and positive reinforcement for appropriate behavior and decision-making. This environment will include teaching life skills that facilitate friendship formation and supportive networks as well as problem solving and negotiation skills.
• Ensure program participants are held accountable for appropriate behavior/participation in the program and redirection is provided when behavior/participation is deemed inappropriate.
• Work independently and in cooperation with other staff to ensure a safe living environment is provided for young adults residing in the Independent Living Program.
• Ensure the development and implementation of an individualized plan of service based on the needs of each program participant with an emphasis on assisting program participants in learning how to locate and access services and resources to aid in their path to independence.
• Meet individually with Transition Services Coordinators to review and guide case planning, case management and discharge planning.
• Maintain compliance with agency policies/procedures and applicable accreditation standards.
• Schedule staff to ensure appropriate staff coverage of programs offered.
• Participate in the development of the annual operating budget and operate programs within the approved budget. 
• Effectively manage agency funds and document the expenditure of agency funds.
• Ensure all facilities and equipment are clean, organized and maintained.
• Collaborate with external stakeholders and providers to ensure MCH is maximizing community resources for program participants in the transition to independence.
• Lead program evaluation and continuous quality improvement process for Transition Services.
• Complete required documentation. 

WORKING CONDITIONS

This is a professional position that may require more hours than the normal forty hour workweek.  Presence during normal business hours of the agency is required to provide supervision and availability for consultation, staffing and administrative functions.  Responsibilities include serving as administrator on-call on a rotating basis and working after normal office hours, during the weekend or on holidays.  Out of town and overnight travel are also required.  An automobile for in town and out of town travel is required. Mileage reimbursement is provided for use of personal automobile for approved business purposes. A technology stipend is provided to support the communication requirements of this position.

EDUCATION/LICENSURE

A Master's Degree in Social Work or a related field is required.  Experience working with youth and young adults from group care and experience with transition planning are preferred.  Credentials as a Licensed Master Social Worker or Licensed Professional Counselor is preferred. 

TRAINING

Training hours must be completed annually to comply with licensing and accreditation standards, as well as MCH policy.  The employee's supervisor may require additional training to meet specific job requirements or enhance professional growth.  Completion of training requirements is mandatory for continued employment.   

OTHER

The Director of Transition Services must be at least 21 years of age and have a valid Texas Driver's License, an excellent driving record that meets the standards set forth by the liability insurance company and Methodist Children's Home, no criminal history and acceptable references. 

CLOSING STATEMENT

I have reviewed the job description for the position of Director of Transition Services and understand I must be able to perform the duties outlined above. The Physical Demands/Requirements of the position are provided in another document and discussed at hire. I understand that due to the complexities of the position all duties and responsibilities may not be outlined in this job description and the duties and responsibilities of this position are subject to change.

Last reviewed in July 2026