Assistant Director of Programs – Youth Detention Center

About the role

The Assistant Director of Programs will lead the development, administration, and oversight of policies and programs at the Atlanta Youth Detention Center (YDC) in College Park, GA. Reporting to senior leadership within the Department of Juvenile Justice, this role ensures the safety, security, and rehabilitative services for detained youth while managing a large staff and complex operations.

Key responsibilities

• Direct and monitor all youth detention functions to maintain custody and security.
• Identify training needs, provide guidance, and conduct staff training.
• Recruit, hire, supervise, evaluate, and, when necessary, discipline employees.
• Manage human‑resources and administrative activities for the facility.
• Oversee daily operations, including food services, recreation, medical, dental, education, behavioral health, and PBIS programs.
• Monitor budgetary activities and ensure compliance with financial guidelines.
• Conduct inspections, investigations, and crisis response as required.
• Ensure facility compliance with PREA, ACA, and other regulatory standards.
• Facilitate communication among internal and external stakeholders.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field from an accredited institution.
• Minimum three years of relevant supervisory or program‑management experience.
• Demonstrated ability to manage large, multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience in correctional or juvenile‑justice environments preferred.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory standards such as PREA and ACA.

Required skills

What we offer

• Competitive salary of $72,000 per year.
• Comprehensive benefits package tailored to various career stages.
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on youth and community safety.