Program Director South Mississippi Child Advocacy Center (CAC) - Gulfport, MS

Education

Founded in 1912 as an adoption agency, Canopy Children's Solutions is Mississippi’s most comprehensive nonprofit provider of children’s behavioral health, educational, and social service solutions. Canopy employs a diverse group of mission-driven individuals committed to honoring the voice of Mississippi children and families. Being an integral part of the Canopy team involves committing to the Core Values that drive our organization forward:

• The voice of our children and families always comes first
• Relationships matter and our differences make us stronger
• We take great joy in service to others
• Our families and our communities deserve our very best
  
  

Canopy has been recognized as a Great Place to Work® for the fifth consecutive year and is one of only nine companies in Mississippi to earn this certification for 2025–2026. At Canopy, employees are committed to fostering a healthy workplace culture built on trust and driven by a shared mission: helping children thrive and empowering families to overcome extraordinary challenges.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package for all eligible full-time employees. Benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Competitive Compensation
• 403b Retirement Plan with Match
• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• PTO/Vacation
• Employee Wellness Program and Counseling Services
  
  

Program Director - Position Overview

• The Child Advocacy Center (CAC) Director oversees Canopy Children’s Solutions’ South MS Child Advocacy Center (SMCAC) in providing comprehensive services to possible child victims of abuse and their non-offending caregivers in conjunction with a multi-disciplinary team.
• The CAC Director is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the CAC including management and oversight of the center staff, policy implementation, program development, interagency collaboration, community partnerships, grant-writing, and financial stewardship.
• The CAC Director is also responsible for the implementation of applicable CAC policies and practices in accordance with federal, state, and local laws in consultation with the National Children’s Alliance and the Child Advocacy Centers of Mississippi (CACM).
  
  

Job Responsibilities

• Maintain program accreditation, certification and licensure in coordination with the NCA, CACM, Director of Family Support Solutions, and Chief Solutions Officer.
• Responsible for on-site compliance reviews, audits, or certification reviews from regulatory authorities.
• Implement organization policy, procedures and plans in coordination with the Director of Family Support Solutions assuring the effective and consistent operation of the CAC.
• Assist in review of policies and procedures at least annually assuring the effective operation of the CAC in coordination with the Director of Family Support Solutions.
• Assist in program evaluation and continuous quality improvement in coordination with the Director of Quality Management and Director of Family Support Solutions.
• Ensure the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) is attended by community providers with a vested interest in the child advocacy process including but not limited to victim advocate, medical personnel, mental health providers, law enforcement, child protective services and prosecution, and CAC staff.
• Maintain positive relationships with members of the MDT and in the community.
  
  

Assure the integrity of services within the Child Advocacy Center by:

• Assist in reviewing current program designs and modifications as necessary.
• Assure integrity of child/youth records and personal data.
• Assists in establishing and maintaining procedures regarding child/youth confidentiality as needed.
• Conduct internal audits to assure compliance with regulatory authorities and quality practice.
• Conduct monthly case reviews to assure quality of practice, treatment and services.
• Coordinate annual and new hire staff development and training with Canopy’s Director of Learning and Development, and as required by the Child Advocacy Centers of MS (CACM).
• Oversee the following programmatic processes: forensic interviewing, assessment/evaluation, victim advocacy, MDT facilitation, individualized service planning, and clinical interventions.
  
  

Carries Out Administrative And Clinical Duties, Which Include

• In coordination with Canopy support systems, responsible for location/site management which includes but is not limited to managing office space, grounds, and environment of care for both the Gulfport and Pascagoula CAC offices.
• Responsible for managing the CAC budget in coordination with Canopy’s accounting department and the Director of Family Support Solutions.
• Responsible for posting positions, interviewing, on-boarding, and when necessary, separating in consultation with the
• Director of Family Support Solutions and Human Resource department.
• Assure adequate staff coverage following agency and regulatory guidelines.
• Attend routine individual supervisions with Director of Family Support Solutions, and other meetings as assigned.
• Perform new hire and annual evaluations on all direct employees under supervision.
• Approve time sheets for all direct employees under supervision on a bi-weekly basis.
• Track and document Key Performance Indicators and other data focused reports as required.
• Maintain professional licensure and present proof of license renewal.
• Obtain and maintain required certifications.
• Participate in staff training and education programs as needed.
• Develop and recommend annual and long range plans within established guidelines.
• Help ensure coverage of staff positions as a back-up when needed.
• Communicate program area improvements with District Attorney of counties served by the South MS CAC.
• Participate in court testimony as needed.
• Performs other duties as required.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Management/Administration, Law Enforcement, or related fields is required; with a Master’s degree preferred.
• A minimum of Three (3) years of experience in management/leadership is required; and at least Two (2) years of experience working with children with trauma histories and their families is preferred.
• The CAC Director must have knowledge of Child Advocacy Center operations, its mission, and an understanding of its organization structure.
• Strong oral, written and interpersonal communication skills are required.
• Must have experience in working with diverse professionals from child protection, law enforcement, court systems and related community services.
• The CAC Director must possess strong organizational and leadership skills and be able to work well within a complex system of care.
• Must be at least 21 years of age, have a valid driver’s license, a good driving record, proof of legally appropriate auto liability insurance, and must be willing to use personal vehicle for organization business.
• Moderate travel required.
• Candidates must meet the basic requirements of passing a criminal history background.