The Center for Improving Youth Justice (CIYJ) is committed to transforming the juvenile justice system through evidence-based practices, coaching, and technical assistance. We partner with jurisdictions, agencies, and youth-serving organizations to implement reforms that improve outcomes for justice-involved youth and their communities.Position OverviewThe Performance-based Standards (PbS) Coach serves as a trusted advisor and ambassador to participating jurisdictions, supporting the successful implementation and integration of the PbS continuous improvement model into daily facility operations.This role brings deep, career-long expertise in juvenile justice—particularly within secure care—and applies that experience to guide agencies in improving conditions of confinement, strengthening staff practices, and building sustainable, data-driven systems for long-term improvement. Coaches partner closely with facility and agency leadership to translate PbS data into actionable strategies that drive better outcomes for youth and staff.Key ResponsibilitiesCoaching & Technical AssistanceServe as the primary point of contact and trusted advisor to assigned jurisdictions and facilitiesProvide ongoing coaching, guidance, and technical assistance to support effective use of PbSConduct regular check-ins, site visits, and trainings to reinforce implementation and continuous improvement practicesHelp jurisdictions interpret PbS data and translate findings into actionable improvement plans Partnership & Relationship BuildingBuild strong, collaborative relationships with facility staff, leadership, and agency partnersServe as a “goodwill ambassador,” fostering trust through active listening, credibility, and shared problem-solvingCreate a supportive environment where staff feel comfortable discussing challenges and opportunitiesRecognize and elevate effective practices across sites to promote shared learningContinuous Improvement & Field SupportGuide jurisdictions in embedding PbS into daily operations as a sustainable, self-driven improvement modelIdentify strengths and progress, while constructively addressing areas for improvement using data and experienceFacilitate learning conversations focused on “what’s working, what’s not, and why”Share proven strategies, tools, and practices from across the PbS networkCommunication & FeedbackProvide clear, constructive, and confidential feedback to site and agency leadershipServe as a critical “listening post” to elevate field insights and emerging needsDocument and share success stories and effective practices that can benefit other jurisdictionsContribute to internal team discussions to strengthen coaching approaches and service deliveryWork Cycle & Travel ExpectationsPbS operates on a biannual data collection cycle, with major collection periods in April and OctoberCoaches are expected to provide increased, responsive support to assigned sites during the reporting and finalization periods that follow (primarily May and November)This includes helping sites complete data entry, interpret results, and prepare for improvement planningOutside of these peak periods, Coaches are expected to conduct on-site visits and in-person technical assistance, typically scheduled during summer and winter months between data cyclesTravel is a regular and expected part of the role and varies based on assigned jurisdictionsQualificationsRequiredExtensive, senior-level experience in juvenile justice, including leadership within secure facilitiesDemonstrated experience managing operations at the facility and/or agency levelDeep understanding of conditions of confinement, youth development, and system improvement effortsStrong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to build trust across diverse stakeholdersAbility to analyze data and guide organizations in using data to drive decision-makingPreferredExperience working across multiple jurisdictions or systemsBackground in performance measurement, quality assurance, or continuous improvement modelsFamiliarity with PbS or similar data-driven reform initiativesExperience providing coaching, training, or technical assistance to agencies
