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 Overview
The 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 Responsibilities
Coaching & Technical Assistance
Serve as the primary point of contact and trusted advisor to assigned jurisdictions and facilities
Provide ongoing coaching, guidance, and technical assistance to support effective use of PbS
Conduct regular check-ins, site visits, and trainings to reinforce implementation and continuous improvement practices
Help jurisdictions interpret PbS data and translate findings into actionable improvement plans
Partnership & Relationship Building
Build strong, collaborative relationships with facility staff, leadership, and agency partners
Serve as a “goodwill ambassador,” fostering trust through active listening, credibility, and shared problem-solving
Create a supportive environment where staff feel comfortable discussing challenges and opportunities
Recognize and elevate effective practices across sites to promote shared learning
Continuous Improvement & Field Support
Guide jurisdictions in embedding PbS into daily operations as a sustainable, self-driven improvement model
Identify strengths and progress, while constructively addressing areas for improvement using data and experience
Facilitate learning conversations focused on “what’s working, what’s not, and why”
Share proven strategies, tools, and practices from across the PbS network
Communication & Feedback
Provide clear, constructive, and confidential feedback to site and agency leadership
Serve as a critical “listening post” to elevate field insights and emerging needs
Document and share success stories and effective practices that can benefit other jurisdictions
Contribute to internal team discussions to strengthen coaching approaches and service delivery
Work Cycle & Travel Expectations
PbS operates on a biannual data collection cycle, with major collection periods in April and October
Coaches 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 planning
Outside 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 cycles
Travel is a regular and expected part of the role and varies based on assigned jurisdictions
Qualifications
Required
Extensive, senior-level experience in juvenile justice, including leadership within secure facilities
Demonstrated experience managing operations at the facility and/or agency level
Deep understanding of conditions of confinement, youth development, and system improvement efforts
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to build trust across diverse stakeholders
Ability to analyze data and guide organizations in using data to drive decision-making
Preferred
Experience working across multiple jurisdictions or systems
Background in performance measurement, quality assurance, or continuous improvement models
Familiarity with PbS or similar data-driven reform initiatives
Experience providing coaching, training, or technical assistance to agencies