presents

Chief Officer of
Child & Family Services
Nexus: Youth & Family Solutions

Ballinger | Leafblad is proud to present the following information on

behalf of our client, Nexus: Youth & Family Solutions, in its
search for a Chief Officer of Child & Family Services.

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 presenting our client
Nexus: Youth & Family Solutions
ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW
Nexus: Youth & Family Solutions (Nexus) is a growing national nonprofit corporation which
was founded in Minnesota in 1972.

Today, it is a national organization with a

budget of $110 million and staff of 1,300, serving
roughly 3200 youth and families each year
through services across the states of
Minnesota, Illinois, Maryland, North Dakota and
Idaho. Nexus facilities include six residential
locations and two foster care agencies.

Nexus treats children with severe emotional

and behavioral issues. Programs assist those
who experience abuse, neglect, complex
trauma, mental health disorders, sexually reactive behavior and pervasive developmental
disorders.

The nationally recognized treatment programs help adolescent boys and girls and families
deal with
• Mental, Emotional, Behavioral, Social, and Developmental Issues
• Unhealthy Sexual Behaviors
• Intellectual Developmental Disabilities
• Family Instability Concerns
• Acute and Complex Trauma

A recently completed strategic plan focuses the

organization on long-term growth and
sustainability with continued emphasis on staff
development & training, employee engagement,
efficient processes, integration of the Nexus
model and meaningful, measured outcomes.

Through the acquisition of new locations and the addition

of new programs, Nexus has grown dramatically over the
last several years.

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 presenting our client
Nexus: Youth & Family Solutions

SERVICES
Nexus takes a holistic approach that looks beyond the
behavior to understand underlying issues. Each child receives
an individualized plan focusing on:
• Address the underlying trauma influencing behavior.
• Treat the mental health conditions affecting his or her
behavioral symptoms.
• Help find success in school and build vocational skills.
• Prepare a child for safety in school, home and the community.
• Work with families to restore and build family connections and long-term stability.

The organization’s services include:

COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH
• In-home, community, and school-based therapy services
• Services that focus on rehabilitation, skill-building, and child and family support
• Crisis Nursery services aid families at risk of abuse or neglect
• Supervised Visitation Services per specific county contracts
• Independent Living

RESIDENTAL-BASED TREATMENT SERVICES

• Assessment programs
• Short-Term Models
• Intensive Traditional Treatment
• Transitional Living and Group Homes
• Psychiatric Inpatient

FOSTER CARE
• Regular, child welfare based foster care.
• Treatment Foster Care
• Foster Care specializing in medically fragile and sexually problematic behavior
• Focused efforts to recruit additional foster families to meet demand

ADOPTION
• Completed through state awarded grants

ANCILLIARY SERVICES
• Residential-Based Accredited Education Programs
• Vocational Skill-Building

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 presenting our client
Nexus: Youth & Family Solutions
ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW
No matter where a child is treated in the Nexus system, he or she receives the high-level
services defined as “Nexus.” The Nexus Practice Model guides interactions with parent and
child to work with intention toward Safety, Permanency, and Well-being for families. This is
the Nexus Difference.

NEXUS PRACTICE PRINCIPLES:

Values-Oriented
Relationship-Based
Individualized and Strengths
Culturally Responsive
Trauma-Informed
Family-Driven
Youth-Guided
Skills and Competency
Evidence-Informed
Outcomes-Driven

FINANCIAL MODEL
Nexus is funded almost entirely through Medicaid subsidies. There are complex state
regulations that govern such funding. A small, but growing percent of revenue is from
philanthropic support, such as a recently completed $1.5 million campaign at the Woodbourne
location in Maryland.

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 presenting our client
Nexus: Youth & Family Solutions

MISSION
Strengthening Lives, Families and Communities Through Our Cornerstone Values

VALUES
HONESTY
Be truthful and genuine with self and others.

RESPONSIBIITY
Step up and do the right thing.

COURAGE
Face fear and take action. Make the right decision, regardless of the outcome.

CARE & CONCERN

Demonstrate genuine interest, compassion and support.

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 presenting our client
Nexus: Youth & Family Solutions
In 2016, over 2,600 youth and families were served across the continuum of care:

Traditional Residential Treatment 679

Foster Care 397
On-Site School 299
Inpatient Psychiatric Services 274
Outpatient Services 223
Shelter Care 148
Adoption 108
Children’s Therapeutic Services & Supports 106
Short-Term Foster Care Placement 94
Supervised Visitation Program 90
Evaluation Services 67
Crisis Nursery 42
Transitional Living Program 30
Group Home 25
Bridging Program 7
Short-Term Residential Treatment 4
Independent Living Program 1
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700

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 presenting our client
Nexus: Youth & Family Solutions
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
The guiding principles for Nexus provide a strong sense of direction as we move toward the
future. We believe all children must be treated with dignity and respect, we operate with a
sense of optimism for the future, and we strive to exemplify the highest ethical and moral
standards in our treatment.

COMMUNITY – We collaborate to develop and support healthy teams and partnerships.

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION – We listen to our customers and strive to exceed their

expectations.

HOPE – We believe in and instill an optimistic vision for the future and share the healing
power of a healthy sense of humor.

INNOVATION – We are creative, adaptive, and proactive to achieve excellence in our quality
of care.
INTEGRITY – We exemplify the highest moral and ethical standards by honoring our
commitments.

RESPECT – We welcome diverse viewpoints and treat others with dignity and quality.

STEWARDSHIP – We commit to appreciating, developing, and promoting the wise use of

resources.

ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE
Staff members describe a culture that is mission-driven and focused on making a difference in
the lives of people served. Innovation and a drive to remain “cutting edge” ensure that Nexus
remains flexible and oriented to on-going skills enhancement for staff. The organization’s
growth over the last several years has led to a culture that remains open to continued expansion
and change, while seeking to retain what is unique and special from the past.

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 presenting our client
Nexus: Youth & Family Solutions
NEXUS LOCATIONS
Minnesota

Mille Lacs Academy, Onamia, MN Nexus: Glen Lake, Minnetonka, MN Gerard Academy, Austin, MN

Kindred Family Focus, Monticello

Illinois Maryland

Onarga Academy, Onarga, IL Indian Oaks Academy, Manteno, IL Woodbourne Center, Baltimore, MD

North Dakota

Path North Dakota, with locations in Williston, Minot, Belcourt, Devils Lake, Grand Forks,
Jamestown, Bismarck, Dickinson

Idaho

Path Idaho, with locations in Lewiston, Boise, Idaho Falls, Twin Falls

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 presenting the position of
Chief Officer of Child & Family Services
OVERVIEW OF POSITION
The Chief Officer of Child & Family Services will lead and manage all service operations,
fiscal management, program functioning, integration of clinical excellence, support of
continuous quality improvement activities and ensuring overall service safety and
sustainability. The Chief Officer of Child & Family Services will create opportunities for
organic and new service growth, challenge and support Nexus entities to be innovative and
cutting-edge, and to achieve long-term outcomes. This position reports directly to the CEO
and will work with the CEO and other senior leaders to design strategic initiatives to meet
the organization’s vision and mission. Direct reports to the Chief Officer include all site
Executive Directors.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Establish a healthy organizational culture by modeling and reinforcing the organization’s
values. Build relationships that maintain professionalism, trust, respect, and positive
regard. Reinforce positive internal and external customer service values.
2. Direct and oversee the general functioning of all Nexus core services including residential
treatment and foster care, as well as related ancillary services.
3. Provide direct supervision of Executive Directors and create opportunities for
professional growth, development and learning. Hold site leadership accountable to
performance, effective leadership of their site and the development of future leaders.
4. Manage the fiscal operations of Nexus services and work with Executive Directors to
create budgets, respond to forecasting and meet financial performance expectations.
Make adjustments as needed to create efficiencies, meet fiscal goals, and ensure service
sustainability.
5. Actively participate in the development of effective strategic planning activities in
coordination with other senior leaders to create goals that are relevant, measurable and
reflect the organization’s vision and mission.
6. Participate in the recruiting, selecting, and training process of site leadership, consultants,
and partnerships necessary for service level success.
7. Create a culture of philanthropy, community involvement, advocacy, education and
partnership as well as ensure site level community presence. Attend key organizational
events, conferences, and networking opportunities in order to represent Nexus and
reinforce strong public relations.
8. Collaborate with other departments to establish corporate led initiatives. Support
Executive Directors to integrate corporate department procedures and strategic action
with site goals and objectives.

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 presenting the position of
Chief Officer of Child & Family Services
9. Support the integration of clinical and treatment activities across all Nexus services.
Establish expectations to be evidence informed and outcome driven and ensure that site
leaders create a culture of clinical excellence by working collaboratively with the
corporate clinical department.
10. Create and maintain operating procedures to report and manage client and employee risk.
Establish proactive measures and an evaluation processes to ensure continuous
improvement and refinement when problems arise.
11. Ensure site’s high quality and timely submission of required reports and data related to
employee activities, safety, outcome, and environmental factors.
12. Ensure the site’s licensing, accreditation, contract and grant expectations are met or
exceeded.
13. Work with Executive Directors to grow services, change current service delivery to be
innovative as needed, and enhance business development opportunities.
14. Establish processes to approve site growth and the integration of new services. Manage
and assign project leads for key organizational projects, particularly related to growth
due diligence activities, merger/affiliation opportunities, and the start-up process of new
services.
15. Assume leadership assignments that are unique to corporate senior leaders, participate in
board activities as assigned, and assume the duties of CEO or other senior leaders as
necessary during times of need.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
The Chief Officer of Child and Family Services reports to the Chief Executive Officer. Eight site
and affiliate Executive Directors report directly to the Chief Officer. Indirect reports include two
Associate Executive Directors.

QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge, Skills and Personal Attributes
• Knowledge of business, operational, and human service clinical practices; demonstrate
strong program management skills.
• Understanding of financial reports, possess strong budget management skills, and
demonstrate the ability to make decisions and changes based on financial performance.
• Experience in leading strategic planning and demonstration of the accomplishment of goals.

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 presenting the position of

Chief Officer of Child & Family Services

• Experience in leading and managing multiple sites and services across many states and
regions.
• Ability to think strategically, anticipate future consequences and trends, and incorporate
them into the organizational plan.
• Style that inspires and motivates others to perform well. Is welcoming of feedback and
counsel.
• Inclusive approach to planning, decision-making and process improvement.
• Willing to make timely decisions, exhibit sound and accurate judgment in handling
emergency or crisis situations by taking appropriate actions consistent with Nexus policies,
values, and standards.
• Able to develop and maintain effective controls to ensure the clinical integrity of the
organization.
• Managerial approach of accountability for self and others; leads staff by encouraging
excellence, coaching, tracking and supporting.
• Style that is proactive, result-oriented and adapts rapidly to new situations or information
warranting attention. Shoulders the responsibility with others for disappointments or
failures.
• Commitment to behavior that is at all times professional and ethical. Builds trust both
internally and throughout the community through demonstrated accountability, integrity
and follow-through.
• Style of treating individuals with dignity and respect; exhibits tact, compassion,
sensitivity and requires the same standards of others.
• Willing to take appropriate and timely action on poor performance or behaviors that are
below acceptable standards.
• Strong communication skills both in oral and written form, listens effectively and
facilitates open communication and exchange of ideas, and communicates clear
expectations to staff.
• Skilled at presenting information and speaking to groups.
• Cognizant and current on economic, political, regulatory and social issues and trends that
affect the delivery services.
• Respectful and appreciative of people from diverse backgrounds and promotes/supports
the principles of diversity throughout the organization.
• Experience working with a Board of Directors; able to interact and share information
with the Nexus Board of Directors.

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 presenting the position of
Chief Officer of Child & Family Services
• Demonstrate ethical, HIPAA, and confidentiality standards regarding all business,
financial, youth and family information, medical and treatment issues; ensure that all
violations are reported and rectified.
• Supports the mission of Nexus ("Strengthening Lives, Families, and Communities
through our Cornerstone Values") by exemplifying the cornerstone values, guiding
principles, and practice principles in all interactions and in all work performed on behalf
of the organization.

Education, Credentials and Experience

• MBA or Master's Degree and applicable licensure in a human service or clinical
related field required; business/leadership development certificate preferred.
• Fifteen+ years of experience working in organizations serving children/adolescents and
families; minimum of 8 years in the mental health, behavioral health or healthcare
environment and 7+ years in upper management positions required with demonstrated
expertise in operational, program, and clinical management.

Travel
Up to 20%. All travel for this position will be domestic.

Physical Demands
• Must be able to sit for long periods of time.
• Bending, twisting and reaching conducive to an office environment.
• Travel required via air and ground transportation.
• Infrequent lifting of no more than 30 pounds required.

COMPENSATION
The compensation package for this position is highly attractive and includes an executive
base salary, bonus opportunity and participation in the organization’s benefits plan.

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 presenting the position of
Chief Officer of Child & Family Services
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For additional information and to apply for the position, please contact:

Marcia Ballinger, PhD Lars Leafblad, MBA

Co-Founder/Principal Co-Founder/Principal
651-341-4840 612-598-7547
marcia@ballingerleafblad.com lars@ballingerleafblad.com

CIVIC SEARCH REIMAGINED

Nexus: Youth & Family Solutions is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

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 presenting
Twin Cities ~ Minneapolis and Saint Paul
Welcome to Minnesota Nice - Twin Cities Style

When the Twin Cities hosted the Super Bowl in 2018, it cast an international light on what the
organizing committee dubbed “The Bold North.” It also gave the world an up-close and
personal view of what those who live here already knew. Minnesota Nice is for real.

The Twin Cities of Saint Paul and Minneapolis are a unique blend of small town and major
cosmopolitan hub. Both urban cores boast a thriving business atmosphere. Saint Paul, as the
state capital, is home to state government and has a more historical vibe. Minneapolis is the
larger and more commercial of the two cities. Outside of the central downtowns, however,
both cities have many distinct neighborhoods, and residents identify more with their
individual communities than with the larger city as a whole. And the best news is housing in
most of our friendly neighborhoods is affordable and welcoming.

The Twin Cities lives up to its Bold North tagline in every way. Residents enjoy four very
distinct seasons, none of which will let you down.

According to the website WalletHub, Minneapolis ranks 12th in America for cities with the most
green space. Both cities share a common root of being river towns, and the great outdoors is
a major attraction for residents and visitors alike. In addition to the mighty Mississippi River,
there are more than 900 lakes in the metro area and surrounding suburbs, upwards of 300
parks, and miles of biking and walking trails.

Nearly every weekend in the summer there are several outdoor events for participants and
spectators—triathlons, biking races, running races, boat races, water skiing competitions, golf
tournaments, and more.

The summer highlight for most Minnesotans is the

Minnesota State Fair. One of the largest of its kind
in the country, ours is a world-class showcase of
Minnesota’s best in agriculture, industry, arts and
entertainment. Held on a 320-acre parcel located
between St. Paul and Minneapolis, it is a self-supported organization and has been held on the
Minnesota State Fairgrounds every year since 1885.

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 presenting

Twin Cities ~ Minneapolis and Saint Paul

As summer turns to fall, the region puts on a breathtaking autumn show that draws visitors
from miles around. While fall is a fleeting spectacle, the active lifestyle of Minnesotans doesn't
go dormant during the winter either. Being hardy in every way, we take advantage the miles
of cross-country skiing trails, downhill ski areas, ice skating, snowmobiling, sledding, and, of
course, ice fishing.

In recent years Minneapolis and St. Paul have become two of the most diverse cities in
America, with Minnesota's Somali community being one of the largest in the United States. St.
Paul is the heart of Minnesota’s Hmong community as well and is home to the largest urban
concentration of Hmong residents in the country.

It is by design that we’ve embraced such ethnic uniqueness. Our multi-cultural communities
present us with diversity in the workplace, a strong workforce and an added bonus of getting
to know the world, and coming to understand different cultures, on a more intimate scale
right here at home.

One of the best places to get a taste of our many blended cultures is
Midtown Global Market on Lake Street in Minneapolis. Midtown Global
Market is a welcoming indoor market and meeting place featuring an
abundance of ethnic dishes, gifts and groceries, from Mexican and
Middle Eastern to Vietnamese, Indian, Swedish and Italian.

Many Hmong and Vietnamese restaurants and shops are located in the
Frogtown neighborhood as well, on and around University and Lexington
avenues. Hmongtown Marketplace on Como Avenue and Hmong Village on
Johnson Parkway on St. Paul’s East Side feature a wide variety of traditional
foods, clothing, fabrics and crafts, as well as farmers markets.

There are countless arts and culture offerings in the Twin Cities. The Grammy Award-winning
Minnesota Orchestra has a reputation as one of the top orchestras in the world. The Saint Paul
Chamber Orchestra is also regarded as one of the finest chamber orchestras in the world.

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 presenting

Twin Cities ~ Minneapolis and Saint Paul

If you are a theatre-goer in the Twin Cities you’ll never have a dull
moment. According to the Western States Arts Federation, Minneapolis
ranks as the fifth-most “creatively vital” city in the country, right after
D.C., LA, NYC and Boston. We boast more than 40 venues with a variety
that even the most seasoned thespian would notice. There are the
magnificent musicals that play on the State, Orpheum, and Pantages
stages and lots of local talent making a statement on stages such as the
Southern Theater, New Century, and Illusion. Many a Broadway production touch down in
Minneapolis on their country-wide tours. Cats, The Lion King, and A Chorus Line are a few
examples of productions that have played here. Theater is also a large component of life in
Saint Paul. The gorgeous 1000-seat Fitzgerald Theatre acts as MPR’s largest broadcast studio.
Staged productions commission authors, artists and radio hosts to create programming for
the public radio community. The Fitzgerald Theater is St. Paul’s oldest theater and celebrated
its 100th anniversary in 2010.

The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts has been recognized as one of America’s leading
not-for-profit performing arts centers and is home to a wide variety of performances
throughout the year providing the finest in musical theater, music, dance, and vocal artists in
its Music Theater and Concert Hall. In addition, each year the Ordway presents its Flint Hills
Family Festival, serving more than 50,000 children and adults through its Ordway Education
programs.

And while we’re on the subject of philanthropy, the Twin Cities is proud to call itself home to
hundreds of nonprofits doing good work for the residents of our community, giving us an
even richer connection to each other.

For the museum-goer, there are more than 60 museums in the

metro area. The Science Museum of Minnesota and the
Minnesota Children's Museum (both in Saint Paul) are highly
interactive learning facilities and fun experiences for the entire
family. The Minnesota History Center is an interactive museum
for all ages with permanent and changing exhibits, lectures and
events.

The Minneapolis Institute of Arts has a collection of more than 100,000 pieces. The Walker Art
Center has been called “possibly the best contemporary art museum in the U. S.” by
Newsweek and has over 11,000 pieces. The University of Minnesota's Weisman Art Museum is
also a contemporary art destination.

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Twin Cities ~ Minneapolis and Saint Paul

The Somali Museum of Minnesota on East Lake Street features hundreds of traditional Somali
artworks and artifacts as well as educational programs.

For those who prefer activity of the spectator variety, the Twin Cities is home to the
Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Wild and the Minnesota Timberwolves. We
are also the home city to the four-time WNBA Champion Minnesota Lynx and the Minnesota
United soccer team. Our sporting events are hosted in some of the best sporting facilities in
the country, including Target Field, home of the Minnesota Twins and US Bank Stadium, a
brand new, enclosed stadium where the Minnesota Vikings host their NFL games. Additionally,
the stadium also hosts early season college baseball games of the University of Minnesota
Golden Gophers. A $250 million, 19,400 seat soccer stadium is also in the works in the St. Paul
Midway area for the Minnesota United.

Beyond sports, the great outdoors, entertainment, and culture, perhaps the biggest attraction
for the Twin Cities is the lifestyle. Forbes hailed Saint Paul and Minneapolis as one of the
nation's healthiest cities and USA Today named Saint Paul as North America's “Most Romantic
City.”

The Twin Cities offer award-winning restaurants (several chefs have been regional James
Beard Award winners). In addition to the popular Mall of America, there are plenty of unique
shopping districts in both cities and in the suburbs.

Minneapolis/St. Paul is also proud to have a world-class international airport. In fact, the
Airports Council International named MSP the 2017 Best Airport in North America in its size
category, 25 million to 40 million passengers per year.

The Twin Cities is a vibrant Midwestern community where Minnesota Nice is alive and well. We are
the perfect blend of small town and big city; our residents pride themselves on their warm and
welcoming ways. There’s a reason Business Insider ranked Minneapolis/St. Paul number nine on its
Top 50 Places to Live in America. We really are all that. And more!

www.minneapolis.org www.stpaul.gov

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