Director of Residential Services

Position Summary:

The Director of Residential Services provides strategic and operational leadership for all aspects of residential care within the agency. This role is responsible for creating and maintaining a safe, supportive, and therapeutic environment for children who have experienced abuse, neglect, and trauma. This position manages and develops a multidisciplinary team, ensuring the implementation of high-quality care and evidence-based treatment programs. Additionally, the Director collaborates with Clinical, Administrative, and external partners to promote positive outcomes and well-being for all children in care.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Leadership and Supervision:

• Provide leadership and direction to residential staff, including Residential Supervisors, Shift Coordinators, Youth Specialists, and Support Staff.
• Hire, assist with training, supervise, mentor, coach, and evaluate staff performance to ensure high standards of care.
• Foster a trauma-informed, compassionate, and respectful environment that aligns with the organization's values and mission.
• Oversee the daily operations of the residential program, ensuring compliance with organizational policies, licensing requirements, and accreditation standards.
• Develop and implement strategic goals, objectives, and performance metrics for the residential program.
• Collaborate with clinical, educational, and administrative departments to ensure a holistic and integrated approach to care.

Residential Program Development and Management:

• Oversee the development and implementation of the residential programs designed to address the complex needs of abused and neglected children.
• Monitor and ensure that residential programs and services meet regulatory, licensing, and accreditation requirements.
• Write policies and procedures to comply with State Contract, Licensing, and accreditation.
• Facilitate regular staff meetings and training sessions to maintain a high standard of service quality and adherence to best practices. Collaborate with Clinical staff to ensure that treatment plans are integrated with daily residential activities, providing a trauma-informed approach to healing and growth.
• Ensure that the physical environment is safe, clean, and conducive to the emotional well-being of children.

Crisis Management and Risk Mitigation:

• Lead and manage emergency response procedures, including crisis intervention and the resolution of conflicts or behavioral issues.
• Ensure that residential staff are trained in crisis de-escalation techniques, behavioral management, and the application of therapeutic approaches.
• Assist in the development and implementation of policies and procedures to reduce risks and promote the safety and well-being of children and staff.
• Coordinate with on-call staff, community resources, and law enforcement when necessary to resolve emergencies effectively.
• Function as an on-call staff.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive crisis response protocols and ensure staff are trained in their implementation.

Collaboration:

• Work closely with internal departments (Clinical, Education, Administrative) and external partners (community organizations, funding agencies, regulatory bodies) to coordinate services and streamline care.
• Function as a liaison between the facility and external stakeholders such as families, government agencies, legal representatives, and community partners.
• Participate in Administrative, Treatment Team meetings, offering insights and guidance on behavior management, therapeutic interventions, and overall child well-being.
• Participate in case reviews, multidisciplinary team meetings, and family conferences to ensure children's progress and well-being are prioritized.

Compliance and Documentation:

• Ensure compliance with all relevant State and Federal regulations related to Residential Treatment and Child Welfare services.
• Maintain accurate records, reports, and documentation, ensuring confidentiality and adherence to legal and ethical standards.
• Oversee the reporting and monitoring of incidents, behavioral trends, and progress toward treatment goals.

1. Training and Professional Development:

• Develop and implement ongoing training programs for residential staff to ensure they are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to support children in a trauma-informed, therapeutic environment.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging staff to pursue professional development opportunities and certifications.

Quality Assurance and Outcomes:

• Continuously assess and evaluate the effectiveness of Residential Services through feedback, assessments, and outcome measurements.
• Lead efforts to improve quality of care based on performance data, best practices, and ongoing evaluation.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's Degree required. Master's Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or a related field. Licensure (LCSW, LPC, LMFT, or equivalent) is preferred.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in residential treatment, child welfare, or related fields.
  • At least 3 years in a supervisory or leadership role, ideally within a residential treatment or child welfare setting.
  • Good moral character, emotionally stable, and of sufficient health, ability, experience, and education to perform the assigned duties and free of communicable tuberculosis.
  • Awareness and sensitivity of cultural differences among agency residents.
  • Proven experience in trauma-informed care, working with abused and neglected children, and managing crisis situations.
• Additional Requirements:
  • Must pass background checks as required by State Licensing and Regulatory agencies.
  • Must pass Post Offer of Employment requirements including a physical and TB test.
  • CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain.
  • Commitment to the mission and values of Christ Child House, including an understanding of and adherence to relevant child welfare standards.
  • This position requires the ability to stoop, squat, kneel and crouch and potentially physically manage residents; turn head and torso, bending and flexing arms, wrists and fingers, use of hands to feel objects, reach with hands and arms; the full use of vision in order to read forms, reports, computer terminals and printouts and maintain line of sight of the residents; the full power of speech and the ability to utilize telephone, computers, and other instruments of communication with clients and employees.
  • Must have a Michigan Driver's License with an acceptable driving record.

• Skills:
  • Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams.
  • Deep understanding of child development, trauma, and behavioral health treatment approaches.
  • Excellent problem-solving, conflict resolution, and decision-making abilities.
  • Knowledge of regulatory requirements and licensing standards for residential treatment facilities.
  • Strong understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion principles.
  • Manage and secure cooperation from Supervisors, staff, and residents.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels Agency staff.
  • Effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.
  • Motivate, discipline, coach, and counsel staff to encourage proper and appropriate behavior and to support established treatment plans for the children.
  • Knowledge of institutional management practices with particular emphasis on the treatment and care of children.
  • Practical working knowledge of modern business management practices.
  • Interest in and sympathetic understanding of emotionally disturbed children.
  • Good ethical and professional judgment.
  • Physical condition to fulfill responsibilities of position.

Work Environment:

• The Director of Residential Services will work in a residential treatment facility environment, with direct oversight of residential care operations.
• This position requires regular interaction with children, staff, and external stakeholders in both a supervisory and therapeutic context.
• Evening and weekend hours may be required to respond to urgent situations or staff needs.

Working Conditions:

• Environment: Primarily office-based with occasional on-site training sessions and potential off-site travel for recruitment or professional development.
• Schedule: Full-time, typically Monday-Friday with occasional evening and weekend hours as needed.

Christ Child House is an equal opportunity employer. CCH does not discriminate against any qualified employee or applicant regarding hiring, tenure, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Salary : $50,000 - $60,000