Youth and Family Care Connection, Shift Lead

New Oakland Family Centers provides comprehensive mental health care for individuals of all ages and families across the state of Michigan in outpatient, partial hospital and crisis care settings. The mission of New Oakland Family Centers is to provide psychiatric treatment, therapeutic counseling and educational services of the highest quality to individuals and families by offering consistent and passionate support, being responsive to their needs and treating them with the utmost respect through active involvement in our communities.

Position Details

Schedule: Five, 8.5-hour shifts, Monday through Friday, with day shifts from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM and night shifts from 9:00 PM to 5:30 AM as determined by Director or Supervisor. Weekend and holiday coverage as needed. Available shifts include 9PM - 5:30AM *Please note that initial new hire training will be conducted during daytime hours at the assigned training location, consisting of five 8.5-hour shifts from Monday to Friday. Completion of this training is required before beginning non-traditional shifts.

Reports to: Clinical Director / Clinical Supervisor

Compensation: Hourly Employee. Commensurate with experience.

Position Summary

The Youth and Family Care Connection (YFCC) Shift Lead is a full-time position responsible for overseeing clinical and administrative functions within the 24/7 short-term crisis stabilization unit for children. The YFCC Shift Lead ensures safe, effective, and compassionate care while leading the crisis unit staff. They provide direct support, manage daily operations, ensure adherence to best practices, and handle disciplinary actions, employee follow-ups, new hire orientation, and staff training to maintain high standards of care and efficiency.

Desired Skills

• Expertise in crisis de-escalation and resolution techniques.
• Up-to-date knowledge of behavioral management and de-escalation strategies.
• Ability to assess situations quickly, prioritize urgency and risks, and make timely, sound decisions that benefit the consumer and program.
• Capacity to remain calm and collaborate effectively as part of a team during crisis situations.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to effectively engage diverse populations, including children, adolescents, and adults.

Key Responsibilities

• Foster a safe, nurturing environment that promotes respect, diversity, acceptance, and compassion while maintaining professional and appropriate boundaries with clients and staff at all times.
• Maintain a presence in client care areas to provide assistance and support to both clients and staff. Engage with clients daily to support their progress toward milieu goals, encourage independence, and assist with daily living activities.
• Identify and respond to verbal and non-verbal cues of potential aggressive behaviors, utilizing de-escalation techniques when necessary. Respond to critical situations, including CPI-approved physical interventions and CPR, as required.
• Support front desk operations by assisting with client check-ins, answering calls, and directing inquiries appropriately.
• Coordinate with external agencies, including emergency responders, transport services, and referral facilities when needed.
• Complete required documentation, records, and rotation schedules in compliance with agency policies and role expectations.
• Communicate daily with Crisis Services staff regarding clinical and administrative matters, contributing to a collaborative work environment.
• Ensure adequate support for all shifts by managing call-offs and planned time off, in conjunction with the Crisis Services Supervisor and Director.  Should the position needing coverage be that of the shift leader then the shift leader will be prepared to cover the necessary position and shift.
• Lead and facilitate staff meetings, including addressing disciplinary actions, follow-ups, and training for new hires.
• Perform light cleaning duties, including laundry and addressing bodily fluid incidents, while maintaining a clean and organized milieu.
• Support transportation services when needed, including monitoring vehicle safety, coordinating maintenance and repairs, filing incident reports, and maintaining communication with drivers and program staff.
• Adhere to all security and operational procedures, staying current with professional training requirements.
• Attend and participate in team meetings and contribute to a collaborative work environment.
• Exhibit a positive attitude toward learning and adaptability in a dynamic work environment.
• Demonstrate ability to accept constructive feedback, implement guidance, and show a willingness to grow and improve professionally.
• Stay current with professional training requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support clinic operations.

Working Conditions

• Employees are expected to maintain a professional appearance in alignment with the Employee Handbook and be prepared for active engagement with clients.
• Employees are to work in an acute, locked-down crisis unit within a high-intensity crisis center environment with exposure to behavioral and medical events that could pose physical hazards.
• Employees are expected to actively engage with clients, including using approved CPI techniques or intervening in elopement situations when necessary
• May require prolonged periods of standing, moving and bending. Reasonable accommodations can be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions as needed.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds as needed.
• The position involves prolonged active listening and verbal communication.
• Proficiency in using computers, phones, and office equipment for documentation and telehealth purposes is necessary. This includes but is not limited to Office 365 and Electronic Medical Record systems.

• High school diploma or equivalent and 4-5 years of experience with New Oakland Family Centers and/or the Youth and Family Care Connection program required.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in social work, counseling, psychology or related field and 1-2 years in mental health, behavioral health, or a related field required; 2-3 years of experience with New Oakland Family Centers and/or the Youth and Family Care Connection program highly preferred.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license with an approved driving record that meets facility and insurance requirements.
• Ability to assess situations quickly, problem-solve, and implement appropriate interventions.
• Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques and de-escalation strategies preferred.
• CPR and CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention) certification preferred or willingness to obtain upon hire.
• Flexibility to work various shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development