Director of Therapeutic Residential Services

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Therapeutic Residential Services assumes primary responsibility for the daily programming of the residential facility. This position directly supervises the Residential Leadership team and, under the direction of the Managing Director of Congregate Care, ensures the quality of all aspects of treatment provided for youth and families served by the Hoyleton Campus program in accordance with the CARE practice model.

The Director monitors data to ensure CARE/TCI best practices are implemented, collaborates with the QI team to develop QIP goals, and manages relationships with state partners. The Director also oversees the successful implementation of the Vocational and Recreational program, ensuring clients and staff are actively engaged in therapeutic activities and life skills development on campus and in the community.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Interviews, selects, supervises, and evaluates the performance of the Residential Leadership team; addresses performance issues as needed, including recommending disciplinary actions to the Managing Director.
• Fosters a team-based approach, strengthening relationships with staff, administrators, and professionals to support staff development and collaboration.
• Develops and monitors corrective action plans when compliance issues arise.
• Ensures fidelity to the CARE practice model and Therapeutic Crisis Intervention methods across the residential program, promoting staff modeling, continuous improvement, and ongoing alignment with best practices.
• Ensures regulatory and funding compliance, including Qualified Residential Treatment Center (QRTP) requirements, Medicaid Rules 132 and 140, the Family First Prevention Services Act, the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act, and DCFS policies.
• Oversees vocational and recreational programming, ensuring youth access to therapeutic activities and life skills development.
• Builds and sustains relationships with families, community partners, and outside stakeholders.
• Ensures residential staff uphold agency standards, policies, and practices.
• Provides oversight of campus property, including maintenance, repairs, renovations, safety protocols, and emergency preparedness.
• Assists in residential budget development; monitors census, expenses, and funding streams; maximizes revenue opportunities while minimizing variances.
• Ensures programming with youth is intentional and goal-oriented, supporting shorter lengths of stay, family connections, and community-based living.
• Collaborates with Residential Leaders and HR/Training staff to ensure adequate staffing, staff preparation, supervision, performance appraisal, and discipline.
• Monitors program data, significant events, and outcomes; develops and implements strategies to reduce restrictive or coercive behavior management techniques.
• Collaborates with the Managing Director to implement agency strategy and stays current with research and best practices in residential treatment.
• Maintains a flexible schedule, including varied shifts and on-call responsibilities, to monitor staff performance and service quality.
• Performs other related tasks as required by the Managing Director of Congregate Care.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Demonstrated knowledge of Medicaid and COA standards.
• Experience, personal qualities, and practice skills to work effectively across multiple disciplines internally and externally.
• Strong leadership capacity, including the ability to inspire, educate, coach staff, make effective decisions, motivate teams, and manage multiple projects.
• Ability to plan, develop, and successfully implement programmatic change.
• Ability to direct services in a manner that respects cultural background, heritage, and client identity.
• Commitment to trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, and vicarious trauma–aware leadership.
• Ability to review and interpret financial reports, manage budgets, and strategically plan.
• Skills in public speaking and conducting formal training internally and externally.
• Problem-solving abilities from a systemic approach.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Adaptability and flexibility to support development of new programming.
• Must meet DCFS/CANTS Clearance Requirements
• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and maintain proof of automobile insurance

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree in Social Work or related field required. (Licensure preferred)
• Minimum of ten (10) years preferred or equivalent experience managing leaders and multiple teams

CARE & TCI

Hoyleton has adopted the CARE (Children and Residential Experience), developed by Cornell University, to guide our culture and practice. CARE is grounded in six core principles: Developmentally Focused, Family Involved, Relationship Based, Ecologically Oriented, Competence Centered, and Trauma Informed.

Completion of CARE and TCI training is an internal requirement for all staff and must be completed upon hire. Ongoing application of these principles is expected and essential to successful job performance.

TCI (Therapeutic Crisis Intervention). Employees must:

Pass the written test annually

Pass the physical test every six months (if applicable to their role)

Consistent participation and application of both CARE and TCI principles drive company culture and are essential to job performance.

Working Conditions

This position operates in a professional office and residential environment and may require travel to agency sites and partner organizations based on role responsibilities.

The role involves periods of walking, standing, or sitting, and may occasionally require climbing stairs, bending, kneeling, or lifting materials up to 10 pounds, depending on job duties.

Minimal exposure to environmental factors such as noise, dust, or varying indoor/outdoor temperatures may occur depending on program needs and client-related activities.