Residential Services Director (526)

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) envisions a world where children are safe, families are strong, and communities are vibrant.

LSF is seeking a talented Residential Services Director who wants to make an impact in the lives of others.

Purpose and Impact:

The Residential Services Director assumes the primary responsibility for program implementation and maintenance of quality services for youth served in the residential programs. Directs the activities of staff in programs for residents during day and over night shifts. Provide a nurturing environment for residents and staff with a positive attitude. This position manages the house coordinators, house parents, and residents in compliance with 65C-46 and Quality Standards. This is a non-direct care position.

Essential Functions:

• Directly supervises the residential program staff, including program counselor(s), shelter/residential manager, office manager, trainer/quality assurance, and maintenance specialist.
• Monitors daily operations of residential team to ensure client safety and case management progression toward agency’s contract goals.
• Identifies cases of special interest or increased risk and arranges for staffings with Case Management Organizations, clinical team, and other stakeholders to promote a multi-disciplinary approach to case resolution and problem-solving.
• Coordinates with Quality Management to create data reports, program analysis, and outcomes to determine effectiveness of services and quality of documentation. Takes lead on preparing annual report.
• Meets with each assigned direct report monthly to review team progress toward program goals.
• Participates with Executive Program Director and Associate Vice President of Quality in the formulation of agency policies, procedures, performance improvement initiatives, and with agency CQI activities.
• Attends staffings and meetings as required. Represents LSF in the community and in partnership with Lead Agencies, case management organizations, and community stakeholders.
• Is available by cell phone 24 hours 7 days per week unless on agency approved leave.
• Performs written employee evaluations for all assigned direct reports in a timely manner.
• Demonstrates excellent customer service and responds and coordinates responses to client and other customer service concerns and/or issues.
• Participates in recruitment, hiring, and training of new employees, volunteers, and interns.
• Fully supports the retention of employees through direct support to the residential team.
• Reviews data and other available information to inform decision-making and monitor performance and outcomes/program goals.
• Provides leadership in the formulation and implementation of services plans, training, and analysis of objectives.
• Oversee all Intakes & Discharges with Intake Coordinator and the Shelter/Residential Manager.
• Responsible for volunteer scheduling and assists with volunteer and new employee training and shadowing. Ensures all unsupervised volunteers have staff assigned to them.
• Assures assigned programs meet or exceed all contractual, licensing, quality assurance, and fiscal requirements.
• Serves as programmatic liaison to Community Based Care Lead Agencies, Case Management Organizations, Department of Children & Families, Department of Juvenile Justice, schools, social service agencies, and juvenile courts to promote positive, collaborative, and cooperative relationships.
• Oversees new program development and growth.
• Oversees fiscal management of assigned program budgets.
• Networks with a wide variety of community organizations and funding sources.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to remain in a stationary position (e.g., at a desk or computer) for extended periods (up to 6-8 hours per day).
• Frequently communicates with staff, residents, families, and external stakeholders and must be able to exchange accurate information clearly and professionally.
• Ability to occasionally move throughout residential facilities, including climbing stairs, navigating uneven surfaces, and entering all resident-accessible areas.
• Occasionally lifts and/or moves items up to 25 pounds (e.g., files, program supplies, small equipment).
• Ability to observe, assess, and respond to emergency situations in residential settings, including providing physical assistance if needed.
• Must be able to travel between residential program sites and attend community or agency meetings as necessary.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services field is required. Master’s degree preferred.

Experience:

Must have a minimum of 5 years’ experience in child welfare/at-risk youth programs, including three years of supervisory experience in programs serving at-risk youth and families.

Skills:

Must possess demonstrated leadership and administrative abilities, be able to develop and monitor contracts, be able to work effectively with others, be a collaborative team player, present self well in public, be an effective communicator, and function well with minimal supervision, relevant training in de-escalation techniques and Trauma Based Relational Therapy; budgeting and service coordination experience a must. Bi-lingual in English and Spanish a plus.

Other:

Must demonstrate sensitivity to our service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs.

Principle Accountabilities:

• Reports to Executive Program Director.
• Team player with co-workers, LSF staff, local, regional, and state agencies.
• Cost effective preparation and management of assigned program budgets.
• Adherence to all licensing and quality assurance standards.
• Accurate and timely submission of required programmatic and statistical reports.
• Effective staff management and leadership.
• Assures quality programming.
• Adherence to all agency policies and procedures.

Why work for LSF?

LSF offers 60 programs across the state of Florida serving a wide range of populations in need. Mission Driven staff members become part of the LSF community while transforming the lives of those in need. Our staff additionally find growth opportunities as they explore areas of interest within the organization.
Amazing benefits package including:

• Medical, Dental and Vision
• Telehealth (24/7 online access to Doctors)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employer paid life insurance (1X salary)
• 13 paid holidays 1 floating holiday
• Generous PTO policy (starting at 16 working days a year)
  • Note: Head Start employees paid time off and holiday schedule may differ
• 403(b) Retirement plan with 3% discretionary employer match OR 3% student loan repayment reimbursement
• Tuition reimbursement

LSF is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Lutheran Services Florida is mandated to perform background screenings for employment in accordance with the Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse as outlined in Section 435.12, Florida Statutes. Additionally, pursuant to House Bill 531 (2025), Lutheran Services Florida must ensure that all job vacancy postings and advertisements include a clear and conspicuous link to the AHCA Clearinghouse website and its requirements. For more information on background screening requirements please visit: https://info.flclearinghouse.com