Living Unit Lead

Job Purpose

Reports to the Program Supervisor in providing care, supervision, and therapeutic treatment to youth within the residential program while serving as the designated shift leader for assigned living unit operations. The Living Unit Shift Lead supports the implementation of treatment plans, coordinates daily activities and staff assignments, promotes a safe and therapeutic environment, and serves as a resource to direct care staff during assigned shifts. This position bridges direct care and supervisory functions by providing leadership, coaching, and operational support while ensuring quality care and compliance with organizational, licensing, and regulatory requirements. Acts as a working member of the direct-care team and is included in staff-to-youth ratio counts while supervising youth and overseeing unit operations.

Essential Job Functions

1. Supports the Therapeutic and Trauma-Informed Culture
   • Promotes and models the organization's trauma-informed philosophy of care.
   • Builds and maintains therapeutic relationships with youth and staff.
   • Leads and participates in therapeutic group activities and daily programming.
   • Recognizes and reinforces progress toward treatment goals and positive behavioral outcomes.
   
   2. Ensures Implementation of Youth Treatment Plans
   • Maintains awareness of youth treatment goals and support plans.
   • Ensures staff consistently implement approved treatment strategies.
   • Provides line-of-sight supervision and proactive behavior management.
   
   3. Provides Shift Leadership and Operational Coordination
   • Serves as the designated lead staff member during assigned shifts.
   • Coordinates daily staff assignments and youth activities.
   • Provides work direction, guidance, and support to residential staff.
   • Acts as the primary point of contact for routine operational issues.
   
   4. Supports Staff Development and Training
   • Assists with onboarding and training of new staff members.
   • Serves as a mentor and resource for direct care staff.

• Conducts bi-monthly 1:1 supervision of YDS Staff

5. Oversees Medication Administration and Youth Services
• Ensures medications are administered according to physician orders.
• Coordinates transportation, appointments, and program activities.

6. Supports Educational and Developmental Programming
• Encourages youth participation in educational programming.
• Coordinates and participates in recreational, fitness, and skill-building activities.

7. Ensures Accurate Documentation and Compliance
• Completes documentation required by licensing and organizational standards.
• Reviews documentation for completeness and accuracy.

8. Maintains a Safe Environment
• Responds appropriately to crisis situations and emergencies.
• Utilizes approved interventions when necessary.

Job Qualifications

Required:
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Associate degree or equivalent combination of education and experience in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Education, or related field.
• Two years of experience working with at-risk youth or related populations.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities and ability to provide work direction to peers.
• Valid driver's license with an insurable driving record.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to safely perform approved physical interventions when necessary.

Preferred:
• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Previous leadership, lead worker, or supervisory experience.
• Experience training or mentoring staff.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care and crisis intervention.

Professional Development & Organizational Responsibilities

Maintains Professional and Technical Knowledge
• Attends required trainings and professional development opportunities.
• Maintains certifications and training requirements.

Protects the Credibility of the Organization's Mission
• Demonstrates behaviors consistent with the organization's mission, vision, and values.

Maintains Staff and Program Results
• Supports continuous quality improvement initiatives.
• Assists with monitoring program outcomes and compliance standards.

Contributes to Team Effort
• Participates actively in meetings and team discussions.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefit Overview:

• Competitive Pay
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance 
• Competitive 401k plan
• 10 paid Holidays
• PTO, VTO, Wellness Day, & Floating Holiday
• 5 Weeks Paid Sabbatical Leave
• Onsite Café (New London)
• Tuition Reimbursement 
• Nature Trails/Waterfront on 700 acres (New London)
• Onsite Fitness Center and Gymnasium 
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Jury Duty Leave
• Bereavement Leave
• Paid Benefits for Birth or Adoption