Director of Residential Services

We are seeking a strategic, trauma-informed leader to serve as our Director of Residential Services. This is a key leadership role responsible for the day-to-day operations, staff supervision, and programming across our residential cottages. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in residential or congregate care, a passion for child welfare, and a commitment to building safe, nurturing environments for youth to heal and grow.

You will work closely with clinical, permanency, and nursing teams to provide holistic, integrated care and ensure alignment with regulatory standards and JCCA’s values of equity, dignity, and excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee operations of all residential cottages and ensure compliance with JCCA policies and state regulations.
• Lead and support child care staff, ensuring trauma-informed and developmentally appropriate care.
• Partner with HR on hiring, training, and supervision of residential staff; ensure alignment with union agreements.
• Collaborate across departments to create safe, individualized programming that promotes healing, stability, and permanency.
• Monitor and enhance staff performance through coaching, training, and performance management.
• Ensure safe, coordinated movement of youth around campus (school, health care, recreation, family visits).
• Drive implementation and fidelity of therapeutic models and support campus-wide integration.

Competencies Required

• Capacity to lead and supervise a broad array of recovery-oriented trauma-informed practice within a residential treatment setting
• Embodies trauma informed principles & values and ensures an integration of said principles throughout the program
• Supports and Strengthens Interdisciplinary practice
• Ability to lead and implement program development initiatives

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s in Social Work, Human Services, or related field strongly preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of leadership experience in a residential or treatment care setting, working with youth with behavioral or intellectual/developmental needs.
• Strong understanding of OCFS and ACS regulations and compliance requirements.
• Experience managing large teams, budgets, and schedules in a 24/7 care setting.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; familiarity with reporting tools and systems (e.g., CONNECTIONS, CCRS) preferred.
• Deep understanding of trauma, institutional racism, and the challenges faced by youth in care.