Location: Columbus, Ohio
Setting: Adolescent Residential Treatment Program
Please note: Only candidates with direct adolescent mental health and residential treatment experience will be considered for an immediate interview.
Overview
A growing behavioral health organization is seeking an experienced and compassionate Residential Program Leader to support the operations of an adolescent residential treatment program in Columbus, Ohio . This leadership role is ideal for a professional who thrives in fast-paced environments and is committed to trauma-informed, youth-centered care.
The position plays a critical role in program oversight, staff supervision, regulatory compliance, and maintaining a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment for residents.
Who You Are
- Passionate: Deeply committed to improving outcomes for adolescents and their families
- Versatile: Able to manage multiple priorities while maintaining operational excellence
- Communicative: Builds trust and maintains clear communication with youth, families, staff, and community partners
- Innovative: Brings creative and practical solutions to program development and staff engagement
- Adaptable: Comfortable working independently and collaboratively in a dynamic residential environment
Key Responsibilities
- Collaborate with program leadership to develop and manage staff schedules that support safe and effective program delivery
- Partner with Talent Acquisition and program leadership to support hiring, onboarding, and staff integration
- Work closely with Human Resources on employee lifecycle matters, including retention, performance management, and corrective action
- Oversee admissions and discharges and coordinate referral and intake processes
- Provide budget oversight in collaboration with executive leadership and finance
- Ensure the physical care, supervision, and safety of all residents
- Complete timely performance evaluations for staff, including direct reports
- Address and resolve personnel concerns professionally and proactively
- Coordinate with administrative staff to ensure client appointments and programming align with organizational standards
- Develop, implement, and enforce policies related to safety management, emergency procedures, environment of care, security, and medication administration
- Coordinate facility maintenance, safety inspections, and testing of utilities and safety systems
- Maintain compliance with Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) , Ohio Department of Youth Services (ODYS) (if applicable), and other relevant regulatory or accrediting bodies
- Respond to reportable incidents, participate in investigations, and ensure proper documentation and reporting
- Establish and monitor annual program goals to enhance quality and operational effectiveness
- Participate in and supervise the on-call rotation to support 24/7 residential operations
- Promote continuous professional development and training for staff
- Review and update the Policy & Procedure Manual annually to ensure compliance with Ohio regulations and best practices
- Oversee orientation, training, and supervision of new staff and interns
- Utilize scheduling and management software to optimize staffing and operations
- Perform additional site-specific duties as assigned by executive leadership
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in a human services–related field required
- Master’s degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience
Experience
- Minimum of 3–5 years working with children or adolescents in clinical or residential settings
- At least 5 years of supervisory or leadership experience in behavioral health or human services
Knowledge & Skills
- Strong understanding of residential treatment operations and trauma-informed care
- Working knowledge of Ohio regulations governing child and adolescent residential services
- Familiarity with OhioMHAS, ODYS, and applicable accreditation standards
- Strong leadership, documentation, crisis management, and compliance skills
Why This Role
- Meaningful Impact: Directly support adolescents and families during critical stages of care
- Leadership Opportunity: Influence program culture and operational success
- Supportive Environment: Collaborate with mission-driven professionals
- Growth-Focused: Opportunities for professional development and leadership advancement