Unit Manager

About the role

The Unit Manager oversees daily housing unit operations and provides direct leadership to Shift Supervisors and Mental Health Technicians. This role ensures the safety, structure, and therapeutic integrity of the housing unit while supporting youth engagement, staff supervision, and compliance with all Youth Opportunity policies and state regulations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee housing unit operations, including supervision of Shift Supervisors and Mental Health Technicians
• Ensure the overall safety, well-being, cleanliness, and sanitation of the assigned housing unit
• Promote a structured, therapeutic environment by implementing engaging activities that support youth education and emotional development
• Supervise assigned staff, including scheduling, training, performance evaluation, corrective guidance, and ongoing support
• Maintain regular communication with leadership regarding staffing, performance, attendance, and behavioral concerns
• Assist with developing work schedules and coordinating staffing coverage to ensure effective facility operations
• Support intake, discharge, youth appointments, and transportation as needed
• Ensure compliance with state regulations, facility policies, and security procedures, including room searches, contraband checks, and monitoring of security systems
• Enforce behavior management systems, review disciplinary actions and grievances, and investigate incidents involving confinement, force, or restraint
• Administer medication and maintain accurate documentation in accordance with policy
• Conduct routine housing unit inspections and address identified concerns
• Maintain detailed records and prepare reports related to youth behavior, staffing, safety, and operational issues
• Assist with training initiatives and staff development as requested

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university required
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience working with youth with serious emotional disturbances or substance abuse concerns in a residential setting
• Prior supervisory experience preferred
• Working knowledge of chemical dependency, substance abuse, and physical, sexual, and emotional abuse assessment
• Strong leadership, communication, and conflict-resolution skills
• Ability to interact professionally with youth, families, staff, probation officers, caseworkers, law enforcement, and court personnel
• Certification in First Aid and CPR required or ability to obtain

Qualifications

• Able to actively engage with youth, participate in physical interventions, and transport youth or staff as needed
• Able to pass evaluation of physical techniques and certification exams
• Must complete Certified Behavioral Health Technician Training within nine (9) months of hire
• Able to work extended, evening, weekend, or irregular hours as needed
• Maintain professionalism, punctuality, and positive role-model behavior
• Able to report incidents involving use of force, unusual events, or boundary concerns in accordance with policy
• Able to perform other duties as assigned