At Jefferson Center, it is our policy and our mission to be inclusive and mindful of the diversity of everyone who comes through our doors. We are passionate about building a community where mental health matters and equitable care is accessible to all races, ethnicities, abilities, socioeconomic statuses, ages, sexual orientations, gender expressions, religions, cultures, and languages.

The Director of Youth Residential Services is responsible for the strategic oversight, operational management, and clinical leadership of the Youth Crisis Stabilization Unit (YCSU) and the Youth Residential Recovery program (YRR). This role ensures the delivery of high-quality, trauma-informed, and evidence-based services to youth in residential care, while maintaining compliance with all applicable regulations including 12 CCR 2509-8, Volume 7 Rules and Regulations for Residential Child Care Facility license. The Director provides on-site leadership, supports program development, and ensures staff are trained in Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment modalities and Trauma-Informed crisis intervention strategies. The Director also leads strategic planning efforts to address evolving trends in policy and regulations related to out-of-home care for youth, ensuring programs remain responsive, compliant, and aligned with best practices.

This is a hybrid position, both in-person and remote, with minimum requirements for time on-site. Schedule is M-F, typical business hours, however residential services are provided 24-7 so Director schedule may extend outside typical business hours in emergency situations.

Essential Duties:

• Provide on-site leadership and oversight of the Youth CSU and Youth Residential Recovery program.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, 12 CCR 2509-8, Volume 7 Rules and Regulations for Residential Child Care Facility license.
• Lead program development initiatives to enhance service delivery and outcomes for youth.
• Supervise and support program managers and clinical staff, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures that align with organizational goals and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate with internal departments and external partners to ensure continuity of care and resource integration.
• Monitor program performance metrics and implement quality improvement strategies.
• Ensure staff receive appropriate training and certification when applicable in Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment, crisis intervention, and other relevant areas.
• Respond to crisis situations and provide guidance to staff in managing complex clinical scenarios.
• Represent the organization in community meetings, stakeholder engagements, and collaborative initiatives related to youth residential services.
• Develop and lead strategic initiatives to address changing trends in policy and regulations regarding out-of-home care for youth.

Education, Experience & Knowledge Required:

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or related field and licensed in the state of Colorado required, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), or equivalent.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in behavioral health services, with at least 5 years in a leadership role, experience in residential settings preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of 12 CCR 2509-8, Volume 7 regulations and youth residential care standards.
• Demonstrated experience in program development and operational oversight.
• Strong understanding of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment approaches and crisis intervention strategies.
• Excellent communication, organizational, leadership and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with external partners.
• Commitment to trauma-informed care and culturally responsive practices.
• Capable of functioning independently with little supervision.

Salary Range $94,100 to $116,700*

Additional Salary Information*:

• Jefferson Center pay is determined by various factors including education level, licensure level, years of relative experience, and internal equity amongst current staff.
• The salary range above is based on 1.0 FTE (full time equivalent) or 40 hours per week. Less than 40 hours/week will be prorated and adjusted to the appropriate FTE.*

Application Deadline: 10/30/2025. Review of applications will begin immediately.