Who We Are
Lad Lake is a COA-accredited, nonprofit, independent organization serving kids and families from across the state. We work with 1,200+ youth and their families through evidence-based, trauma-informed programs at three Southeastern Wisconsin campuses. Guiding growth is our mission, and diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to all we do.
We seek a seasoned and results-driven Director of Residential Services to revitalize, scale, and lead our long-standing Dousman Residential Program. This role is perfect for a visionary leader with a proven track record of success in a congregate care setting while ensuring high-quality, trauma-informed care for youth and families.
What a day in the life of a Director of Residential Services looks like:
- Provide leadership to the residential program, ensuring effective interventions for youth and families.
- Oversee best practices for clinical, residential therapeutic milieu, and education services.
- Supervise and coach key team members, including the Assistant Director of Clinical Services, Assistant Director of Residential Services, Assistant Director of Education and Coordinator of Recreational Services.
- Monitor and evaluate clinical service implementation and staff development
- Review and authorize treatment reports for licensing and service purchasers
- Help manage admissions to ensure appropriate placements and budget utilization
- Assist with budget development and ensure the financial sustainability of programs
- Engage in public relations and community outreach efforts.
- Provide training and crisis consultation and facilitate Trauma-Informed Care practices.
- Actively participate in program meetings to strengthen the continuum of care.
- Ensure program enrollment meets budgetary expectations.
- Ensure residential program staff adherence to all Lad Lake policies and procedures.
- Ensure compliance with Lad Lake policies and State of Wisconsin Licensing regulations.
What you bring to the table:
- Preferred: Master’s degree and licensure in social work, counseling, psychology, or related fields.
- Minimum: Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field with at least 5 years of managerial experience.
- Strong knowledge of child and adolescent development, trauma-informed practices, and behavioral interventions.
- Proven leadership and supervisory experience in residential or group home settings.
- Ability to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team and resolve issues effectively.
- Strong technological proficiency, including intermediate to advanced skills in Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint) to create reports, track data, and communicate effectively.
- Demonstrated business acumen, able to read, interpret, and manage budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and resource allocation align with program goals.
- Experience using data-driven decision-making to improve operations and optimize outcomes is highly preferred.
What we bring to the table:
- $90,000 salary
- Medical, Dental, Life Insurance, STD, LTD Benefits.
- Paid Time Off (up to 16 days annually to start).
- Holiday pay (up to 8 days).
- Tuition reimbursement.
- 401k plan + profit sharing for your future.
- Casual dress code – wear what makes you comfortable!
- Personal and professional development opportunities (we’ll pay you to learn!).
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for additional support.
- Federal Student Loan Forgiveness Employer.
- Longevity – We’re Wisconsin’s oldest youth service organization!
- Advancement opportunities – Many of our leaders started in entry-level roles and grew into management positions.
- A servant-leadership culture – Our leaders are here to support you so you can best serve our youth.
Come join the Lad Lake family. Welcome home!
The base pay offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate’s education, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, among other factors.