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+ youths and their families through evidence-based, trauma-informed programs at three Southeastern Wisconsin campuses. Our mission is to guide growth, and we are proud to say that diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just words for us; they are at the center of everything we do.
We’re looking for sharp, principled, mission-driven team players to play a crucial role in shaping the future of youth facing emotional, behavioral, and educational challenges. Your work will be instrumental in helping them reach their full potential. If you’re passionate about making a difference and enjoy working with young people, this could be the perfect fit!
JOB SUMMARY
Manage a living unit for youth while ensuring that the culture aligns with trauma-sensitive, family-focused, community-based, and best practice principles. This role involves coaching and developing treatment technician staff to ensure they are engaged and aligned with Lad Lake’s policies and procedures. Additionally, you will be responsible for maintaining staffing ratios, ensuring the safety of residents, and meeting physical condition standards in compliance with state licensing regulations and budget parameters.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Unit Responsibilities
- Responsible for knowing, following, and implementing all Department of Children and Families (DCF-52) licensing regulations, which set standards for unit staffing, safety, and overall physical conditions.
- Responsible for all unit budgets (personnel costs, recreation, clothing, chore wages, etc.) and routinely monitored and verified that the unit was within budget.
- Responsible for working closely with the Unit Therapist, who provides clinical support, the Case Manager, who coordinates services, and the Lead Staff, who supervises the treatment technicians, to ensure Trauma-Informed Care principles are taught, modeled, and practiced by staff members as a model of behavior management for the unit.
- Prepare for and facilitate weekly unit staff meetings. Schedule the training component of the meeting.
- Assist in maintaining central records as defined to comply with Lad Lake, Inc., licensing, and Council on Accreditation (COA) standards.
- Be available to oversee and approve restrictive interventions, which are measures used to manage challenging behaviors, to ensure that established guidelines are met.
- Provide training for staff as requested by the manager and Human Resources department.
- Responsible for meeting with Lead Staff weekly to ensure consistent expectations and procedures.
- Ensure the unit activity schedule, including recreation, educational, and therapeutic groups, is completed and adhered to weekly.
Supervision Responsibilities
- Collaborate with the Lead Staff, Unit Therapist, and Case Manager to build a cohesive team by following policies, maintaining discipline, and providing recognition.
- Our team is committed to maintaining a caring and supportive atmosphere where each member is valued and respected.
- Seek and maintain a positive approach to treatment.
- Responsible for scheduling the unit staff, ensuring all shifts are covered adequately, and covering them if a Treatment Technician cannot be found in emergencies.
- Ensure that all Treatment Technicians receive the training mandated by state licensing and Lad Lake within the required timeframe. This training should also equip them to perform their job effectively. Training may include, but is not limited to, daily unit operations, behavior management, and group management techniques. Additionally, team members should be assessed to identify top performers to support succession planning.
Responsibilities to Residents
- Meet with resident groups weekly to discuss unit rules, point system, restitution, rewards, privileges, staff-resident relationships, unit recreation, and school progress.
- Attend evaluation conferences and take part in unit intakes and discharge staffing.
- Coordinate with the therapists, case manager, lead staff, and treatment technicians to implement the residents’ treatment plan.
- Ensure independent living skills are being taught to all residents.
- Ensure Workforce Development opportunities are available to eligible residents.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Education/Experience: Must meet one of the following qualifications: A bachelor’s degree (preferred) in social work, sociology, psychology, or a related field, or special education with certification for emotional disturbance or learning disabilities and experience which is specifically related to the client population being served. Have at least 2 years of supervision experience, be certified as a Professional Level Youth Care Worker through the Child and Youth Care Certification Institute, or get certified in the first 6 months of employment. Must have a valid driver’s license and a good driving record.
Skills: Ability to prioritize work; ability to supervise and manage staff effectively; demonstrated analytical skills; and proficiency in interpersonal relations and communication with direct reports, direct supervisor, colleagues, Lad Lake Senior Leadership, and other individuals inside and outside the agency.
BENEFITS
- $25 an hour, with opportunities for extra experience or educational-based bumps
- 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
- More $$ for working specific shifts
- 401k plan
- Free meals when you’re hanging out with youth
- Rock your casual cloth
- We offer a boatload of training and pay you to learn
- Top-notch personal support through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Future Financial Freedom – we’re a Federal Student Loan Forgiveness Employer
- Longevity. We’re the oldest youth service organization in the state!
- Our leaders are here to serve you so that you can serve our youth.