Unit Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Unit Manager

Location: Harpeth Primary Assessment Center – Nashville, TN
Department: Operations
Job Type: Full-Time
Pay: $21.63 - $24.00 per hour

About Youth Opportunity & Harpeth Primary Assessment Center

Youth Opportunity is a nationally recognized leader in residential and behavioral health treatment for at‑risk youth. Harpeth Primary Assessment Center in Nashville, Tennessee is a secure, 24‑bed assessment center providing trauma‑informed care to girls ages 10 to 17. This temporary program combines structured clinical assessment, individualized support planning, and daily therapeutic services in a highly supportive and structured environment.

Youth typically remain in care for about 30 days , during which they receive intake, multidisciplinary evaluation, education, independent living and social skills training, and initial mental health stabilization. Programming occurs in small group units designed to support accurate placement recommendations, emotional safety, and family engagement while preparing youth for the next phase of care.

About the Role

The Unit Manager is responsible for overseeing daily housing unit operations and providing 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.

The Unit Manager plays a critical role in maintaining a secure and supportive environment that promotes positive youth development, accountability, and emotional stability.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with up to 4% employer match with Immediate Vesting
• Paid time off (PTO) and holidays – earn 4 hours of PTO every pay period
• Free RX delivery on most medications
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development
• Robust Employee Assistance Program
• Supportive, mission-driven work environment

Key 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

Qualifications

• 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

Physical Demands

• Must be in good physical health and emotionally stable
• Able to actively engage with youth, participate in physical interventions, and transport youth or staff as needed
• Must be free of communicable diseases as defined by the state
• Must pass evaluation of physical techniques and certification exams

Additional Requirements

• Must complete Certified Behavioral Health Technician Training within nine (9) months of hire
• Maintain a valid state driver’s license and safe driving record
• Meet all state and local criminal background check requirements
• Ability to work extended, evening, weekend, or irregular hours as needed
• Maintain professionalism, punctuality, and positive role-model behavior
• Report incidents involving use of force, unusual events, or boundary concerns in accordance with policy
• Perform other duties as assigned

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Youth Opportunity is an Equal Opportunity Employer.