TEAM LEAD

Job Posting Title

TEAM LEADER - RESIDENTIAL YOUTH TREATMENT

Location: Southern Peaks Regional Treatment Center - Cañon City, Colorado
Schedule: Full-Time | Variable Shifts
Pay Rate: $27.00 per Hour

Job Description

The Team Leader provides direct supervision, guidance, and support to adolescents receiving residential mental health services while serving as a shift leader for direct care staff. This position is responsible for maintaining a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment that promotes emotional growth, skill development, recovery, and positive behavioral outcomes. The Team Leader serves as a mentor and role model for both youth and staff while ensuring adherence to program expectations, safety procedures, treatment goals, and trauma-informed care practices.

Working within a multidisciplinary treatment environment, the Team Leader supports the mission of Abraxas Youth & Family Services by helping youth build healthier futures through structured programming, positive relationships, and effective behavioral interventions.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE JOB AND ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS

Direct Care & Youth Development

• Provides direct supervision and support to youth in a residential treatment environment.
• Engages youth in therapeutic, educational, recreational, and skill-building activities.
• Integrates treatment goals and individualized objectives into daily interactions with youth.
• Builds professional, supportive relationships that encourage personal growth and recovery.
• Promotes positive behavior, accountability, responsibility, and healthy decision-making.
• Supports emotional regulation and teaches appropriate coping skills.
• Creates and maintains a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment.
• Utilizes trauma-informed approaches in daily interactions and interventions.
• Assists youth in developing social, communication, and independent living skills.
• Serves as a positive role model for youth and peers.
• Supports implementation of individualized treatment plans and behavioral interventions.
• Facilitates and participates in program activities designed to promote growth and rehabilitation.

Leadership & Staff Oversight

• Functions as the designated shift leader and assists with daily program operations.
• Ensures adequate staff coverage and adherence to staffing requirements.
• Monitors staff adherence to daily routines, schedules, headcounts, and meal counts.
• Provides guidance, coaching, mentoring, and support to direct care staff.
• Assists with orientation and ongoing training of staff members.
• Identifies training needs and communicates recommendations to the Training Department.
• Promotes compliance with company policies, procedures, and professional expectations.
• Supports development of high-performing teams through coaching and leadership.
• Models professional conduct, accountability, and ethical behavior.
• Assists staff in implementing effective behavior management and treatment strategies.

Program Operations & Safety

• Ensures program and facility safety standards are maintained.
• Monitors building security systems and facility procedures.
• Conducts safety checks and identifies potential risks.
• Ensures adequate inventory of program supplies including:
  • Hygiene products
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Program materials
• Maintains compliance with agency policies, licensing requirements, and safety standards.
• Supports emergency response procedures and crisis intervention activities.
• Demonstrates and reinforces Safe Crisis Management techniques.
• Maintains confidentiality of client, employee, and organizational information.

Medication & Documentation

• Administers medications or supervises self-administration of medications as authorized.
• Completes required medication documentation accurately.
• Facilitates group meetings and therapeutic activities.
• Completes reports, shift documentation, incident reports, and program records.
• Documents services and observations accurately and within required timeframes.
• Maintains accurate records and organizational documentation.
• Documents time worked accurately.

Other Responsibilities

• Promotes the Seven Key Principles of Care.
• Supports the mission, vision, and values of Abraxas Youth & Family Services.
• Participates in team meetings, trainings, supervision sessions, and program initiatives.
• Assists with quality improvement efforts and program development.
• Participates in professional development and leadership growth opportunities.
• Performs other duties as assigned by management.

ADHERE TO AND FOLLOW

• The By-Laws of the Corporation and as set forth in the Articles of Incorporation.

Job Qualifications

Education and Experience

Required

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Minimum two (2) years of experience in human services, behavioral health, juvenile justice, residential treatment, education, counseling, or related field.

Preferred

• Associate Degree in Human Services, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Social Work, Education, Counseling, or related field.
• Bachelor's Degree in Human Services, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Social Work, Education, Counseling, or related field.

Licenses & Certifications

• Valid Colorado Driver's License with acceptable driving record.
• Must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.
• Successful completion of:
  • Criminal background investigation
  • Pre-employment drug and alcohol screening
  • Physical examination as required
  • Agency orientation and training requirements

Required Skills

• Strong leadership and mentoring abilities.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with at-risk adolescents.
• Strong crisis intervention and de-escalation skills.
• Ability to supervise and support direct care staff.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities.
• Ability to maintain professionalism in high-pressure situations.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care principles.
• Ability to facilitate groups and structured activities.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to build positive therapeutic relationships with youth.

Job Competencies

Youth Development & Engagement

Builds positive relationships that promote growth, accountability, and recovery.

Leadership & Staff Development

Provides coaching, guidance, mentorship, and support to team members.

Crisis Intervention

Responds effectively during challenging situations while maintaining safety and professionalism.

Trauma-Informed Care

Applies trauma-responsive practices that promote healing and emotional safety.

Communication

Communicates effectively with youth, families, coworkers, and treatment team members.

Teamwork & Collaboration

Works collaboratively within multidisciplinary treatment teams.

Program Safety

Maintains a safe, secure, and structured environment for youth and staff.

Documentation & Compliance

Maintains accurate records and complies with agency, licensing, and regulatory requirements.

Professionalism & Ethics

Demonstrates integrity, accountability, and professional conduct.

Problem Solving

Addresses challenges proactively and implements effective solutions.

Benefits & Perks

Eligible employees may receive:

• Free Meals
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Basic Life Insurance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Life Assistance Program (LAP)
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Training
• Career Advancement Opportunities

Physical Demands

Physical Requirements

• Standing, walking, and supervising youth for extended periods.
• Facilitating activities and participating in program operations.
• Ability to respond effectively during emergencies and crisis situations.
• Ability to utilize approved crisis management techniques.
• Ability to supervise indoor and outdoor activities.
• Frequent movement throughout residential treatment environments.

Lifting Requirements

• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds as required.

Working Conditions

• Residential treatment center environment.
• Interaction with adolescents experiencing emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges.
• Indoor and outdoor activities.
• Variable schedules including days, evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.

ACCIDENT, HEALTH HAZARD AND SECURITY KNOWLEDGE

• Safe Crisis Management Procedures
• Trauma-Informed Care Practices
• Behavioral Health Safety Procedures
• Confidentiality Standards
• Fire and Emergency Preparedness Procedures
• Workplace Safety Requirements

General Requirements

• Support the Abraxas philosophy, mission, and Seven Key Principles of Care.
• Maintain professionalism and ethical conduct at all times.
• Attend all required trainings, certifications, and meetings.
• Maintain confidentiality of client and organizational information.
• Demonstrate leadership, teamwork, and accountability.
• Support a positive culture of safety, growth, respect, and recovery.
• Perform all assigned duties in accordance with agency policies and procedures.

Drug-Free Workplace Statement

Abraxas Youth & Family Services maintains a drug-free workplace. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of required pre-employment screenings, including drug and alcohol testing, criminal background investigations, and other regulatory requirements.

The statements contained herein describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

Schedule Flexibility

Work schedules are based on program needs and may include days, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, and emergency coverage as required.

About Company

Abraxas Youth & Family Services , an affiliate of Apis Services, Inc. and Inperium, Inc., is a national nonprofit human services provider dedicated to Building Better Futures for at-risk youth, adults, and families. Through residential treatment, alternative education, counseling, detention, reentry, and community-based programs, Abraxas helps individuals overcome challenges and create meaningful opportunities for success.

Abraxas and its affiliates provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.