Center Director (Secure Youth Residential Treatment Program)

Job Description

Job Description

Join Our Leadership Team As A Center Director: Secure Residential Youth Services (Highland Park, MI)

Spectrum Juvenile Justice Services is seeking a highly qualified and experienced professional to fill the demanding and profoundly rewarding role of Center Director . Located in Highland Park, MI, our two-facility campus has a total capacity of 160 court-involved male youth, aged 12 to 20 , referred for secure detention and short-term treatment.

We require a leader with a strong social work, criminal justice, or correctional administration background and a proven track record of successful leadership in secure youth residential programs. The ideal candidate has a deep passion and expertise in guiding staff who work with youth displaying challenging behaviors, including verbal and physical intimidation , who often present with complex histories of trauma, neglect, mental health issues, and substance abuse .

About the Role and Our Mission

The Center Director provides strategic oversight and leadership for the day-to-day operations of this secure youth childcare institution. This role is critical in ensuring the safety, well-being, and positive therapeutic development of the youth under our care, many of whom have experienced significant trauma associated with abuse, neglect, and lower socioeconomic levels.

The Director leads and manages a dedicated team of professionals, including managers, security, and facility operations, providing guidance and support necessary for managing a high-acuity population .

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Management & Compliance Excellence: Oversee all daily functions, ensuring strict adherence to all relevant regulations, policies, and procedures. This includes maintaining 100% compliance with State of Michigan DHHS Licensing, the American Correctional Association (ACA), and the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) standards.
• Strategic Staff Leadership & Retention: Ensure staff are effectively trained, and provide decisive leadership and mentorship to staff. The Director must champion initiatives to support, develop, and retain high-quality, resilient staff who work effectively with youth displaying challenging, aggressive, or crisis behaviors, thereby minimizing turnover.
• Behavioral & Safety Oversight: Drive the implementation of trauma-informed practices and evidence-based behavior management strategies to maintain a secure environment and facilitate youth accountability and growth.
• External Collaboration: Collaborate with external stakeholders, including DHHS Licensing, Wayne County, Care Management Organizations, and community partners, often acting as the lead point of contact for audits and accreditation efforts.
• Relationship Building: Develop and maintain positive, professional relationships with youth, families, and staff, emphasizing a culture of respect and therapeutic intervention.

Our Treatment Approach

Spectrum Juvenile Justice Services utilizes the Forward Focus Treatment Model© , an evidence-based clinical treatment program developed for adolescents with serious offending behaviors. Our approach is deeply rooted in trauma-informed care and is designed to prevent recurring legal involvement, promote prosocial development, and lead to successful life outcomes.

Therapeutic Services include weekly individual therapy, group therapy, trauma-focused services , family therapy, and robust reentry planning.

Affiliations: Social Current, American Correctional Association (ACA), National Juvenile Detention Association, Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).

Compensation & Benefits

Join a team committed to transforming young lives. We offer a comprehensive package for this vital leadership role:

• Compensation commensurate with experience
• 31 Days of Paid Time Off Annually
• BCN Medical
• BCBS Dental
• BCBS Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• 403(b) with employer match
• $25,000 Life Insurance

Qualifications & Experience

Education:

• • Preferred: Master’s Degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Correctional Administration, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
  • Minimum: Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, or a related field is acceptable with extensive, demonstrable leadership experience in a secure setting.

Experience:

• • Required: Extensive, responsible experience in institutional management of juvenile treatment institutions or relevant secure settings .
  • Compliance Track Record: Proven success in leading facilities through ACA, CARF, or state licensing audits with superior results.
  • Team Development: Demonstrated experience in building, sustaining, and motivating staff teams in high-stress environments, with an emphasis on effective staff retention strategies .
  • Specific Expertise: Proven experience providing leadership and oversight in facilities that specifically manage youth with:
    • A history of complex trauma, abuse, and neglect .
    • Co-occurring mental health and substance abuse histories .
    • High-level, challenging behaviors, including aggression and physical/verbal intimidation.
  • Experience providing direct treatment services in residential treatment, case management, group work, family therapy, and behavior modification processes.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• • Thorough knowledge of institutional management practices with particular emphasis on administrative practices, fiscal responsibility, and maintaining high standards of compliance and accreditation .
  • Must have a thorough knowledge of Trauma-Informed Care , Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Applied Behavior Modification, and Family Therapy.
  • Practical working knowledge of modern business management practices.

General Requirements

• Must have a valid State of Michigan Driver's License.
• Must complete and return a DHS Central Registry Clearance showing no findings.
• Must have a criminal history free of felony convictions.
• Must pass a physical examination which indicates satisfactory health status; must be free from communicable diseases, including a negative TB clearance.
• Must have reliable transportation.

Join the team today!

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