Position Function: 

Under the general direction of the Chief Operating Officer, the Director of Residential Services is responsible for the strategic leadership,  development, and operational oversight of  residential programs on the Wedgwood Campus. The role ensures  delivery of high-quality, trauma-informed services that meet the physical, emotional, academic, developmental, and social needs of youth in care. The Director must demonstrate cultural competency, a deep understanding of Trauma-Informed Care, and commitment to agency mission and compliance standards. 

Education Requirements: 

• Master’s degree in social work or related field required. 
• Advanced clinical licensure (LCSW, LMFT, or LPC) preferred 
• Must hold or be eligible to obtain Current Texas Child Care Administrator License; must secure licensure within 6 months of employment.

Experience Requirements: 

At least 7 years of progressively responsible supervisory experience in children and family services, with a minimum of 2 years specifically in residential program oversight or direct residential service delivery.

Working Conditions: 

The position requires some travel to support program activities or for training. The position provides on-call support for program supervisors 24/7. The position will include exposure to clients with behavior problems, including possible physical aggression. There is potential of exposure to illness and blood due to the service population. Extended walking and standing daily. Must always be physically able to use authorized crisis intervention techniques. 

Exposure to Confidential Information: 

Maintain confidentiality and follow policies related to personnel records and client records.

Key Expectations/Responsibilities:

Leadership Skills and Core Competencies:

• Demonstrated ability to build respectful and collaborative relationships with staff, colleagues, and clients to support positive program outcomes.
• Skilled in identifying and mitigating program risk while maintaining the highest standards of client safety.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop staff to meet and exceed program goals, outcomes, and compliance with all licensing and accreditation standards.
• Strong critical thinking and independent decision-making skills.
• Exceptional organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple programs, deadlines, and initiatives concurrently.
• Strategic planning capabilities, including setting program goals and implementing effective plans to achieve them.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining consistent and timely communication with the Chief Operating Officer regarding performance metrics, concerns, and critical incidents.
• Commitment to continuous quality improvement through data-driven evaluation and feedback loops.

Supervision and Planning:

• Recruit, hire, supervise, develop, and support program supervisors and associated residential support staff.
• Oversee service delivery, staffing, and program operations to ensure quality and compliance across residential group care programs.
• Lead strategic planning and annual goal-setting for each program; monitor performance and align activities with agency priorities. 
• Evaluate programs on an ongoing basis, ensuring effectiveness and efficiency while meeting all licensing, contract, grant, and accreditation requirements.
• Collaborate with internal departments and external partners to strengthen services and maintain critical relationships. 
• Monitor training needs in collaboration with the Training Director, Treatment Director, and Program Supervisors.
• Support the professional growth of staff through coaching, mentorship, and succession planning.
• Contribute to budget development and monitor program expenditures to ensure alignment with financial goals and funding requirements. 
• Actively participate in Directors’ and Leadership meetings to support agency-wide collaboration and strategic planning.

Implementation:

• Ensure residential programs meet or exceed the minimum standards as established by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, associated grants and contracts, and COA standards.
• Communicate expectations clearly and support supervisors and direct care staff in meeting annual and strategic objectives.
• Analyze program census and staffing patterns to meet budgeted targets and service delivery expectations. 
• Implement trauma informed practices and evidence-based approaches across all residential programs.
• Develop and maintain systems to monitor service deliver, program outcomes, and compliance with documentation, reporting, and performance goals.
• Maintain partnerships with Fort Worth ISD or other educational partners to ensure academic needs are met in residential programs.
• Ensure staffing levels and scheduling support safe and effective program operations. 
• Oversee subcontracted agreements to ensure clients’ medical needs, including initial medical screenings and on-going medical appointments, are completed.
• Coordinate with the Facilities department to ensure the proper maintenance of facilities.
• Ensure that the goals regarding conduct and performance established by management are achieved and that the established personnel policies are implemented (refer to the Employee Handbook).
• Represent ACH Child and Family Services in the community professionally and perform other duties as assigned by the Chief Operating Officer.

The above noted job description is not intended to describe, in detail, the multitude of tasks that may be assigned but rather to give the employee a general sense of the responsibilities and expectations of his/her position. As the nature of business demands change so, too, may the essential functions of this position