Director, Intensive Treatment Residence (ITR)

Walker-Inc; Needham (MA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Walker Therapeutic & Educational Programs in Needham, MA seeks an Intensive Treatment Residence (ITR) Director to oversee a 12-bed program on the Needham Campus. The role manages services, education, and treatment plans for youth and families, ensuring high quality care and regulatory compliance.

The position requires a Bachelor’s degree, MAP certification within 90 days, and at least 5 years of management experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field required.
• MAP Certification must be completed within 90 days of start date if not already certified.
• At least 5 years of professional experience with increasing management responsibility.
• Background check and reliable transportation may be required.
• Valid MA driver’s license preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of 12-bed ITR program.
• Oversee MAP certification process and compliance.
• Hire and supervise ITR staff; collaborate with leadership and HR.
• Ensure quality treatment and licensing standards.
• Lead staff trainings and participate in leadership meetings.
• Develop budgets and manage department resources.
• Maintain relationships with families, partners, and state agencies.
• Provide crisis support and incident reporting as needed.

Skills

Strong interpersonal & communication

Team leadership

Crisis Intervention knowledge

Decision making under pressure

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Job description

About WalkerSince 1961, Walker Therapeutic & Educational Programs has been a trusted partner for children, youth, and families, navigating some of life’s most difficult challenges. Based in Needham, our mission is to nurture hope, build strengths, and develop lifelong skills in partnership with the children, youth, families, and communities we serve. We provide comprehensive, trauma-informed residential, educational, and clinical services to children and youth with complex social-emotional, behavioral, and learning needs, while supporting their families every step of the way. Through three specialized divisions—Residential & Educational Programs, Behavioral Health & Community-Based Services, and Walker Solutions—we deliver relationship-based care and capacity-building that makes a lasting difference. Today, we serve children, youth, and families from more than 150 communities across Massachusetts.Make a Difference Every Day—and Gain Skills You Can Use for LifeThe Intensive Treatment Residence (ITR) Director plans, directs, oversees and manages the operations and staff within Walker’s ITR program on the Needham Campus. This position oversees the services, education and/or treatment plans of the youth and their families to ensure they are high quality and are consistent with the goals of the agency, and provides a safe environment for staff, and youth and their families. Must be committed to child centered, family focused, culturally competent care and strength-based treatment.Essential FunctionsPerform in a way that is aligned with the agency mission and core values. This includes but is not limited to services that are trauma informed, relationship based, family involved, developmentally focused, competence centered, and ecologically oriented.Oversee daily operations and decision making for 12 bed ITR program.Oversee the Medication Administration Program (MAP) including obtaining and maintaining MAP certification.Oversee hiring of ITR positions, provide primary and secondary supervision to direct care staff and supervisors, and collaborate with the leadership team and human resources on performance monitoring of ITR staff.Ensure integrity and quality of treatment for the ITR program and ensure all licensing standards are adhered to.Work with the ITR team to increase the use of Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) philosophy and language, including early intervention and de-escalation techniques in the day-to-day running of the program.Participate in the development, implementation, and management of the annual operating budget for the ITR.Oversee ITR admissions.In conjunction with the Director of Clinical Services – Res Ed and ITR, facilitate monthly ITR multi-disciplinary team meetings and leadership meetings.Establish, maintain, and nurture working relationships with families, community partners, and state agency representatives by attending meetings and providing consistent communication about the ITR program.Oversee risk management and participate in crisis support and floor coverage as needed, and review and approve critical incident reports.Collaborate with leadership across campus programs on staff trainings, shift schedules, and any additional needs to ensure strong communication and consistency.Lead staff trainings as part of CARE and Walker Academy.Participate in agency leadership meetings such as Operations Management, Operations Systems Oversight Committee, and others.Serve as Administrator On-Call for the campus on a rotating basis.Additional duties as assignedSkills and AbilitiesMust be able to successfully pass and apply Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) trainingMust be able to successfully complete First Aid/CPR trainingMust be able to successfully pass medication trainingStrong interpersonal and communication skillsAbility to remain calm and make safe decisions in high-pressure situationsCapacity to work effectively in a stressful and fast-paced environmentAbility to learn, retain, and apply principles taught in training and supervisionPhysical stamina to participate in activities with childrenAbility to stand, walk, and run for extended periods, perform frequent bending, stooping, stretching, lifting, sitting, stairs, typing, and looking at a computer screenStrong written and verbal communication skills and computer experience is requiredAbility to meet deadlines and follow through with multiple projects simultaneouslyAbility to work flexibly and collaboratively as part of a team, including during times of high stressAbility to transport clients in company vehiclesSchedule:Monday-Friday with additional flexibility for evenings and weekends as neededQualificationsEducation and CertificationsRequired:Bachelor’s degree in related fieldMAP Certification (must complete within 90 days of start date if not currently certified)Preferred:Bachelor’s Degree in related fieldExperienceRequired:At least 5 years of professional experience reflecting increasing management responsibility in a similar setting.PreferredPrevious experience working in a similar settingOther Requirements:Successfully complete all background check suitability requirementsMust have reliable transportationValid MA driver’s license preferredSupervisor: Vice President of Needham Campus ProgramsSupervises: ITR direct care supervisors and additional ITR staff and interns as assigned.Equal Opportunity StatementWalker is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon an individual's race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, national guard or reserve unit obligations, participation in discrimination complaint-related activities, or membership in any category protected by federal or state law.