Residential Program Director

Nexus Family Healing; Austin (MN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Five weeks PTO – first year

8 paid holidays

Health insurance options

Vision & Dental

No-cost life insurance

Short/long-term disability

401k match

Tuition assistance

Advancement opportunities

Career development

Job summary

Nexus Family Healing in Austin, MN seeks a Residential Program Director to provide leadership, oversight, and operational management for a youth residential program. You will ensure a safe, trauma-informed environment while maintaining licensing and organizational standards, driving quality improvement and outcomes.

The role requires 5+ years in youth residential care, 2+ years of supervision, and a Bachelor's degree in a related field.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field or higher.
• Minimum of 5 years experience in a youth/teen residential program or similar.
• Minimum of 2 years supervisory experience.
• Must be 21 years or older.
• Valid driver’s license and meet agency driving requirements.
• Ability to build relationships with diverse individuals.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day residential program operations.
• Enhance programming to improve safety and treatment outcomes.
• Support policy development and continuous improvement.
• Identify risks and implement corrective actions.
• Provide leadership to Supervisors and direct care staff.
• Oversee admissions, treatment support, and client activities.

Skills

Leadership

Staff development

Risk management

Program operations

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Description

Nexus Family Healing is looking to add a Residential Program Director to join our youth residential program in Austin, MN!

Nexus Family Healing is a national nonprofit network of mental health agencies with over 50 years of restoring hope for thousands of children and families through outpatient/community mental health services, foster care, adoption, and residential treatment.

At Nexus Family Healing, we embrace diversity, promote equity, and foster inclusion.

As a national mental health organization, we serve a diverse group of youth and families, and we strive for our workforce to support and represent that diversity.

Location/Pay/Schedule:

• Located at 1111 28th St NE, Austin, MN 55912
• Starting Salary: $90,000 - $100,000 annually
• Full-time; evenings and weekends as needed

Nexus’ Comprehensive Benefits Include:

• Five weeks paid time off (PTO) in the first year of employment
• Additional 8 Paid Holidays
• Competitive Annual Base Salary Offered
• Multiple options for health insurance coverage
• Vision & Dental
• No-cost life insurance, short/long-term disability insurance
• 401k match
• NEW - Talkspace Therapy Benefit for the whole family
• NEW - Hinge Health Benefit for the whole family
• NEW – Carrot Fertility Benefit
• Tuition assistance and training opportunities
• Advancement pathways and internal promotion
• And much more!

Position Summary: The Residential Program Director provides leadership, oversight, and operational management for a residential treatment program serving youth & teens. This position is responsible for ensuring a safe, therapeutic, and trauma-informed environment while maintaining compliance with licensing, regulatory, and organizational standards. They oversee daily program operations, staff development, risk management, quality improvement initiatives, and program effectiveness to support positive outcomes for our clients. Working collaboratively with clinical, operational, and support teams, the Residential Program Director drives continuous improvement and ensures the delivery of high-quality service.

Primary responsibilities:

Program Leadership & Strategic Management

• Lead day-to-day residential program operations.
• Enhance programming to improve safety, quality, and treatment outcomes.
• Support policy development, program planning, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Identify program risks and implement corrective action plans.
• Partner with leadership on quality assurance and strategic initiatives.
• Provide leadership and support to Program Supervisors and direct care staff.

Staff Leadership & Development

• Hire, supervise, and develop Program Supervisors, Overnight Supervisors, and Youth Care Professionals.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and performance feedback.
• Ensure completion of required training and professional development.
• Address performance concerns and promote accountability.
• Foster a positive, therapeutic, and team-oriented culture.

Program Operations & Client Care

• Oversee daily residential programming and client activities.
• Review and approve client schedules and program modifications.
• Ensure programming supports treatment goals and positive youth outcomes.
• Monitor implementation of trauma-informed interventions and behavior plans.
• Support crisis intervention and incident response when needed.
• Ensure adherence to safety, guidance, and behavior management plans.

Risk Management, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with licensing, regulatory, and organizational requirements.
• Monitor staffing ratios and program safety practices.
• Oversee incident reporting, audits, and corrective actions.
• Implement risk reduction and quality improvement strategies.
• Maintain a safe, therapeutic residential environment.

Documentation & Administrative Oversight

• Review and approve program documentation.
• Ensure records are accurate, complete, and submitted on time.
• Monitor adherence to program and organizational standards.
• Support administrative processes and operational efficiency.

Facility & Resource Management

• Partner with maintenance and housekeeping to maintain the facility.
• Ensure equipment, supplies, and therapeutic resources are available and functional.
• Support a safe, welcoming, and therapeutic environment.

Admissions & Treatment Support

• Participate in youth admission assessments and evaluations.
• Support the delivery of effective therapeutic programming.
• Ensure services and interventions align with treatment goals.
• Collaborate with clinical and program teams to support positive outcomes.

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in related field, OR High school diploma or GED and a minimum of 5 years related experience
• Minimum of 5 years of related experience in a youth/teen residential program or similar
• Minimum of 2 years of supervisory experience
• Must be 21 years of age or above
• Valid driver’s license required. Must meet state regulating agency and Nexus Home Office driving requirements
• Must have the ability to build strong relationships with diverse individuals or communities and understand their unique needs and challenges.
• Successfully participate and complete Handle with Care training
• Must successfully pass a DHS criminal background check
• Must be open to meeting the cultural needs of individuals or communities, considering factors such as language, traditions, and values.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in a related field strongly preferred

At Nexus Family Healing, our voices and actions are focused on recognizing, affirming and respecting people of every race, ethnic background, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender expression and faith.

Our ICARE Values:

• Innovation: Leading the way and implementing creative, cutting-edge ideas and approaches
• Compassion: Listening, honoring differences, and showing respect, kindness, empathy care, and concern
• Agility: Exhibiting flexibility and adapting quickly
• Responsiveness: Being quick, positive, and accurate
• Excellence: Demonstrating quality results that surpass ordinary standards

When you work at Nexus, you have the opportunity to change lives — including your own!