Treatment Director

Mn Adult & Teen Challenge; Buffalo (MN); On-site; USD 82,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Mn Adult & Teen Challenge seeks a Treatment Director for Lakeside’s licensed adolescent residential program. The role requires clinical leadership, strong adolescent SUD experience, and compliance with state and Joint Commission standards.

You will oversee the program, guide treatment planning, supervise clinical teams, and ensure safety and documentation across shifts, while partnering with families, schools, and community authorities. This leadership position offers growth and impact.

Qualifications

• Current Minnesota LADC license and a bachelor’s degree.
• Meets counselor and staff requirements under Minnesota Statutes 245G and 245G.11 and Rule 2960.
• 5+ years in the addiction field, including 3+ years of individual and group SUD counseling and 1+ year counseling adolescents.
• 30+ classroom hours in adolescent development and 150+ supervised hours of adolescent alcohol and drug counseling.
• Knowledge of co-occurring disorders, treatment planning, Rule 2960, mandatory reporting, confidentiality, client rights, and ethics.
• At least 21 years old with 2+ years of freedom from problematic substance use.
• Must pass a DHS background study (Chapters 245C and 245G) and complete required training before providing direct care.
• Valid driver’s license and insurable driving record if driving is required.

Responsibilities

• Guide individualized treatment and discharge planning within Lakeside’s 3-9 month model, with family involvement and continuity of care.
• Carry a caseload of adolescent clients, providing individual counseling and group therapy.
• Lead risk assessment, crisis response, and safety planning, and ensure monitoring needs are communicated across shifts.
• Supervise, coach, and evaluate clinical staff; conduct annual reviews and address performance concerns.
• Monitor staffing levels and coverage to support safe, compliant operations.
• Maintain policies, documentation, training records, and timely state reporting (including DAANES) to meet 245G, Rule 2960, and Host County requirements.
• Oversee chemical use curriculum and maintain medical, mental health, and medication consultation services.
• Strengthen procedures and documentation, evaluate outcomes, and help staff implement changes.
• Partner with parents, guardians, schools, probation officers, referral sources, and other providers.
• Complete continuing education to maintain LADC licensure and attend required trainings and meetings.

Skills

Clinical leadership

Adolescent treatment

Crisis intervention

Trauma-informed care

Faith-integrated care

Education

Minnesota LADC license

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Be the backbone of hope and healing.

At Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge, every role matters in helping people overcome addiction and find a new path forward. Whether you’re working directly with clients or supporting behind the scenes, your contributions make recovery possible. In return, we offer a values-driven workplace, supportive managers, and opportunities to grow. That commitment has earned us recognition from

Be the backbone of hope and healing.

At Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge, every role matters in helping people overcome addiction and find a new path forward. Whether you’re working directly with clients or supporting behind the scenes, your contributions make recovery possible. In return, we offer a values-driven workplace, supportive managers, and opportunities to grow. That commitment has earned us recognition from Newsweek as a Best Addiction Treatment Center and seven straight Star Tribune Top Workplace awards.

About The Role

Lakeside is seeking a Treatment Director with strong clinical judgment, experience with adolescent boys, and the ability to build a consistent, compassionate team. This leader oversees Lakeside’s licensed adolescent residential program in compliance with Minnesota Statutes 245G, Minnesota Rules 2960, DHS, The Joint Commission, Host County, and MnTC policy, and works closely with the Center Director and Program Manager.

What You’ll Do

• Guide individualized treatment and discharge planning within Lakeside’s 3-9 month model, with family involvement and continuity of care.
• Carry a caseload of adolescent clients, providing individual counseling and group therapy.
• Lead risk assessment, crisis response, and safety planning, and ensure monitoring needs are communicated across shifts.
• Supervise, coach, and evaluate clinical staff; conduct annual reviews and address performance concerns.
• Monitor staffing levels and coverage to support safe, compliant operations.
• Maintain policies, documentation, training records, and timely state reporting (including DAANES) to meet 245G, Rule 2960, and Host County requirements.
• Oversee chemical use curriculum and maintain medical, mental health, and medication consultation services.
• Strengthen procedures and documentation, evaluate outcomes, and help staff implement changes.
• Partner with parents, guardians, schools, probation officers, referral sources, and other providers.
• Complete continuing education to maintain LADC licensure and attend required trainings and meetings.

What We’re Looking For

• Adolescent treatment experience with substance use, co-occurring mental health concerns, trauma, and behavioral challenges, preferably in a residential setting.
• Clinical leadership that builds accountability, professional growth, and team cohesion.
• Trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate care that builds skills and relationships while keeping clear boundaries.
• Sound crisis judgment in de-escalation, crisis intervention, and safety planning.
• Faith-integrated care that supports Lakeside’s Christ-centered mission while respecting boys with differing beliefs.
• Visible, approachable leadership: present in the program, responsive to concerns, and calm and consistent.
• Mission alignment with MnTC’s Culture of Honor, core values, and Putting Honor in Action principles.

Required Qualifications

• Current Minnesota LADC license and a bachelor’s degree.
• Meets counselor and staff requirements under Minnesota Statutes 245G and 245G.11 and Rule 2960.
• 5+ years in the addiction field, including 3+ years of individual and group SUD counseling and 1+ year counseling adolescents.
• 30+ classroom hours in adolescent development and 150+ supervised hours of adolescent alcohol and drug counseling.
• Knowledge of co-occurring disorders, treatment planning, Rule 2960, mandatory reporting, confidentiality, client rights, and ethics.
• At least 21 years old with 2+ years of freedom from problematic substance use.
• Must pass a DHS background study (Chapters 245C and 245G) and complete required training before providing direct care.
• Valid driver’s license and insurable driving record if driving is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Co-occurring licensure or credential (for example, an LADC paired with a mental health license such as LPCC or LICSW).
• Prior work with adolescent boys, ideally in a residential treatment setting.
• Prior clinical leadership or supervisory experience.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to lift up to 10 pounds at a time.
• Regular presence on the program floor to engage with clients and staff.

Target Compensation (Negotiable Based On Qualifications)

$82,000-$90,000/year

We seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool in order to successfully meet our mission of helping every Minnesotan find help and healing from addiction.

Mn Adult & Teen Challenge is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on any category protected by federal, state or applicable laws.

Reasonable accommodation is provided upon request.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.