Youth Residential Operations Director

Tri-Starr Talent; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Tri-Starr Talent is seeking a senior leader to oversee a 24/7 residential childcare program serving youth with complex emotional and behavioral needs. The role focuses on safe, structured operations, staff development, and regulatory compliance across Texas facilities.

Responsibilities include guiding multidisciplinary teams, managing budgets, and driving program growth and sustainability while maintaining trauma-informed care practices and strong partnerships with licensing agencies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, or related field.
• Licensed Child-Care Administrator (LCCA) credential required.
• Nine graduate-level credit hours focused on individual and family functioning and interaction.
• Applicable professional licensure in Social Work or another human services field.
• Experience supervising staff, managing budgets, and overseeing residential program operations.
• Strong knowledge of Texas residential childcare licensing requirements and regulatory compliance.
• Valid Texas driver’s license and ability to meet driving requirements.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of a 24/7 residential childcare program with focus on quality care, safety, and licensing compliance.
• Lead, mentor, and develop multidisciplinary teams including direct-care staff, management, and treatment professionals.
• Evaluate programs and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, service delivery, and impact.
• Manage operational budgets, staffing, and financial performance.
• Develop and implement strategies to grow programs, increase residential capacity, and sustainability.
• Maintain compliance with state licensing requirements, contracts, and applicable regulations.
• Serve as primary contact for regulatory agencies, inspections, and compliance matters.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to set goals, evaluate, and implement initiatives.
• Foster a positive workplace culture emphasizing accountability, development, teamwork, and care.
• Provide leadership during incidents and participate in on-call duties.

Skills

Staff supervision

Budget management

Regulatory compliance

Trauma-informed care

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work or related field

LCCA credential

Graduate coursework in family functioning (9 credits)

Professional licensure in human services

Job description

• Will oversee operations, staff leadership, and program development for a residential childcare facility serving youth with complex emotional and behavioral needs.
• This individual will play a key role in maintaining a safe, supportive, and structured environment while driving operational improvements, developing staff, and supporting the continued growth of residential services. The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in residential childcare, trauma-informed care, regulatory compliance, and organizational leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of a 24/7 residential childcare program, ensuring quality care, safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Lead, mentor, and develop multidisciplinary teams, including direct-care staff, management, and treatment professionals.
• Evaluate existing programs and identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, service delivery, and overall program effectiveness.
• Manage operational budgets, staffing resources, and financial performance.
• Develop and implement strategies to support program growth, residential capacity, and long-term sustainability.
• Maintain compliance with state licensing requirements, contractual obligations, and applicable regulations.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for regulatory agencies, inspections, and compliance-related matters.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to establish program goals, evaluate performance, and implement organizational initiatives.
• Foster a positive workplace culture that emphasizes accountability, employee development, teamwork, and quality resident care.
• Provide leadership and guidance during critical incidents and participate in established on-call responsibilities.

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a residential childcare or related residential treatment setting.
• Licensed Child-Care Administrator (LCCA) credential required.
• Applicable professional licensure in Social Work or another human services field.
• Nine graduate-level credit hours focused on individual and family functioning and interaction.
• Experience supervising staff, managing budgets, and overseeing residential program operations.
• Strong knowledge of Texas residential childcare licensing requirements and regulatory compliance.
• Understanding of trauma-informed care and working with youth who have complex behavioral or emotional needs.
• Valid Texas driver's license and ability to meet applicable driving requirements.