Program Manager - Residential Services

Volunteers of America of Alaska•Anchorage, AK

About The Position

The Program Manager of ARCH provides day-to-day leadership and management for VOA Alaska’s youth residential and withdrawal management program (ARCH). This role’s top priority is the safety and security of youth and staff and the smooth administrative operation of the facility. The Program Manager oversees intake and discharge workflows, daily schedules and routines, staffing coverage, and facility-related administrative operations. The Program Manager directly supervises the Residential Staffing Supervisor and Cooks, working through the Residential Staffing Supervisor to support coaching and oversight of all residential personnel. The role supports a trauma-informed and youth-centered milieu, monitors key program metrics such as census and length of stay, and ensures that daily practices align with licensing, regulatory, and organizational standards.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in behavioral health, social services, or a related field is required; an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
Typically at least three years of experience in behavioral health, residential, or youth-serving programs, with one to two years in a lead or supervisory role (such as shift lead, supervisor, or coordinator) preferred; experience in a 24/7 residential or similar high-acuity setting is strongly preferred.
Familiarity with licensing and regulatory standards for residential programs and a basic understanding of Medicaid and documentation requirements is preferred
Must demonstrate a commitment to trauma-informed and culturally responsive practice
Be able to pass all required background checks and clearances
Be willing and able to work a flexible schedule including some evenings, weekends, and on-call response appropriate to a residential setting
Maintain a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation

Nice To Haves

experience in a 24/7 residential or similar high-acuity setting is strongly preferred.
Familiarity with licensing and regulatory standards for residential programs and a basic understanding of Medicaid and documentation requirements is preferred

Responsibilities

Ensure the safety and security of youth, staff, and the facility at all times, maintaining a safe physical environment and a trauma-informed residential milieu in alignment with VOA Alaska policies and expectations.
Oversee the end-to-end intake, admission, transfer, and discharge processes for ARCH, including coordination with referral sources, completion of required paperwork, and smooth transitions for youth and families.
Manage daily program operations and administrative workflows, including program schedules, routines, program calendars, room assignments, and coordination of facility and maintenance needs with internal and external partners.
Coordinate staffing and daily coverage, working closely with the Residential Staffing Supervisor to build and manage staff schedules, address callouts and coverage gaps, and ensure adequate staffing to meet safety and supervision requirements.
Directly supervise the Residential Staffing Supervisor and Cooks, providing regular check-ins, feedback, and support; work through the Residential Staffing Supervisor to ensure effective coaching, performance support, and oversight for all residential personnel.
Monitor program-level metrics (e.g., census, occupancy, length of stay, admissions/discharges, incident trends) and collaborate with the Director of Residential Services to make operational adjustments that support access, safety, and sustainability.
Ensure day-to-day operations and staff practices comply with VOA Alaska policies, documentation standards, licensing and accreditation requirements, and confidentiality regulations (including 42 CFR Part 2 and HIPAA).
Support incident reporting, crisis response, and safety practices within ARCH, ensuring timely documentation, communication with leadership, and participation in follow-up and learning.
Support onboarding and training of residential staff by reinforcing expectations, modeling appropriate milieu and safety practices, and ensuring staff complete required trainings and competencies.
Serve as a primary operational point of contact for ARCH with internal departments (e.g., Medical, Admissions, Billing, QA/Compliance, HR, Operations/Facilities, IT) and relevant external partners (e.g., OCS, DJJ, schools, referral sources).
Participate in division and organizational meetings, safety or quality committees, and workgroups as assigned, representing program needs and helping implement changes at the program level.
Contribute to program improvement efforts, identifying opportunities to streamline workflows, strengthen safety practices, and enhance youth and family experience, and piloting new processes as directed by the Director of Residential Services.