Lead DSP Youth Residential

Ariel Clinical Services • Grand Junction, CO

21h • $17 - $19 • Onsite

About The Position

This position provides direct care, staff support, and program oversight to ensure quality services, help youth achieve treatment goals, and maintain compliance with program standards.

Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience with Ariel or within a human services, behavioral health, child welfare, residential care or related field.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience working with at-risk youth, residential care, behavioral health, child welfare, or a related human services setting.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care, youth development, residential services, and behavior management practices.
• Knowledge of agency policies, licensing standards, documentation requirements, and safety procedures.
• Ability to provide direct care, supervision, and support to youth in a structured residential environment.
• Skilled in crisis intervention, de-escalation, problem-solving, and sound decision-making.
• Skilled in organizing work, prioritizing tasks, and supporting day-to-day program operations.
• Ability to mentor, coach, and support staff while modeling professionalism and program expectations.
• Strong verbal, written, and electronic communication skills with youth, families, staff, and community partners.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and positive working relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, adapt to changing priorities, and provide operational leadership as needed.
• Ability to maintain reliable attendance, work flexible schedules, and safely transport youth in accordance with agency requirements.
• Valid Colorado Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record.
• CPR, First Aid – before contact with clients.
• Agency/Department training.
• CPI within 60 days of hire; client contact is limited until this training is completed.
• Informed Supervision.
• Central Registry for child abuse
• Criminal Background Investigation (CBI)
• CBI Sex Offender Background Check
• National Sex Offender Background Check
• Federal Background Investigation (FBI) in CO > Two years
• Reference check
• Office of Inspector General
• I-9 Documentation
• Driver’s License Record
• Reliable Automobile with adequate, valid auto insurance.

Nice To Haves

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in human services, Social Work, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Education, or a related field preferred.
• At least one (1) year of successful experience providing staff mentorship, training, shift coordination, or informal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care, supervision, and trauma-informed support to youth in a safe, structured environment.
• Coordinate and facilitate recreational, educational, life-skills, and therapeutic activities.
• Support staff onboarding, mentoring, and development by modeling program expectations and best practices.
• Transport and coordinate youth appointments, including medical, behavioral health, educational, court, and family visits.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation, including logs, incident reports, medication records, and resident files.
• Monitor, document, and communicate youth behaviors, health concerns, incidents, and safety risks.
• Support treatment and service plans by helping youth develop independent living, social, emotional, and educational skills.
• Assist with household operations, including meal planning, food preparation, inventory management, and food safety compliance.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming facility by monitoring supplies, reporting maintenance needs, and following safety procedures.
• Respond to crises and behavioral concerns using approved de-escalation and trauma-informed techniques.
• Communicate effectively with families, guardians, caseworkers, schools, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders to support coordinated care.
• Provide shift leadership and operational support, participate in team meetings, support admissions and discharges, maintain regulatory compliance, and perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision at affordable rates.
• Group Life Insurance 100% covered.
• Group Accident, Hospitalization, Identity Fraud, and Critical Illness plan available at a discounted rate.
• HSA & FSA employee funded accounts.
• Generous Paid Time Off accrual - 13 PTO days in the first year, 48 hours of paid sick leave, and 11 paid holidays.
• $50/month for participation in Wellness Program.
• Retirement 403B & 403B employer match up to 5% at one year anniversary.
• Mileage Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED