Youth Services Unit Administrator (Unit Manager)

State of Ohio • Circleville, OH

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The Youth Services Unit Administrator, also identified as Unit Manager, serves as administrator for assigned residential living units at the Circleville Juvenile Correctional Facility. Under the administrative direction of the Unit Management Administrator, the role oversees unit operations and staff while protecting youth from harm and ensuring compliance with Department of Youth Services policies and procedures, American Correctional Association standards, the Ohio Revised Code, Senate Bill 5, and the Ohio Administrative Code. The role supports proper custodial care, health, safety, security, and treatment for youth in the facility.

The Unit Manager plans and coordinates services and structured programming, supervises unit staff, and oversees schedules, safety practices, treatment planning, behavioral health coordination, quality assurance, and compliance. The position monitors incidents and behavior, responds to critical incidents, and helps develop or improve policies and programs to support youth outcomes and facility standards. New employees must complete six weeks of paid, mandatory pre-service training.

Requirements

• Meet one of the stated minimum qualification pathways: 42 months of training or experience in youth programming services in a secured environment and/or treatment facility involving counseling and motivating troubled youth and/or behaviorally challenged clientele; or completion of an undergraduate core program in behavioral science (such as psychology, sociology, social work, rehabilitation, criminal justice, or juvenile justice) plus 18 months of experience in a secured environment and/or treatment facility related to youth programming services and/or behaviorally challenged clientele; or equivalent qualifications.
• Complete the Department of Youth Services' paid, mandatory six-week pre-service training.
• Undergo a criminal background check and pre-employment drug screening if selected.

Responsibilities

• Serve as administrator for assigned residential living unit(s) under the administrative direction of the Unit Management Administrator.
• Protect youth from harm and implement, administer, and ensure compliance with applicable DYS policies, procedures, ACA standards, and state laws and regulations.
• Plan and coordinate direct and indirect residential unit services, including health, safety, security, structured programming, hygiene, treatment, risk management, and security classification planning.
• Supervise staff assigned to residential living units, including Juvenile Correctional Officers and Correctional Program Specialists.
• Ensure compliance with Prison Rape Elimination Act standards and guidelines.
• Oversee unit schedules to maximize out-of-room time through meaningful structured activities, and ensure schedules are followed and appropriate staff lead activities.
• Complete and execute residential living unit plans that prioritize the safety and security of youth and staff; direct unit activities and provide guidance to youth and staff.
• Recognize and report unethical staff behavior and concerning group dynamics.
• Monitor Security Threat Group activity and incidents and non-compliant youth; de-escalate hostile situations involving youth and/or staff when needed.
• Communicate unit plans to youth and staff and assist in directing residential programs, including formulating and implementing youth program policies and procedures.
• Implement new and existing policies, methods, and procedures for residential living units; participate in or lead groups and activities when appropriate.
• Coordinate behavioral health services, recreation, housekeeping, hygiene, maintenance, investigations, and training.
• Ensure Correctional Program Specialists conduct groups according to schedule and Youth Specialists lead structured activities to reduce youth idleness.
• Respond to Critical Incident Management situations and serve as Incident Commander.
• Monitor Juvenile Justice Case Management System incidents related to assigned youth, use of force, and Separation, including Response to Acts of Violence separation incidents.
• Provide Safe to Release Assessments and quality assurance for residential unit plans and programming; monitor quality assurance results and ensure corrective action is taken.
• Plan, execute, and document treatment plans; respond to programmatic issues and ensure youth comply with the behavior management system.
• Recommend unit policy and procedure changes and new programs to improve efficiency and support facility Performance-based Standards, Ohio Standards, and ACA goals and compliance.

Benefits

• Medical coverage
• Free dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums after completion of the eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal and sick leave, and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, adoption, and foster care leave
• Education and development opportunities, including Employee Development Funds and Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• Public retirement systems, including OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS
• Optional deferred compensation through Ohio Deferred Compensation

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed