At Safe Opportunity Foster Alliance (SOFA) our mission is to provide safe, compassionate, and stabilizing short-term care for foster youth. We keep youth connected to their home communities while prioritizing their voice and choice in every decision. Through timely coordination, individualized services, and trauma informed care, we aim to reduce disruption, promote healing and prepare each youth for their best next step.
Position Overview:
The Youth Manager provides supervision and leadership during assigned shifts while ensuring that youth in SOFA's care are supported in a safe, structured, and trauma-informed environment. This position combines direct care responsibilities with peer leadership, serving as the on-shift point of contact for staff, assisting in crisis response, and ensuring compliance with agency policies, individualized service plans, and state regulations. Provide direct supervision of youth during daily routines, meals, educational activities, recreation, and community outings. Serve as a positive role model, demonstrating appropriate social skills, conflict resolution, and trauma-informed interactions. Ensure consistent safety, supervision, and structure throughout the shift. Intervene during crises and assist in de-escalation using Ukeru and CPI techniques. Provide direction and support to direct care staff during assigned shifts. Model professional standards, trauma-informed care, and appropriate interactions for staff. Facilitate communication between direct care staff and administration to ensure continuity across shifts. Monitor shift coverage and ensure compliance with required staff-to-youth ratios. Implement and oversee behavior management strategies in accordance with SOFA policies. Support individualized service plans by ensuring youth participation in programming and skills-building activities. Facilitate group meetings, recreational activities, and educational opportunities as scheduled. Complete and review shift reports, incident reports, bed checks, and behavioral documentation in compliance with SOFA policies and state requirements. Ensure accurate and timely communication of incidents and concerns to the Administrator Provide immediate support and guidance during emergencies, including medical situations, altercations, or safety concerns. Assist in conducting emergency evacuation drills and ensuring youth and staff compliance with safety procedures. Administer First Aid/CPR when necessary and in accordance with training. Complete RBT certification within the first year of employment with support of the agency. Utilize appropriate verbal de-escalation strategies with youth. Qualifications Minimum age of 21 years with a high school diploma or GED . Minimum of 1 year of experience in residential care, childcare, mental health, or related direct care setting. Knowledge of child and adolescent development, trauma-informed care, and crisis management. Ability to maintain professionalism in high-stress or crisis situations. Strong communication, leadership, and teamwork skills. Must meet state requirements for background checks, drug screening, and hold a valid Ohio driver's license with insurable driving record. Training Provided SOFA provides comprehensive training to all staff, including: First Aid, CPR, and Emergency Response Procedures Trauma-Informed Care & Crisis De-Escalation (Ukeru & CPI models) Ongoing trainings via e-learning platform at hire and throughout employment Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) within the first year of employment Confidentiality, HIPAA, and mandated reporting standards
