Lead Youth Treatment Specialist; Bakari

Lead Youth Treatment Specialist (Bakari)

Job Code: 2023-SPECIALI-009

Location: Milwaukee

Department: Residential Treatment Center

FT/PT Status: Full Time

The Lead Youth Treatment Specialist provides two essential roles within the Residential Care Center. The first role is responsible for direct care, nurturing, and supervision of youth to ensure their needs are met. The second role is to lead shifts, ensure staff are trained and meeting the needs of the youth, and that all staff follow the policies and procedures of the Residential Care Center.

Responsibilities include supervising and managing the shift, implementing daily schedules of activities, group educational activities, recreational activities, follow‑up individually with youth, and serving as a mentor and role model for youth.

• Work in the milieu supporting therapeutic interactions by coaching skill use through daily activities, modeling appropriate behavior, teaching and reinforcing use and generalization of skills through a token economy system.
• Use evidence‑based best practices for youth with mental health, substance use and life needs, including Integrated Treatment Model (ITM) with DBT, trauma‑informed care, motivational interviewing, and culturally relevant approaches.
• Co‑facilitate DBT groups and other group topics (healthy relationships, fatherhood, independent living skills, substance use education, cultural identity development).
• Organize, participate, and monitor scheduled activities for youth (one‑to‑three) on‑site and off‑site, including clubs, school, art, recreation, community outings, and field trips.
• Support youth’s education by serving as a learning coach in the classroom on‑site and at school through an interactive, competency‑based education model.
• Provide sight and sound supervision to youth and families with complex needs.
• Maintain youth and family confidentiality within all written and verbal communications.

• Provide leadership and serve as a role model for Youth Treatment Specialists.
• Supervise Youth Treatment Specialists on shift to ensure programming is carried out.
• Work with the supervisor to write and deliver staff performance evaluations, coaching, and disciplinary actions.
• Facilitate field training for new staff on shift in collaboration with program leadership.
• Lead shift transition meetings, monthly staff meetings, and attend consultation team and management meetings.
• Provide shift coverage for staff during vacations, call‑ins, and shortages.
• Administer medication as prescribed and document accordingly.
• Complete documentation for shift reports, critical incident reporting, and communication logs within required time frames.
• Collaborate with leadership to develop programming, monitor compliance, and implement performance improvement projects.
• Follow the WCS Leadership Code of Conduct and state licensing requirements, and adhere to WCS Policies and Procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Attend in‑services and trainings, weekly and monthly staff meetings.
• Assist with coverage for co‑workers as needed.
• Other job‑related duties as may be necessary.

• Full‑time or part‑time.
• Flexible schedule: rotation of first (8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.) and second (3:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m.) shifts.
• Holiday rotation required (premium for working holidays).

• High school diploma or equivalent; bachelor's degree preferred.
• At least 21 years old, and at least 2 years older than the oldest resident.
• Flexible schedule with rotation of first and second shifts, including weekends.
• Minimum of one year of experience serving children with mental health needs.
• Working knowledge of computer applications preferred.
• Demonstrated cultural competence and ability to respond respectfully and effectively to diverse populations.
• Knowledge and skills to work with youth ages 13‑17.
• Valid driver’s license, automobile, and insurance (preferred).
• Meet all employee requirements (references, criminal background check, drug test, driver’s license check).

Working knowledge of positive…