Unit Manager

Unit Manager

Location: Harpeth Primary Assessment Center – Nashville, TN
Department: Operations
Job Type: Full-Time
Pay: $21.63 - $24.00 per hour

About Youth Opportunity & Harpeth Primary Assessment Center

Youth Opportunity is a nationally recognized leader in residential and behavioral health treatment for at‑risk youth. Harpeth Primary Assessment Center in Nashville, Tennessee is a secure, 24‑bed assessment center providing trauma‑informed care to girls ages 10 to 17. This temporary program combines structured clinical assessment, individualized support planning, and daily therapeutic services in a highly supportive and structured environment.

Youth typically remain in care for about 30 days, during which they receive intake, multidisciplinary evaluation, education, independent living and social skills training, and initial mental health stabilization. Programming occurs in small group units designed to support accurate placement recommendations, emotional safety, and family engagement while preparing youth for the next phase of care.

About the Role

The Unit Manager is responsible for overseeing daily housing unit operations and providing direct leadership to Shift Supervisors and Mental Health Technicians. This role ensures the safety, structure, and therapeutic integrity of the housing unit while supporting youth engagement, staff supervision, and compliance with all Youth Opportunity policies and state regulations.

The Unit Manager plays a critical role in maintaining a secure and supportive environment that promotes positive youth development, accountability, and emotional stability.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with up to 4% employer match with Immediate Vesting

Paid time off (PTO) and holidays – earn 4 hours of PTO every pay period

Free RX delivery on most medications

Tuition reimbursement and professional development

Robust Employee Assistance Program

Supportive, mission-driven work environment

Key Responsibilities

Oversee housing unit operations, including supervision of Shift Supervisors and Mental Health Technicians

Ensure the overall safety, well-being, cleanliness, and sanitation of the assigned housing unit

Promote a structured, therapeutic environment by implementing engaging activities that support youth education and emotional development

Supervise assigned staff, including scheduling, training, performance evaluation, corrective guidance, and ongoing support

Maintain regular communication with leadership regarding staffing, performance, attendance, and behavioral concerns

Assist with developing work schedules and coordinating staffing coverage to ensure effective facility operations

Support intake, discharge, youth appointments, and transportation as needed

Ensure compliance with state regulations, facility policies, and security procedures, including room searches, contraband checks, and monitoring of security systems

Enforce behavior management systems, review disciplinary actions and grievances, and investigate incidents involving confinement, force, or restraint

Administer medication and maintain accurate documentation in accordance with policy

Conduct routine housing unit inspections and address identified concerns

Maintain detailed records and prepare reports related to youth behavior, staffing, safety, and operational issues

Assist with training initiatives and staff development as requested

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university required

Minimum of three (3) years of experience working with youth with serious emotional disturbances or substance abuse concerns in a residential setting

Prior supervisory experience preferred

Working knowledge of chemical dependency, substance abuse, and physical, sexual, and emotional abuse assessment

Strong leadership, communication, and conflict-resolution skills

Ability to interact professionally with youth, families, staff, probation officers, caseworkers, law enforcement, and court personnel

Certification in First Aid and CPR required or ability to obtain

Physical Demands

    • Must be in good physical health and emotionally stable
    • Able to actively engage with youth, participate in physical interventions, and transport youth or staff as needed
    • Must be free of communicable diseases as defined by the state
    • Must pass evaluation of physical techniques and certification exams

Additional Requirements

Must complete Certified Behavioral Health Technician Training within nine (9) months of hire

Maintain a valid state driver’s license and safe driving record

Meet all state and local criminal background check requirements

Ability to work extended, evening, weekend, or irregular hours as needed

Maintain professionalism, punctuality, and positive role-model behavior

Report incidents involving use of force, unusual events, or boundary concerns in accordance with policy

Perform other duties as assigned

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Youth Opportunity is an Equal Opportunity Employer.