Service Area Assistant Director

Job DetailsJob Location: Cincinnati, OH 45219Salary Range: $63,000.00 - $78,000.00 SalaryAssistant Service Area Director – Residential Services

Lead with Purpose. Inspire Change. Build Stronger Futures.

At Lighthouse Youth & Family Services, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive. As the Assistant Service Area Director, you'll play a critical leadership role in creating a safe, supportive, and therapeutic environment where youth can heal, grow, and achieve lasting success.

This is an exciting opportunity for a collaborative and mission-driven leader who is passionate about developing teams, driving operational excellence, and making a meaningful impact in the lives of youth and families. Working alongside the Service Area Director, you'll help lead residential operations, mentor supervisors, and ensure the highest quality of care across the program.

What You'll Do

As the Assistant Service Area Director, you will:


Partner with the Service Area Director to oversee daily operations and ensure high-quality service delivery.
Provide leadership and operational oversight to supervisors and direct service staff.
Lead facility operations in the Director's absence.
Promote collaboration between residential and clinical teams to deliver integrated, trauma-informed care.
Recruit, hire, onboard, coach, and develop high-performing employees.
Support employee engagement, performance management, and retention efforts in partnership with Human Resources.
Develop staffing plans and schedules to ensure safe staffing levels and operational coverage.
Ensure compliance with licensing standards, agency policies, and regulatory requirements.
Monitor program performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement best practices.
Oversee youth grievance processes, disciplinary hearings, and Youth Council meetings to ensure youth voices are heard.
Facilitate leadership meetings, restraint review meetings, and quality improvement initiatives.
Support crisis management and provide leadership during emergency situations.
Assist with financial oversight and ensure responsible use of agency resources.
Collaborate with Learning & Development to ensure staff receive ongoing training and professional development.
Champion continuous improvement, employee engagement, and positive organizational culture.


What You Bring

We're looking for a confident, compassionate leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys mentoring others.

Required Qualifications


Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Criminal Justice, or a related field.
Minimum of two (2) years of experience in social services, behavioral health, juvenile justice, residential treatment, or a nonprofit setting.
At least one (1) year of supervisory or leadership experience.
Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and an acceptable driving record.

QualificationsPreferred Qualifications


Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, Human Services, Public Administration, or a related field.
Experience leading residential treatment or juvenile justice programs.
Experience with licensing, accreditation, quality improvement, and trauma-informed care.


Why Join Lighthouse?

When you join Lighthouse Youth & Family Services, you're joining a team committed to changing lives every day. We invest in our employees through professional development, supportive leadership, and opportunities for career growth.

As part of our leadership team, you'll have the opportunity to:


Make a meaningful impact in the lives of youth and families.
Lead and develop dedicated, mission-driven teams.
Help shape program operations and improve service delivery.
Work collaboratively with experienced professionals across multiple disciplines.
Grow your leadership career within a respected nonprofit organization.


Physical & Work Requirements

This position works in both office and residential treatment environments and may include community-based activities. Occasional evening, weekend, holiday, and on-call responsibilities are required based on program needs. The position requires the ability to lift up to 50 pounds and successfully complete agency-provided First Aid/CPR/AED and Handle With Care certifications.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're an experienced leader who believes every young person deserves hope, stability, and opportunity, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and help lead the next chapter of hope, healing, and success at Lighthouse Youth & Family Services.