Spiritual Life Program Manager

For over 35 years, Youth Villages has transformed the lives of children and families nationwide through innovative, research-based programs focused on preserving and restoring families.

As a national leader in children’s mental and behavioral health, we serve more than 47,000 youth, young people, and their families annually across 29 states and Washington, D.C. Our proven treatment models drive long-term success in child welfare, juvenile justice, and mental health systems. At Youth Villages, we do what works — partnering with others to expand our impact and advocate for meaningful, lasting change.

We're seeking purpose-driven individuals who are passionate about making a difference. With a dedicated team of more than 5,000 staff, Youth Villages is committed to investing in and supporting our employees by offering opportunities to build a fulfilling career through professional growth, personal development, and a mission that matters— helping children and families live successfully.

For more information, please visit www.youthvillages.org

Program Overview:

Youth Villages' residential programs in Tennessee and Georgia provide safe, nurturing environments for youth ages 6 to 17 with complex behavioral and mental health challenges. These programs are offered across three types of facilities—secure facilities, open campuses, and group homes—each designed to meet the individual needs of youth exhibiting a range of referral behaviors, including aggression, self-harm, suicidal ideations, and problem sexual behavior.

Our residential campuses deliver an intensive treatment program that strikes a unique balance between structure and freedom, all while preparing youth for continued success outside of a residential setting. A key focus is to help each youth step down to the least restrictive treatment option possible by developing the skills they need to thrive in less structured environments through trauma-informed care, clinical interventions, life skills building, and recreation therapy (in selection locations). Most youth also attend fully accredited schools located on our campuses, ensuring their educational progress continues alongside therapeutic support.

Position Overview:

The Spiritual Life Program Manager oversees all responsibilities of the Spiritual Life Program at Youth Villages which include but not limited to the development, administration and delivery of Spiritual Life services and activities for the youth in all residential programs, ensuring a strong focus on high quality customer service to internal, external and all residential youth.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The Spiritual Life Program Manager:

• Hires, trains, supervises and evaluates Spiritual Life program staff to ensure that the highest level of customer service is being provided to residential youth, internal, and external customers
• Works with residential leadership to develop, plan and schedule recurring faith-based, inspirational activities on campus for each program (e.g., chapel, Bible Studies, special events, and holiday celebrations)
• Communicates with local churches and faith-based organizations in the community to solicit their partnership and involvement with the Spiritual Life program by volunteering, hosting off-campus events, or financially supporting the program
• Oversees and coordinates off-campus outings to church events and other youth-friendly activities
• Works in coordination with the Volunteer Coordinator to identify and funnel volunteer inquiries from churches and faith-based organizations by reviewing, interviewing, and evaluating their value to the Spiritual Life Program
• Develops and maintains published standard operating procedure (SOP) documentation for Spiritual Life Program protocols that defines program needs and best practices
• Creates a list of volunteer opportunities based on campus needs
• Recruits, trains, certifies, and positions volunteers to lead weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly recurring activities with groups of youth (e.g., cottages, courtyards, or group homes)
• Researches and evaluates similar youth ministry programs for the purpose of growing our program to ensure relevant and engaging spiritual activities/resources for our youth
• Compiles and interprets all data for the quarterly board reports submitted to the Development Department
• Maintains visibility and availability to youth and staff
• Initiates contact with new admits, introduces them to Spiritual Life Program activities, and assesses their spiritual interests and/or needs
• Learns children’s names and develops a caring, trusting relationship with youth
• Provides Bibles and other spiritual growth literature to youth upon request
• Meets with youth who request individual prayer or have specific spiritual questions or concerns
• Solicits feedback from counselors/staff about their concerns/observations with regards to an individual youth's spirituality (including concerns, decisions, goals, progress, etc.)
• Represents the Spiritual Life Program at Youth Villages' and community events
• Raises awareness of Mentoring and Foster Care when sharing volunteer needs at community events
• Provides volunteer services at Youth Villages events
• Provides guidance to programs outside of Shelby County regarding Spiritual Life Program activities and volunteer opportunities
• Implements specific Spiritual Life Program strategic plan initiatives  

Additional Information:

• The supervision and treatment of youth requires prolonged periods of walking, standing, running, climbing stairs, and physical agility. Applicants must be able to participate in physical interventions when necessary and frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, occasionally more than 100 pounds.
• Applicants are required to complete Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) and CPR trainings and pass an agility and strength evaluation.
• Applicants must possess a current, valid driver’s license.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED (required)
• Bachelor’s degree or certification in theology, ministry, faith-based education, or related field (preferred)
• Two years of experience providing spiritual care (required)
• Six months of experience with Youth Villages (required)
• Working knowledge of the faith community (required)
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent written, verbal, and oral skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Basic computer knowledge
• Ability to maintain a flexible schedule

Youth Villages Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug Coverage and Vision

• 401(k)

• Time off:

• • 2 week paid vacation (full-time) / 1 week paid vacation (part-time)

  • 12 paid sick days per year

  • 11 paid holidays

• Paid Parental Leave

• Mileage & Cell Phone Reimbursement (when applicable)

• Tuition reimbursement and licensure supervision

• Growth & development through continuous training

• Clinical and administrative advancement opportunities

*Benefits are excluded for variable status employees.

Youth Villages is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Youth Villages is committed to not only advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace but also in our work with children and young adults. We know that children, families and young people of color can face inequity in child welfare and justice systems, and we train our employees to build the skills they need to work with the communities that we serve, as well as, other employees from different cultures and backgrounds. Youth Villages is opposed to racism in any of its forms and is committed to inclusion, equity, and diversity. We believe that respect for each other is crucial in the work that we do each day.