House Manager

ABOUT LA CHEIM

La Cheim has been providing a robust continuum of care for nearly 50 years to help children and adults who were previously unreachable. Our non-public school, community mental health center, therapeutic behavioral services program, and Short-Term Residential Treatment Program offer educational and mental health services throughout Alameda and Contra Costa County. 

Our team is made up of teachers, art therapists, counselors, psychiatrists, psychologists, RNs, social workers, MFTs, and mentors who are known for their caliber and compassion. They create life-changing experiences for those they serve. All La Cheim programs embrace and apply a Trauma-Informed approach to addressing emotional and behavioral issues.

By joining La Cheim you will be part of a supportive community serving an inspiration mission. You will enjoy rich benefits, valuable training and wellness opportunities, close support, and room to grow. 

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The House Manager is responsible for the daily operation, supervision, safety, and regulatory compliance of the STRTP program. This position provides direct oversight of Facility Managers and Direct Care Staff while ensuring a safe, trauma-informed, therapeutic environment for residents.

The House Manager assists the Administrator with staff supervision, scheduling, licensing compliance, program implementation, quality assurance, and facility operations. The House Manager serves as the primary operational leader during assigned shifts and is expected to model professional leadership, crisis intervention, and evidence-based treatment practices.

The House Manager ensures compliance with all applicable Community Care Licensing (CCL), California Department of Social Services (CDSS), Interim Licensing Standards (ILS), Title 22 regulations, CARF standards, HIPAA, mandated reporting laws, and agency policies and procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

1. High School Diploma or GED required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, Criminal Justice, or related field preferred.
2. Minimum two years of STRTP, Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program, Group Home, Foster Care, Behavioral Health, or Residential Treatment experience.
3. Minimum one year of supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
4. Knowledge of STRTP regulations, trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, positive behavioral supports, and Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) or equivalent preferred.
5. Current CPR/First Aid certification or ability to obtain within required timeframe.
6. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook, Teams, and electronic health record/documentation systems.
7. Must have a valid California Driver License and car insurance
8. Must be able to pass all required tests and clearances (Live Scan (DOJ, FBI, Guardian) TB test, etc.)

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The following is the extent of the specific activity required for this position:

1. Stairs – climbing stairs up to 50-100 – up to 2-4 hours, not continuously.
2. Sitting – up to 2 hours, not continuously; standing – up to 4 hours, not continuously
3. Walking – up to 2 hours, not continuously; bending over – up to 1 hour, not continuously.
4. Crawling – up to 0 hours; climbing – up to 0 hours, reaching overhead – up to a few minutes.
5. Crouching – up to ½ hour, not continuously; kneeling – up to a few minutes
6. Balancing – up to 0 hours; pushing or pulling – up to a few minutes.
7. Lifting or carrying – 25 pounds or less; repetitive use of feet – up to 0 hours
8. Repetitive use of hands – up to 0 hours
9. Grasping – with one or both, simple and firm, for up to 1 hour, not continuously
10. Fine dexterity - either hand up to 1 hour, not continuously Auditory and visual acuity – 8 hours within normal limits and maybe with glasses, contact lenses or hearing aids.
11. Driving cars and vans; Exposure to uneven concrete and blacktop
12. Exposure to normal dust, heat, and noise
13. Exposure to emotionally disturbed students who may be physically and verbally violent and require safe physical management.
14. Frequent exposure to office equipment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Staff Leadership, Scheduling, Training, and Supervision

1. Supervise, coach, mentor, and support Facility Managers, Direct Care Staff, and On-Call Staff.
2. Assist with recruitment, interviewing, onboarding, orientation, and training of new employees.
3. Coordinate and monitor staff schedules to ensure safe staffing ratios and regulatory compliance 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
4. Approve schedule changes and minimize overtime while maintaining program coverage.
5. Conduct weekly group supervision and monthly individual supervision meetings with assigned staff.
6. Complete employee evaluations, coaching documentation, performance commendations, corrective actions, and performance improvement plans in consultation with the Administrator.
7. Ensure staff complete all required annual trainings, certifications, Relias learning modules, and mandated continuing education.
8. Coordinate medication administration training with Facility Nurses.
9. Provide direct supervision on the floor by working alongside staff as needed to model interventions, provide coaching, and maintain quality programming.
10. Promote teamwork, accountability, professionalism, and employee engagement.

Program Operations and Clinical Support

1. Ensure implementation of each resident's Needs and Services Plan (NSP), Trauma-Informed Treatment Plan, Behavioral Support Plan, Safety Plan, and Permanency Goals.
2. Support implementation of trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and strength-based treatment approaches.
3. Monitor implementation of house rules, incentive systems, behavior support interventions, and therapeutic programming.
4. Coordinate weekly therapeutic activities, community integration outings, recreational programming, independent living opportunities, and special events.
5. Plan birthdays, graduations, holidays, recreational outings, volunteer opportunities, and life skills programming.
6. Monitor school attendance, educational progress, employment participation, vocational services, and extracurricular activities.
7. Coordinate family visits, community visits, overnight visits, transportation, and supervised contacts.
8. Participate in Child and Family Team (CFT) meetings, treatment team meetings, multidisciplinary meetings, and clinical consultations as requested.
9. Assist with resident admissions, transitions, discharges, and placement preservation efforts.
10. Support implementation of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), crisis prevention strategies, and least restrictive interventions.

Licensing Compliance and Quality Assurance

1. Ensure continuous compliance with:
2. California Community Care Licensing (CCL)
3. Interim Licensing Standards (ILS)
4. Title 22 Regulations
5. County Mental Health License Standards
6. CARF Accreditation Standards
7. HIPAA
8. Mandated Reporting Requirements
9. OSHA
10. Department of Public Health requirements
11. Agency policies and procedures
12. Responsibilities include:
13. Conduct facility inspections and environmental safety rounds.
14. Complete quality assurance audits of resident files, medication records, MARs, shift documentation, and regulatory binders.
15. Monitor completion of Managerial daily, weekly, and monthly checklists.
16. Ensure medication storage, administration, documentation, destruction, and audits remain compliant.
17. Review Incident Reports, Medication Incident Reports, Special Incident Reports (SIRs), AWOL documentation, restraint documentation, and mandated reporting submissions for completeness and accuracy.
18. Ensure required licensing notifications are completed within required timeframes.
19. Maintain emergency preparedness supplies, evacuation plans, disaster drills, emergency food supplies, and emergency contact information.
20. Ensure proper inventory of linens, hygiene supplies, food, household supplies, PPE, and emergency equipment.
21. Ensure licensing binders remain current and inspection ready.
22. Assist Administrator during licensing inspections, CARF surveys, county monitoring visits, and internal audits.

Facility Operations

1. Oversee day-to-day facility operations and ensure a safe, clean, therapeutic living environment.
2. Monitor housekeeping, maintenance requests, repairs, vehicle cleanliness, and equipment functionality.
3. Ensure preventive maintenance requests are submitted promptly.
4. Monitor inventory of household supplies, office supplies, food, PPE, medications, and resident necessities.
5. Ensure weekly menus, activity calendars, staffing schedules, emergency postings, and required licensing postings are current.
6. Promote resident participation in maintaining shared living spaces consistent with Independent Living Skills development.

Crisis Management and Safety

1. Serve as Supervisor on Duty (SOD) during assigned shifts.
2. Respond to behavioral crises, psychiatric emergencies, AWOL incidents, medical emergencies, and safety concerns.
3. Utilize trauma-informed de-escalation techniques and least restrictive interventions.
4. Coordinate with Mobile Crisis, law enforcement, emergency medical personnel, social workers, probation officers, psychiatrists, and other providers as appropriate.
5. Ensure proper documentation following critical incidents.
6. Conduct post-crisis debriefings with residents and staff.
7. Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous quality improvement.

Fiscal Responsibilities

1. Assist Administrator in managing staffing budgets and overtime utilization.
2. Monitor petty cash, receipts, resident allowance expenditures, and purchasing documentation.
3. Track property damage
4. Coordinate funding requests for resident activities, clothing, birthdays, graduations, and special events.
5. Assist with inventory management and purchasing of program supplies.
6. Review staff timecards for accuracy and submit corrections as needed.

Communication and Collaboration

1. Maintain effective communication with residents, families, social workers, probation officers, schools, therapists, county representatives, nurses, psychiatrists, and community partners.
2. Review shift notes, communication logs, incident reports, and documentation daily.
3. Communicate significant program updates promptly to the Administrator.
4. Attend staff meetings, leadership meetings, clinical meetings, CFTs, licensing meetings, and trainings.
5. Foster collaborative relationships among staff and promote positive team culture.
6. Serve as liaison with neighbors and community agencies when needed.

Administrative Responsibilities

1. Assist Administrator with daily administrative operations.
2. Maintain organized resident and personnel records.
3. Assist with report preparation for licensing, CARF, county agencies, and internal audits.
4. Monitor completion of required documentation.
5. Coordinate onboarding paperwork and training records.
6. Maintain confidentiality of all resident and employee information.

On-Call Responsibilities

1. Serve as Administrator On-Call or Supervisor On-Call on assigned days.
2. Be available by telephone after business hours.
3. Respond in person during emergencies, staffing shortages, or critical incidents when necessary.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Complete all required trainings as assigned
2. Attend all mandatory meetings
   
3. Other duties may be required as La Cheim continues its development. Employees are expected to be flexible and responsive to changes in the scope of duties.
4. Understand and embody La Cheim's philosophy, organizational culture, and communication channels by practicing a collaborative approach.
5. Complete any additional tasks assigned by the Supervisor, Department Head, and/or CEO
6. Maintain all required certifications.
7. Support Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) initiatives.
8. Participate in licensing inspections, CARF surveys, county reviews, and accreditation activities.