Transition Services Manager

Job Title:Transition Services Manager
Location:Ocala Youth Academy
Department:Transition Services
Job Type:Full-Time
Pay:$43,000 -$48,000

About Youth Opportunity & Ocala Youth Academy

Ocala Youth Academy serves up to 72 adolescent males ages 15–18 across Mental Health and Substance Abuse overlay services. Youth engage in evidence‑based interventions including Moral Recognition Therapy, Seven Challenges, and Impact of Crime, with individual, group and family counseling, victim impact awareness, restorative justice, life skills training, and education via Florida Scholars Academy. Onsite medical and psychiatric care, dietitian‑managed meals, and youth advisory-driven programming support a trauma‑informed treatment model. Length of stay depends on individualized risk reduction and treatment outcomes

About the Role

The Transition Services Manager plays a critical role in supporting youth as they transition from residential care back into the community. This position requires strong case management skills, a compassionate approach, and the ability to coordinate with youth, families, and community resources. The ideal candidate is experienced in youth services, understands the juvenile justice system, and is dedicated to fostering successful outcomes for adolescents in care.

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

• Provide case management services, including ongoing communication, evaluations, and assessments to youth, families, and Juvenile Probation Officers during the transition stage, under the supervision of a licensed mental health professional.
• Assist youth with employment, education, training, and career planning.
• Serve as a liaison between assigned case managers, treatment teams, families, and community agencies to ensure effective transition back into the community.
• Develop and organize comprehensive transition plans, including educational materials, support services (housing, transportation), critical documents (birth certificate, social security card, state ID), employment/post-secondary appointments, resumes, applications, and healthcare transition plans.
• Communicate with external community sources to support youth and family engagement.
• Connect youth to applicable support groups and community-based programs (e.g., AA/NA).
• Develop, deliver, and facilitate individualized program plans for youth.
• Assist residents in developing life skills and awareness of strengths/needs for successful reintegration into the community.
• Oversee the transitional process for each youth, facilitating treatment team meetings, developing treatment plans, evaluating needs, and ensuring timely delivery of appropriate services.
• Act as a liaison between families and state agencies as needed.

Other Duties Include:

• Serve as a positive role model for youth.
• Participate in ongoing training and development activities.
• Report any incidents reflecting inappropriate youth-to-youth or staff-to-youth behavior, including use of physical force, per guidelines.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education:Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college in counseling, social work, psychology, rehabilitation, special education, or a related human services field preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum two years’ experience working with children with serious emotional disturbances or substance use issues.
• Master’s degree in an appropriate field may substitute for some experience.
• Experience with the state Department of Juvenile Justice and group work techniques is a plus.

Skills:

• Strong understanding of group leadership, group dynamics, and experiential education.
• Records management and Medicaid processes preferred.
• Advanced oral and written communication skills.

Other Requirements:

• Must maintain a valid state driver’s license.
• Must meet state criminal background check requirements.

Physical Demands

• 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

Apply Today

If you are passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of youth and meet the qualifications above, we encourage you to apply today!

Equal Opportunity Employer:
Youth Opportunity Investments is an equal opportunity employer