Assistant Program Manager at EverForward – St Petersburg, Florida

EverForward is on a mission to transform lives. We champion trauma-informed, evidence-based care for children and families, and it all begins with empowering our team. Through expert training and unwavering compliance, we ensure our staff are equipped to deliver the kind of support that makes a lifelong difference.

Position Requirements

The Assistant Program Manager serves as a critical leadership partner in the daily operations, staff supervision, and therapeutic programming of the Residential Group Care program. This position supports the delivery of trauma-informed, youth-centered services by ensuring consistent implementation of agency policies, licensing standards, and quality care practices. The Assistant Program Manager provides direct support to staff, coordinates program activities and schedules, and plays an essential role in maintaining a safe, structured, and healing environment for youth. This position also assists in operational decision-making, weekend leadership coverage, and contributes to continuous quality improvement efforts across the program.

Position Responsibilities

As a key member of the leadership team, the Assistant Program Manager plays a crucial role in supporting program operations, staff supervision, and resident care. This position bridges the gap between frontline staff and program leadership, ensuring alignment with agency values, safety protocols, therapeutic best practices, and state licensing requirements. The role includes direct responsibility for weekend operations and on-call duties.

Key Responsibilities

Program Operations & Staff Supervision

• Design, coordinate, and manage comprehensive staff schedules and group programming calendars, ensuring optimal coverage, compliance with licensing standards, and alignment with therapeutic goals; proactively adjust staffing and programming to respond to client needs, crisis situations, or operational changes.
• Assign daily tasks, provide real-time shift support, and offer clear, consistent direction to residential staff to ensure the smooth operation of the group home; serve as an on-the-ground leader, modeling best practices and fostering accountability, teamwork, and alignment with program expectations.
• Monitor daily operations, providing feedback and support to ensure compliance with program standards
• Collaborate with Program Manager/Director to foster staff engagement and cohesion

Therapeutic & Client Support

• Role model appropriate behavior and therapeutic responses
• Provide group and individual support services as assigned
• Document services accurately and in a timely manner
• Assist in weekend goal setting and follow-up for youth returning from visits, and occasionally overnight visits
• Support youth with daily hygiene routines, chores, and meals

Safety, Compliance, & Reporting

• Draft Unusual Incident and Runaway Reports as required to be sent to the Program Manager
• Participate in medication oversight and log accuracy
• Ensure shift communication is thorough via daily logs and documentation
• Maintain safety protocols including fire drills, bed checks, and household maintenance reports

Administrative & Weekend Duties

• Share in on-call and surveillance monitoring responsibilities
• Visit the group home on weekends (minimum 4 hours on Saturday and full shift on Sunday)
• Manage petty cash for weekend activities and submit receipts
• Ensure weekend programs and staff scheduling are executed effectively

Professional Collaboration & Development

• Support staff orientation, onboarding, and role modeling of best practices
• Participate in intakes, discharges, and external professional interactions
• Assist with family communication and therapy support as needed
• Contribute to program improvements and the implementation of new procedures
• Attend and contribute to in-service trainings and staff development opportunities when available

Additional Notes

• This role serves as a leadership pipeline position, offering opportunities to take on more advanced Program Manager responsibilities over time
• Assistant Program Manager will act as a liaison between the Program Manager/Director and direct-care staff, ensuring program integrity and high standards of care
• Weekend leadership responsibilities are a key component of this role

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 2 years of experience in a residential/group home serving youth with emotional and behavioral challenges

OR

• 5 years of residential experience, including at least 2 years in a group home setting.

Experience

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a therapeutic residential/group home setting (required with degree)
• Supervisory or team lead experience strongly preferred
• Background in trauma-informed care, behavioral interventions, or youth-focused programs
• Experience managing shift coverage, staff task delegation, and weekend operations
• Proven ability to manage documentation, incident reporting, and basic compliance protocols
• Direct service experience with youth, including behavior modeling, crisis de-escalation, and therapeutic engagement
• Familiarity with medication administration practices, household safety checks, and emergency protocols
• Experience coordinating with families, clinicians, or outside professionals a plus

Professional Competencies

• Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to provide direction to direct-care staff
• Strong understanding of therapeutic residential care principles
• Ability to coach, train, and support counselors in role execution
• Proven adherence to agency policies, therapeutic frameworks, and safety protocols
• Organized and able to manage multiple administrative responsibilities
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills