Job Summary: The Lead DBT Coach provides advanced-level direct care and therapeutic support to youth in a 24-bed residential treatment facility, serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, behavioral health conditions, and medical diagnoses. As part of the career progression track from DBT Coach, this role includes additional leadership responsibilities, mentoring staff, and ensuring high-quality care delivery in alignment with trauma-informed and strength-based principles.

 

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

•Provide direct supervision and care to youth, with a strong focus on DBT skills reinforcement (mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness).

•Lead and model structured DBT-focused group activities, ensuring principles are embedded in daily routines.

•Act as the lead point of contact for staff during assigned shifts, providing guidance, problem-solving, and support.

•Mentor and coach staff in DBT-informed interventions, crisis-escalation, and adherence to treatment plans.

•Assist in the development and implementation of individualized treatment plans, ensuring that interventions align with clinical recommendations.

•Collaborate with clinical supervisors and program leadership to ensure smooth communication and quality service delivery.

•Support onboarding and training of new staff, ensuring consistency with DBT and trauma-informed care standards.

•Facilitate structured group activities focused on emotional regulation, communication, social skills, and independent living skills and participated in the development of group curriculum.

•Support youth in academic and vocational training efforts in collaboration with educators and case managers.

•Encourage family involvement by supporting communication, family therapy sessions, and skill-building workshops.

•Provide consistent monitoring of the member(s) activities & behaviors during assigned shift to ensure services that maintain the safety and wellbeing of all person(s) served.

•Assist members in the self-administration of medication and corresponding records.

•Safely transport members to and from their living environment and any scheduled appointments.

•Demonstrate skills in planning, implementing, and coordinating health promotion strategies including health and wellness activities.

•Assist in the planning and preparation of menus consisting of well-balanced meals and meeting applicable diet needs as required.

•Document timely, accurate and appropriate clinical information in the member’s clinical record and submit billing appropriate to program and BHT scope of services.

•Attend and actively participate in treatment team meetings, staff trainings, and program development initiatives.

•Reports potential infections, infestations, accidents, and incidents completing applicable reporting paperwork and reporting procedures.

•In conjunction with the Program Coordinator, acts as the client/member advocate during  clinical treatment planning meetings

•Assists with providing a therapeutic milieu for members by encouraging members to participate in recreational activities and group therapies.

•Performs or assists with the admission of new members by gathering routine information for nursing and clinician assessment, searches patients and belongings for contraband, documents belongings and other appropriate information.

•Completes all clinical documentation in a timely manner in accordance with policies, procedures, and clinical protocols.

•Adherence to all agency policies, licensure, and training requirements.

•To ensure compliance & adequate services, additional job duties may be required to meet the needs of the program and or department.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

•Must be 21-years old.

•Minimum HS diploma/GED and a minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience in a behavioral health, residential, or youth services setting; OR

•An Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree with 2+ years of relevant experience in a behavioral health setting;

•DBT Skills Training/Certification required at hire.

•Experience working with youth with complex trauma or developmental disabilities is highly preferred.

•Demonstrated experience leading or mentoring direct care staff required.

•Must be able to obtain an Arizona Food Handler’s Card by a state-approved training agency within 14 days of hire.

•Must have a current, valid state fingerprint clearance without restrictions or eligible to receive one within eight (8) weeks of hire    

•TB Test clearance required at the time of hire and annually. 

•Must have valid Arizona Driver’s License with state minimum insurance coverage and ability to meet and maintain Copa Health’s acceptable driving requirements.

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

•Strong understanding and application of DBT principles in daily practice.

•Effective crisis management and DBT-informed de-escalation skills.

•Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills.

•Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as needed.

•Ability to collaborate and work well with others.

•Ability to adapt to changing environments.

•Demonstrate compassion to others by being understanding, sensitive, and empathetic.

•Demonstrate integrity by maintaining a high level of professionalism, honesty, and fairness.

•Uses positive tone of voice and verbiage with co-workers, members, and family members/guardians.

•Ability to maintain a safe and hazard free work environment.

•Demonstrated ability to remain calm, assess behavioral situations, and use the proper de-escalation methods in crisis situations.

•Proficiency in typing, using computer software, i.e., EHR/EMR systems and MS Office and ability to learn new systems as applicable. 

•Demonstrated ability to work effectively in an individual and team environment.

•Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to all HIPAA regulations.