APD Day Programs (7277)

Charles River Center; Needham (MA); On-site; USD 53,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Charles River Center in Needham, MA is hiring an Assistant Program Director to help oversee Employment and Day Services programs. The role emphasizes supervision, staff development, ISP execution, and collaboration with clinical teams to support individuals with developmental disabilities.

The position involves guiding staff in behavioral supports, coordinating program operations, and promoting meaningful community inclusion.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Services and at least two years of relevant experience.
• At least one year of staff supervision experience.
• At least one year of experience in supported employment, job development, and placement.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to complete required trainings.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Program Director with staffing, interviewing, onboarding, and supervising assigned staff.
• Provide guidance to staff regarding case management, ISP implementation, and individual goals.
• Collaborate with the clinical department to implement behavioral supports and address complex needs.
• Develop community inclusion opportunities aligned with individuals' goals and preferences.
• Maintain program operations, data collection, and documentation for quality improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Staff supervision

Communication

Planning and organization

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Services

Driver's license

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: Grugan Center - Needham, MA 02492, Position Type: Full Time, Salary Range: $59,987.20 - $59,987.20 Salary, Job Shift: Day, Position: Assistant Program Director, Employment and Day Services

Position Overview

The Assistant Program Director supports the Program Director in overseeing the effective and efficient daily operations of assigned programs within Employment and Day Services. This position is responsible for supervising, training, and supporting assigned staff; ensuring the implementation of Individual Support Plans (ISPs); promoting the delivery of high-quality, person-centered services; and maintaining compliance with agency policies and procedures. The Assistant Program Director also provides case management support to assigned individuals, serves as a resource to families and residential staff, and collaborates with interdisciplinary teams, referral agencies, and community partners to support individuals in achieving their goals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following responsibilities are essential to this position. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.

1. Program Leadership and Staff Supervision

• Assist the Program Director with interviewing, hiring, onboarding, training, supervising, and evaluating assigned staff in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
• Provide day-to-day leadership, coaching, feedback, and support to direct care staff, fostering a positive team culture and promoting high-quality, person-centered services.
• Establish clear performance expectations and promote teamwork through regular communication, collaboration, and constructive feedback.
• Assume responsibility for daily program operations in the Program Director's absence, ensuring the safety of individuals served and the consistent delivery of quality services.
• Coordinate staff schedules, including vacations, meetings, and other staffing needs, to ensure adequate coverage and continuity of services.
• Guide staff in maintaining professional conduct, appearance, and communication when interacting with individuals served, families, colleagues, and community partners.

2. Individual Support and Case Management

• Participate in the intake and orientation process for new individuals entering the program.
• Provide recommendations to the Program Director regarding the assignment of individuals to case management caseloads.
• Participate in case conferences, interdisciplinary meetings, and Individual Support Plan (ISP) development.
• Assist the Program Director in providing consultation and guidance to staff regarding case management, ISP implementation, and individual goal achievement.
• Develop and support individualized needs assessments, goals, and implementation strategies based on each person's needs, preferences, and choices.
• Train staff in effective, respectful, age-appropriate, and person-centered methods of supporting individuals.
• Serve as a resource to individuals, families, residential staff, referral agencies, and other members of the individual's support team.
• Assist program staff in meeting individuals' personal care needs, including wheelchair transfers when necessary.

3. Behavioral Support and Clinical Collaboration

• Demonstrate effective use of Positive Behavioral Supports (PBS) in daily program operations.
• Support staff in responding appropriately to challenging behaviors exhibited by adults with developmental disabilities.
• Collaborate with the clinical department to implement behavioral support plans and address complex behavioral needs.
• Provide coaching and guidance to staff to promote consistent, effective, and person-centered behavioral support practices.

4. Community Inclusion and Program Development

• Support the development of meaningful community inclusion opportunities based on individuals' goals, preferences, and interests, including employment, education, recreation, and leisure activities.
• Train staff to identify, develop, and facilitate community-based opportunities that promote participation and independence.
• Monitor staff effectiveness in supporting meaningful community integration.
• Guide staff in the public relations, community outreach, and marketing aspects of their responsibilities.
• Foster positive relationships with community partners, employers, referral agencies, and other stakeholders to support individual goals and program effectiveness.

5. Program Operations and Quality Improvement

• Assist the Program Director in developing program goals and collecting data to assess individual outcomes and overall program effectiveness.
• Evaluate program operations, service delivery, and resource utilization to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Participate in the development and implementation of agency policies and procedures.
• Maintain positive working relationships with employees, individuals served, families, referral agencies, private employers, and community members.
• Promote satisfaction with program services, staff performance, and individual outcomes.
• Participate in case record reviews, quality assessments, surveys, and reporting activities.

6. Documentation and Regulatory Compliance

• Maintain accurate, organized, and current individual records.
• Ensure assigned staff comply with agency policies and procedures regarding case record maintenance and documentation.
• Monitor the timely and accurate completion of required records, reports, and paperwork.
• Train staff to participate effectively in quality assurance activities, case record reviews, and required reporting processes.
• Collect and analyze relevant program data and prepare reports as required.

7. Health and Safety

• Implement and reinforce agency health and safety policies and procedures.
• Ensure assigned staff receive appropriate training and follow established health and safety protocols.
• Identify and promptly report health and safety concerns to the Program Director.
• Support the maintenance of a safe, supportive, and accessible program environment for individuals served and staff.

Required Skills and Competencies

Interpersonal Skills

Build and maintain positive, professional relationships with individuals at all levels of the organization and within the community. Demonstrate respect, professionalism, and effective interpersonal communication.

Teamwork and Collaboration

Collaborate effectively with colleagues and management to achieve departmental and organizational goals. Demonstrate flexibility and a willingness to accept new or additional responsibilities.

Dependability and Accountability

Complete assigned responsibilities accurately, thoroughly, and consistently. Demonstrate reliability and follow through on commitments.

Communication

Communicate clearly, professionally, and effectively, both verbally and in writing. Present information appropriately in individual and group settings. Demonstrate active listening and incorporate feedback into job performance.

Planning and Organization

Prioritize responsibilities and manage multiple competing demands. Plan and complete assignments within established deadlines. Use available resources effectively and adapt to changing operational needs.

Professional Responsibility

Comply with agency policies, procedures, and professional standards. Model appropriate workplace conduct and maintain professional boundaries.

Attendance and Punctuality

Adhere to established work schedules, program routines, and agency attendance standards. Arrive promptly at assigned work locations, meetings, and required trainings.

Initiative and Problem-Solving

Demonstrate independent judgment, initiative, and effective problem-solving skills. Identify challenges and take appropriate action to resolve them.

Leadership and Management

Support and enforce agency policies, procedures, and organizational objectives. Model professional conduct, accountability, and strong work performance.

Data Collection and Reporting

Collect, organize, and analyze information accurately. Prepare required reports and documentation in a timely manner.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Services and at least two years of relevant experience.
• At least one year of staff supervision experience.
• At least one year of experience in supported employment, job development, and placement.
• Valid driver's license.
• Successful completion of all state-mandated and agency-required trainings.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Willingness to authorize a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) background check and the release of relevant information concerning allegations from the Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC), Department of Developmental Services (DDS), and other applicable agencies.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred Qualification

Working knowledge of Positive Behavioral Supports (PBS).

Language and Communication Requirements

• Fluency in English and the ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating instructions, maintenance instructions, policies, and procedural manuals.
• Ability to prepare detailed reports, professional correspondence, and other required documentation.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals served using their primary modes of communication.
• Ability to communicate effectively with supervisory staff, colleagues, families, and community members.
• Ability to present information clearly in individual and small-group settings.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described below are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these functions. The position requires sufficient physical endurance to perform job-related responsibilities throughout the workday. While performing essential job duties, the employee may be required to:

• Regularly sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, and crouch.
• Frequently use hands and fingers to handle objects, tools, and equipment.
• Frequently reach with hands and arms.
• Generate sufficient force to maneuver up to 100 pounds.
• Lift up to 30 pounds from floor to waist level.
• Lift 10–15 pounds from waist level to overhead.
• Assist with lifting and transferring individuals, with additional assistance provided whenever possible.

Reasoning Ability

• Ability to understand, interpret, and carry out detailed written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to apply sound judgment and problem-solving skills when performing assigned responsibilities.