Grow Associates, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting people of all abilities with opportunities. Serving more than 200 adults with developmental disabilities from over 30 surrounding communities, Grow provides person-centered programs and services that promote independence, meaningful relationships, community inclusion, and personal growth.
We are seeking a motivated, compassionate, and organized Assistant Director of Community Based Day Services to help lead our programs and support our mission of creating meaningful opportunities for the individuals we serve.
Position Overview
The Assistant Director works closely with the Director of Community Based Day Services to oversee daily program operations, supervise staff, ensure regulatory compliance, and develop meaningful community-based and vocational opportunities for the people we support.
This position plays a key role in promoting independence, self-determination, social engagement, and employment exploration. The Assistant Director also supports staff development, collaborates with families and community partners, and helps ensure that services meet the highest standards of quality and person-centered care.
The successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership, sound judgment, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to empowering adults with developmental disabilities to achieve their personal goals.
Key Responsibilities
Program Leadership and Operations
- Assist the Director with the daily management and oversight of Community and Vocational Services, ensuring compliance with Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS) regulations, CARF standards, agency policies, and applicable laws.
- Provide leadership and oversight of day-to-day operations in the Director’s absence.
- Supervise and support Case Managers, including providing ongoing guidance, conducting performance evaluations, and identifying professional development needs.
- Participate in staff recruitment, interviewing, hiring recommendations, onboarding, training, and performance management.
- Facilitate staff meetings and contribute to program planning, quality improvement, and agency-wide initiatives.
- Assist with referrals, admissions, assessments, recordkeeping, and the development and implementation of Individual Support Plan (ISP) goals and objectives.
Community Integration and Vocational Development
- Develop and oversee opportunities for meaningful community participation, social engagement, recreation, and vocational exploration.
- Establish and maintain partnerships with local businesses, community organizations, and educational institutions to create volunteering, mentoring, internship, and employment-related opportunities.
- Oversee job skills evaluations and help identify individual strengths, interests, and goals related to employment.
- Promote independence, self-determination, personal choice, and meaningful community inclusion.
- Monitor the needs and progress of individuals across program services and communicate significant changes to the appropriate team members.
Health Care Office and Regulatory Compliance
- Maintain current Medication Administration Program (MAP) certification.
- Partner with the Director to oversee the Health Care Office, ensuring compliance with medication administration protocols, documentation requirements, and applicable regulations.
- Support compliance with DDS, CARF, and agency standards through accurate documentation, effective oversight, and participation in quality assurance activities.
- Maintain knowledge of HCSIS and assist with ISP reviews and incident reporting requirements.
Advocacy and Collaboration
- Advocate for the rights, interests, needs, and personal preferences of the individuals served.
- Build and maintain positive working relationships with families, residential providers, physicians, community partners, and other members of the interdisciplinary team.
- Communicate effectively with stakeholders to support consistent, coordinated, and person-centered services.
- Use sound judgment, initiative, and problem-solving skills to address challenges and support program effectiveness.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Minimum of three years of experience working with adults with developmental disabilities in a social, recreational, educational, vocational, or related setting.
- Two years of supervisory or program management experience preferred.
- Strong organizational, written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively with individuals, staff, families, providers, and community partners from diverse backgrounds.
- Strong problem-solving skills, sound judgment, and the ability to take initiative.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to learn and use electronic documentation systems, including HCSIS.
- Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
- Ability to lift up to 30 pounds as needed.
- MAP, First Aid, CPR, and Safety-Care crisis intervention certifications within 30 days of hire.
- Ability to successfully pass required criminal background screenings, including CORI and national fingerprint-based background checks.
Language and Communication Skills
Must be able to read, interpret, and apply professional materials, technical procedures, and governmental regulations; prepare clear reports, business correspondence, and program documentation; and effectively communicate information to staff, individuals served, families, community partners, and other stakeholders.
Grow Associates, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.