Assistant Program Director (5989)

Charles River Center; Needham (MA); On-site; USD 46,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid training

Flexible scheduling

Job summary

Charles River Center is looking for an Assistant Program Director to oversee daily operations in our Needham residential program. This role includes supervising staff, implementing Individual Support Plans, and collaborating with families and community members.

Ideal candidates should have at least two years of direct care experience and be skilled in leadership and communication. This is a full-time position offering competitive pay and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in a direct care role.
• One year of supervisory experience is preferred.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Must consent to a Criminal History Background Check.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Program Director in managing staff and operations.
• Support the development and monitoring of program goals.
• Ensure healthcare needs are met for individuals.
• Organize staff schedules and program activities.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Teamwork & Cooperation

Dependability

Communication

Planning & Organization

Responsibility

Attendance

Initiative

Management

Data Collection

Education

Two years of experience in a Direct Care position

One year of staff supervision is a plus

Valid driver’s license

Knowledge of Positive Behavioral Supports is preferred

Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications

Job description

Job Details

Location: Group Home (16) – Needham, MA 02492
Position Type: Full Time
Salary Range: $22.65 /hour
Job Shift: Any

Overview

The Assistant Program Director assists the assigned Program Director(s) in overseeing the efficient and effective daily operations of services within their assigned residential program. This role is responsible for supervising and supporting staff on shifts, training, ensuring the implementation of Individual Support Plans (ISPs), activity schedules, and menus. Additionally, the Assistant Program Director provides case management support, serves as a resource for individuals and their families, and collaborates with referral agencies and community members to facilitate goal achievement.

Essential Program Duties

• Assist the Program Director in interviewing, hiring, orienting, training, supervising, and evaluating assigned staff per agency policies and procedures.
• Foster a team-oriented approach by setting clear expectations, providing feedback, maintaining regular communication, and offering support.
• Participate in the intake and orientation process for new individuals, contributing to case assignment decisions and support planning.
• Act as a resource for individuals, families, referral agencies, and residential staff, ensuring smooth coordination of services.
• Support the development and monitoring of program goals, evaluating service effectiveness and resource allocation.
• Maintain positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring satisfaction with program operations and individual performance.
• Implement and promote the use of Positive Behavioral Supports within the program.
• Develop community inclusion opportunities for individuals based on their interests, including employment, education, and recreational activities.
• Train and support staff in creating meaningful community experiences for individuals and ensure successful implementation.
• Implement behavioral support programs, including Positive Behavioral Supports with the assistance of assigned clinical staff.
• Ensure healthcare needs are met through the coordination of medical/clinical appointments and all necessary follow up with the assistance of assigned nursing staff.
• Assist with financial needs and benefits such as SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and Medicare as needed.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date case records and ensure compliance with agency policies on documentation and quality assessment.
• Assist individuals with personal care needs, including wheelchair transfers.
• Organize staff schedules, meal plans, activities/chores and other daily operations to ensure adequate staffing coverage.
• Implement and train staff in health and safety policies, reporting concerns to the Program Director.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Required Skills & Responsibilities

• Interpersonal Skills: Communicates effectively and professionally, building strong relationships at all levels.
• Teamwork & Cooperation: Works collaboratively to achieve departmental and agency goals.
• Dependability: Completes job responsibilities thoroughly, accurately, and consistently.
• Communication: Expresses ideas clearly in oral and written form, actively listening to feedback.
• Planning & Organization: Manages tasks efficiently, adapts to change, and prioritizes work effectively.
• Responsibility: Adheres to agency policies and conducts business with integrity.
• Attendance: Arrives on time and follows the agency’s attendance policies.
• Initiative: Demonstrates self‑reliance in planning and executing job responsibilities.
• Management: Supports and enforces agency policies while setting a positive example.
• Data Collection: Gathers and compiles information accurately for reporting purposes.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in a Direct Care position.
• One year of staff supervision is a plus.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Successful completion of state and agency‑mandated training:
  • First Aid/CPR (within first month of employment)
  • DDS Medication Administration Certificate (within first six months)
  • Safety Care/Legal Certificate (within first six months)
  • DPPC/Fire Safety/Human Rights/Universal Precautions Certificate (upon hire)
  • New Hire Orientation, including completion of CORE Curriculum (within first three months)
• Knowledge of Positive Behavioral Supports is preferred.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Must consent to a Criminal History Background Check (CORI) and release of information from agencies such as the Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) and Department of Developmental Services (DDS).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Must be able to perform essential duties with reasonable accommodation.

Language Skills

• Fluent in English, with the ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating procedures, and manuals.
• Ability to write advanced reports and correspondence.
• Communicate effectively with individuals served, staff, families, and community members.
• Capable of presenting information in individual and small group settings.

Physical Demands

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, or crouch regularly.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for handling objects, tools, or controls.
• Must be able to lift and maneuver up to 100 pounds with assistance as needed.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds from floor to waist and 10–15 pounds from waist to overhead.
• Requires significant endurance to meet the physical demands of the job.

Reasoning Ability

• Ability to follow detailed written and oral instructions.