Assistant Program Manager

Saintmaryshome; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Mary’s Home in Norfolk, VA, is seeking an Assistant Program Manager (APM) to oversee DSP staff, ensure ISP objectives are delivered, and foster a therapeutic, person-centered environment.

The APM leads scheduling, coordinates training, communicates with nurses and families, and promotes safety, dignity, and choice for residents with intellectual disabilities and complex medical needs. This is a full-time, exempt role with weekend and night shifts.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; three years of management experience preferred.
• At least one year of experience working with persons with intellectual disabilities.
• Prior supervisory experience preferred.
• Ability to work independently and follow written and oral instructions.

Responsibilities

• Monitors home activities to ensure active treatment, safety, and a person-centered environment.
• Provides direct supervision to DSPs and Team Leaders with structured daily schedules.
• Reviews and adjusts staffing schedules and manages call-outs for regulatory compliance.
• Communicates health concerns to Nurses and collaborates to protect resident health and safety.
• Develops and posts transportation assignments to ensure timely attendance at appointments.
• Provides direction to Team Leaders to ensure equitable assignments and policy compliance.
• Maintains staffing, training records, and performance documentation.
• Responds to emergencies per established policies and conducts drills.

Skills

Staff supervision

Scheduling

ISP management

Leadership

Communication

Training

Education

High school diploma

College coursework preferred

Job description

Description

HOURS OF WORK

Full-time, exempt position requiring flexible availability, including weekends and nights

Overnight APM:

• 10:00 PM – 8:30 AM (weekdays)
• 10:30 PM – 9:30 AM (weekends)

Hours may vary based on holidays and operational needs.

JOB SUMMARY

The Assistant Program Manager (APM) is a full-time professional in a residential facility with direct responsibility for ensuring the needs and preferences of individuals with intellectual disabilities and complex medical conditions are met by providing a therapeutic, person-centered environment that fosters skill development, self-direction, dignity, and choice while also ensuring the health and safety of each individual.

In alignment with St. Mary’s Home values — Fun, Compassionate, Collaborative, Engaged, Kind, and Person-Centered — the APM promotes an atmosphere where individuals thrive, and staff feel supported and valued.

The APM has primary responsibility for the efficient and effective utilization of Direct Support Professional (DSP) staff who are the primary caregivers on the APM’s shift. The APM is responsible for understanding each individual’s Individual Support Plan (ISP) and developing workflow for DSPs to ensure that all ISP objectives and Nursing Plan of Care supports are delivered and documented in a timely, accurate manner. The APM provides engaged, collaborative leadership, ensuring compliance with St. Mary’s Home Policies, Procedures, and all applicable regulations. A flexible schedule may be required based on the needs of the Home.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

In addition to the responsibilities listed below, the APM is expected to model St. Mary’s values in all interactions.

• Monitors Home activities to ensure provision of active treatment, completion of health and hygiene supports, appropriate supervision levels, and a safe, compassionate, and person-centered environment.
• Provides direct supervision to DSPs and Team Leaders and ensures development and adherence to a structured yet flexible daily schedule that promotes engagement and meaningful activities.
• Reviews and adjusts daily staffing schedules, including managing call-outs, to ensure adequate staffing ratios and regulatory compliance while maintaining a collaborative and solution-focused approach.
• Promptly communicates health concerns to Nurses and works collaboratively to protect resident health and safety.
• Develops and posts transportation assignments to ensure safe and timely attendance at appointments.
• Assists in personnel management, including interviewing applicants, conducting evaluations, facilitating teamwork and meetings, creating job descriptions, delegating tasks, encouraging effective communication, resolving conflicts respectfully, and maintaining performance management documentation.
• Provides engaged and supportive supervision, observing and coaching DSPs in the proper implementation of ISPs.
• Enhances DSP performance through effective communication, mentorship, encouragement of professional growth, teamwork, and constructive feedback delivered with kindness and respect.
• Serves as a positive role model and ambassador of St. Mary’s Home at all times.
• Interacts with residents using age-appropriate language and voice tone, fostering dignity, choice, and joy.
• Communicates concerns to supervisors promptly and follows the chain of supervision in a collaborative and solutions-driven manner.
• Coordinates and participates in DSP training and in‑services to support high-quality, person-centered care.
• Provides direction to Team Leaders to ensure equitable assignments and compliance with policies and guidelines.
• Notifies the Support Coordinator/QIDP of any concerns with ISP implementation or documentation.
• Collaborates with Nursing Supervisors to ensure medical supports are delivered effectively and respectfully.
• Maintains accurate staff training records and supervision documentation.
• Updates DSP schedules using approved systems.
• Assists in reconciling timecards and ensuring timely payroll submission.
• Responds calmly and effectively to emergencies, following established policies and demonstrating engaged leadership. Conducts emergency drills as directed.
• Maintains the workplace and equipment to high standards, promoting safety and pride in the environment.
• Provides direct support as needed, including assistance with ADLs, behavioral supports, transfers, supervision, and adaptive equipment use.
• Communicates with families and authorized representatives in a compassionate, tactful, and professional manner.
• Attends required trainings to ensure

Requirements

PERFORMANCE MEASURES

• Complete 95% of quarterly observation for all assigned staff within 5 days of due date.
• Complete 95% of annual performance evaluations for assigned staff on time.
• Demonstrate consistent modeling of St. Mary’s values in leadership, decision-making and supervision.
• Maintain compliance with ISP and Nursing Plan documentation standards.

CONDUCT & VALUES

• Demonstrate kindness, patience and compassion in all interactions.
• Collaborate effectively with all team members and leaders.
• Approach challenges with creativity, professionalism and a positive, solution-oriented mindset.
• Model St. Mary’s values of kindness, fun, compassion, collaboration, engagement and person-centered care in all aspects of work.

REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent required; three years of management experience preferred.
• College coursework or degree preferred.
• At least one year of experience working with persons with severe intellectual disabilities.
• Prior supervisory experience preferred.
• Ability to work independently and demonstrate self-direction.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions effectively.
• Documented completion of Person-Centered Thinking training developed by The Learning Community for Person Centered Practices is required and available through employer. Preference will be given to those who are also a Person-Centered Thinking Coach.
• Successful completion of the approved behavior and crisis management program at St. Mary
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; proficient with Microsoft Office and relevant systems.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to sit, stand and walk for variable periods.
• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds independently.
• Ability to meet vision, communication and hearing requirements.
• Ability to safely use lifting and mobility equipment.