Day Program Director

Hearten; Hamilton Township (NJ); On-site; USD 70,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Health insurance

401(k) with employer matching

Job summary

Hearten Day Program in Hamilton, NJ is seeking a confident, energetic Day Program Director to lead a team, build structure, and inspire staff to deliver engaging, high-quality programming.

You will supervise DSPs, manage daily programming, and collaborate with the BCBA to strengthen behavior plans. The role focuses on safety, accountability, and participant independence within a respectful program culture.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership and staff management experience.
• Experience working with individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
• Ability to create structure, delegate responsibilities, and hold employees accountable.

Responsibilities

• Lead and empower staff to deliver high‑quality programming.
• Oversee daily programming, staffing, group assignments, and participant engagement.
• Collaborate on behavioral strategies with the BCBA to reduce challenges.
• Ensure safety, documentation, and compliance while supervising the Assistant Program Director.

Skills

Leadership

Staff management

Behavioral support

ABA knowledge

Disability services

Job description

Hearten Day Program — Hamilton, NJ

Monday–Friday 8am-4pm

Lead a Program Where Every Day Makes a Difference

Hearten is a growing day habilitation program serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our program is designed for young adults and built around friendship, fun, independence, and meaningful community experiences.

We're looking for a confident, energetic, and hands-on Day Program Director who knows how to lead a team, create structure, and inspire staff to deliver engaging, high-quality programming.

This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys being actively involved, developing employees, and building a positive program culture.

What You'll Do

Lead and Empower Staff

• Supervise, mentor, and motivate Direct Support Professionals.
• Build a culture of ownership, teamwork, creativity, and accountability.
• Recognize individual staff strengths and empower DSPs to lead activities based on their talents.
• Establish clear expectations, provide coaching, and maintain consistent staff performance.

Oversee Daily Programming

• Manage daily operations, staffing, group assignments, and participant engagement.
• Maintain a structured, active environment with smooth transitions and minimal avoidable downtime.
• Oversee designated participant groups and rotating specialty classes led by DSP instructors.
• Collaborate with the Assistant Program Director to ensure activities are organized, balanced, and engaging.
• Promote life skills, socialization, community inclusion, and independence.

Collaborate on Behavioral Support

• Work closely with the program's BCBA to strengthen group structure, improve transitions, and proactively reduce behavioral challenges.
• Ensure staff understand and consistently implement individualized behavioral strategies.
• Support ongoing behavioral training, monitoring, and program improvement.

Ensure Quality & Accountability

• Maintain positive relationships with participants, families, and Support Coordinators.
• Ensure participant goals and individual support plans are implemented effectively.
• Oversee program safety, staff documentation, and operational compliance.
• Supervise the Assistant Program Director and collaborate with the compliance specialist.

What We're Looking For

• Strong leadership and staff management experience.
• Experience working with individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
• Ability to create structure, delegate responsibilities, and hold employees accountable.
• Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• A positive, energetic, hands‑on leadership style.
• Experience in day habilitation, disability services, ABA, special education, or a related field preferred.
• Familiarity with NJ DDD services preferred.

Compensation & Benefits

• $70,000–$75,000 annual salary, based on experience
• Paid time off
• Health insurance
• 401(k) with employer matching
• Opportunity to lead and help grow an established day program

Why Hearten?

At Hearten, we believe great programming starts with an engaged, empowered team. We encourage creativity, recognize individual strengths, and create opportunities for participants to build friendships, develop skills, and enjoy meaningful experiences.

We're looking for a leader who can bring that vision to life every day.

Join Hearten and help lead an established day program where participants build friendships, develop independence, and enjoy meaningful experiences every day.