Direct Support Manager

The Arc of Howard County; Ellicott City (MD); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Arc of Howard County is seeking a Direct Support Manager (DSM) to lead and oversee assigned residential or program sites and Direct Support Professionals. You will serve as the primary contact for staff, families, and support teams, ensuring high-quality, person-centered services that meet agency standards.

Collaboration with Advocates and stakeholders is essential to promote health, safety, and community inclusion for the people supported.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Valid Maryland Driver's License with less than 3 points.
• Computer literacy including Microsoft Office Suite, Google Mail, and Carematic.
• Ability to complete DDA, Arc of Howard County and MBON trainings.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing.
• Ability to lift 25-30 lbs.
• Leadership and supervision experience.

Responsibilities

• Supervise, coach, and evaluate DSP staff; conduct interviews, onboarding, training, and performance reviews.
• Develop staff schedules, approve timecards, and manage administrative and budget-related tasks.
• Ensure implementation of person-centered plans and quality service delivery.
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, licensing, and agency regulations.
• Respond to crises, provide on-call support, and oversee emergency preparedness and documentation.
• Promote health, wellness, safety, and medication/medical coordination.
• Maintain accurate documentation, incident reporting, and confidentiality standards.
• Foster inclusive, respectful, and culturally responsive work environments.
• Build collaborative relationships with families, community partners, vendors, and service agencies.
• Support community inclusion, vocational, educational, and independent living goals of participants.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Time management

Staff development

Crisis response

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Google Mail

Carematic

Job description

Job Summary

The Direct Support Manager (DSM) provides leadership and oversight to assigned residential or program sites and Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). This role serves as the primary contact for staff, families, and support teams, ensuring high-quality, person-centered services that meet or exceed agency standards. The DSM works collaboratively with Advocates and other stakeholders, manages staff performance and schedules, ensures regulatory compliance, and promotes health, safety, and community inclusion for the people supported.

Description

Job Summary

The Direct Support Manager (DSM) provides leadership and oversight to assigned residential or program sites and Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). This role serves as the primary contact for staff, families, and support teams, ensuring high-quality, person-centered services that meet or exceed agency standards. The DSM works collaboratively with Advocates and other stakeholders, manages staff performance and schedules, ensures regulatory compliance, and promotes health, safety, and community inclusion for the people supported.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise, coach, and evaluate DSP staff; conduct interviews, onboarding, training, and performance reviews
• Develop staff schedules, approve timecards, and manage administrative and budget-related tasks
• Ensure implementation of person-centered plans and quality service delivery
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, licensing, and agency regulations
• Respond to crises, provide on-call support, and oversee emergency preparedness and documentation
• Promote health, wellness, safety, and medication/medical coordination
• Maintain accurate documentation, incident reporting, and confidentiality standards
• Foster inclusive, respectful, and culturally responsive work environments
• Build collaborative relationships with families, community partners, vendors, and service agencies
• Support community inclusion, vocational, educational, and independent living goals of participants

Qualifications

Required Knowledge/Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Valid Maryland Driver's License with less than 3 points
• Computer Literacy (Including Microsoft Office Suite and the use of Google Mail and Carematic)
• Ability to successfully complete all DDA, Arc of Howard County and MBON required trainings Ability to manage time effectively.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing Ability to lift 25-30 lbs.
• Leadership/Supervision