Director- Director of Programs

The ARC Los Angeles and Orange Counties; Downey (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

403(b) Retirement Plan with employer-m

Health Benefits (Medical, Dental, and…

Paid Time Off and holidays

Professional growth opportunities

Daytime schedule: Mon-Fri

Job summary

The ARC Los Angeles and Orange Counties is seeking an experienced Director of Programs to lead adult day, vocational, and community integration services. You will ensure person-centered service delivery, regulatory compliance, and continuous quality improvement.

You will collaborate with program leads, direct support teams, and executive leadership to shape operational strategy while reporting to the CCOO and CEO. Strong leadership and regulatory expertise are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Education: Associate degree required; bachelor's preferred.
• Minimum 5 years' experience with I/DD.
• 3+ years supervisory experience with teams of 4+.
• Regulatory knowledge of DDS, Title 17/22, CARF, HCBS.
• Valid CA driver's license and clean DMV record.
• DOJ/FBI fingerprint clearance required.
• Ability to lift 45 lbs. and assist mobility.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 and data-entry systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of assigned programs and IPP outcomes.
• Champion community integration and HCBS compliance.
• Coach and supervise Program Instructors and Direct Support Professionals.
• Ensure regulatory and accreditation readiness.
• Oversee intake, enrollment, and census growth.
• Maintain safety and manage incident reporting.
• Collaborate with Regional Centers and family stakeholders.
• Prepare budgets and administrative reports.
• Participate in Arc Leadership and Executive meetings.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Staff coaching

Regulatory knowledge

Communication

Education

Associate degree required

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Healthcare Administration, Psychology, Social Work, or related field strongly preferred

Tools

Microsoft 365

Case management software

Data entry

Job description

ORGANIZATION:

Our Mission: We empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families to build person-centered life skills, access opportunities, and belong.

The Arc empowers individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to achieve their full potential, lead fulfilling lives, and actively participate in their communities. We foster a supportive, inclusive, person-centered environment driven by advocacy, dignity, and personal growth.

Our Vision: We envision a community where people with disabilities truly belong and thrive.

POSITION:

We are seeking an experienced, mission-driven, operational leader to join our management team as a Director of Programs. In this role, you will provide strategic leadership, administration, and overall supervision of our adult day, vocational, and community integration programs. You will work closely with program leads, direct support teams, Regional Centers, and executive leadership to ensure exceptional person-centered service delivery, strict regulatory compliance (Title 17/22, CARF, HCBS Final Rule), and continuous quality improvement.

BASIC RESPONSIBILITY:

Responsible for the overall management and supervision of assigned Arc programs. Works with program teams to ensure program designs and organizational policies and processes are implemented. Collaborates with other agency representatives in assessment and case management plans in accordance with policies, procedures, and guidelines. Plans staff trainings, staff meetings, and ensures participant profiles are up to date and complete. Attends The Arc Leadership meetings and is an active participant in shaping the future of The Arc. Reports directly to the CCOO and CEO.

SPECIFIC DUTIES:

1. Programmatic Leadership & Quality: Oversee daily operations of assigned programs, ensuring adherence to approved program designs, service codes, and individual participant outcomes outlined in Individual Program Plans (IPPs).
2. Community Integration & HCBS Advocacy: Champion meaningful community integration, recreational outings, volunteer opportunities, and vocational activities in full compliance with the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Final Rule.
3. Team Coaching & Supervision: Supervise, mentor, and evaluate Program Instructors/Leads (PILs) and Direct Support Professionals (DSP 1 & 2), promoting staff retention, leadership development, and accountability.
4. Regulatory & Accreditation Compliance: Maintain operational readiness and full compliance with California Department of Developmental Services (DDS), Title 17, Community Care Licensing (Title 22), CARF standards, and Regional Center vendor guidelines.
5. Intake, Enrollment, & Census Growth: Oversee referral pipelines and enrollment processes; conduct tours for prospective participants/families, review Regional Center documentation, and coordinate smooth onboarding.
6. Participant Safety & Incident Management: Ensure high safety standards across all facilities; manage critical incident responses and oversee prompt, thorough Special Incident Reports (SIRs) submissions.
7. Stakeholder & Regional Center Collaboration: Act as a primary liaison with Regional Center Service Coordinators, School Transition Specialists, Department of Rehabilitation Counselors, and participant families.
8. Fiscal & Operational Management: Manage department operating budgets, monitor petty cash and credit card allocations, and generate accurate daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly administrative and utilization reports.
9. Agency Leadership: Actively participate in Arc Leadership and Executive meetings to help shape the organization's future vision and operational strategy.

SCHEDULE AND COMPENSATION:

• Competitive Compensation: Salary reflective of experience, leadership background, and education.
• Retirement Plan: 403(b) Retirement Plan with up to 4% employer matching contribution (following 6% employee contribution).
• Comprehensive Health Benefits: Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Paid holidays, 2 weeks paid vacation, sick days, and birthday holiday.
• Professional Growth: Leadership development opportunities and paid professional training.
• Work-Life Balance: Standard daytime schedule (Monday - Friday, 7:45 AM - 4:15 PM). Some evenings/weekends or overtime are needed, for some events, with advance notice.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education: Associate degree required (bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Healthcare Administration, Psychology, Social Work, or related field strongly preferred). Additional relevant experience may be substituted for the educational requirement.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
• Supervisory Experience: Minimum of 3 years of experience leading, coaching, and supervising teams of 4 or more direct reports.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Proven experience working with Regional Centers, California Title 17/22 regulations, CARF accreditation audits, and HCBS settings.
• Driver Requirements: Valid California Driver’s License with a clean DMV record; ability and willingness to drive passenger vans when needed.
• Background Clearance: Must be at least 21 years of age and successfully pass DOJ/FBI fingerprint background clearance.
• Physical Capability: Ability to lift a minimum of 45 lbs. and support participant mobility and facility walk-throughs.
• Technical Skills: Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams), data entry, and case management software.

Preferred:

• Bilingual English/Spanish is highly desirable
• Current American Red Cross First Aid & CPR certification (or provided by employer)

KEY COMPETENCIES NEEDED:

• Change Leadership - The ability to guide individuals and organizations through change by setting a clear vision, fostering adaptability, and ensuring smooth transitions. It involves anticipating challenges, gaining buy-in, and sustaining momentum while minimizing disruption.
• Communication and Influence -The skill of conveying ideas clearly and effectively while inspiring, persuading, and building trust with others. It includes active listening, tailoring messages to different audiences, and motivating stakeholders into action.
• Critical Thinking and Decision Making - The capacity to analyze information objectively, evaluate options, and make sound, timely decisions. It involves problem-solving, assessing risks and impacts, and using logic and data to drive effective outcomes.
• Project Leadership - The ability to plan, organize, and execute projects from initiation to completion within defined timelines and resources. It includes setting goals, maintaining budgets, coordinating teams, and ensuring deliverables meet expectations.
• Teambuilding and Development - The skill of creating, strengthening, and developing high-performing teams by fostering collaboration, trust, and accountability. It involves coaching individuals, leveraging strengths, and supporting professional growth to achieve shared goals.
• Time Management and Organization - The ability to effectively prioritize tasks, maximize time and maintain organized systems to meet deadlines. It includes balancing multiple responsibilities while maintaining productivity and quality.
• Integrity and Ethical Judgment - A commitment to honesty, transparency, and ethical behavior in all actions and decisions. It involves doing the right thing even in difficult situations and building trust with others.
• Accountability - The willingness to take ownership of responsibilities, actions, and outcomes. It includes following through on commitments, being answerable for results, and proactively addressing challenges or mistakes.
• Quality Assurance - The ability to establish, monitor, and continuously improve program standards to ensure high-quality outcomes. Involves implementing evaluation processes, identifying gaps, and driving ongoing enhancements to ensure quality services.