Director of Day Habilitation

Sid Jacobson JCC; Greenvale (NY); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Sid Jacobson JCC seeks a Director of Day Habilitation to lead program operations for neurodivergent adults. You will supervise staff, coordinate activities, and ensure person-centered supports that align with OPWDD standards.

The role requires strong leadership, collaboration with families and care teams, and a focus on community engagement and quality assurance across all program activities.

Qualifications

• Master's degree required.
• Experience overseeing neurodiversity programs is required.
• OPWDD Day Habilitation program experience preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years in human services or related field.
• Experience working with autism and other neurodivergent needs.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and direction for the Day Habilitation program.
• Oversee daily operation including staffing, schedules, activities, and logistics.
• Ensure meaningful, person-centered opportunities based on participant interests and goals.
• Develop activities promoting independence, socialization, and life skills.
• Monitor quality and engagement and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Ensure a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment.
• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and develop staff.
• Guide, coach, and provide performance feedback to staff.

Skills

Staff leadership

Communication

Person-centered programming

Community outreach

Problem-solving

Education

Master's degree in Human Services or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Director of Day Habilitation provides leadership and oversight for the Day Habilitation program serving neurodivergent adults.

This position is responsible for the day-to-day operation and quality of the Day Habilitation program, ensuring that services are engaging, person-centered, safe, and responsive to the needs and interests of participants. The Director oversees staff, program activities, participant engagement, documentation, compliance, and communication with families, care managers, and other members of participants' support networks.

The ideal candidate is an experienced Day Habilitation or human services leader with a strong understanding of OPWDD services and demonstrated experience working with individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, and other neurodivergent needs. Experience working in an OPWDD Day Habilitation program is strongly preferred.

Key Responsibilities:

Day Habilitation Program Leadership & Operations

• Provide overall leadership and direction for the Day Habilitation program.
• Oversee the daily operation of the program, including staffing, schedules, activities, participant needs, and program logistics.
• Ensure the program provides meaningful, engaging, and person-centered opportunities based on participants’ interests, strengths, and goals.
• Develop and implement activities that promote independence, socialization, communication, community participation, and life skills.
• Monitor program quality and participant engagement and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Ensure the Day Habilitation environment is welcoming, respectful, inclusive, and supportive.
• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and develop Day Habilitation staff.
• Provide ongoing guidance, coaching, and performance feedback to staff.
• Establish clear expectations and promote a positive, collaborative, and accountable team culture.
• Ensure staff understand and consistently follow program policies, safety procedures, and participant support practices.
• Manage staff schedules and coverage to ensure appropriate staffing levels.
• Identify training needs and provide or coordinate professional development opportunities.

OPWDD Compliance & Program Quality

• Ensure Day Habilitation operations comply with applicable OPWDD regulations, standards, and organizational policies.
• Maintain current knowledge of OPWDD Day Habilitation requirements and best practices.
• Ensure required documentation, records, service-related information, and incident reporting are completed accurately and in a timely manner.

Participant & Family Engagement

• Build positive and respectful relationships with participants and their families and caregivers.
• Serve as a primary program contact for families and assist with questions, concerns, and program-related needs.
• Ensure participant preferences, interests, strengths, and goals are reflected in Day Habilitation activities and services.
• Communicate effectively with care managers and other members of participants’ support teams.

Community Engagement

• Identify and develop opportunities for participants to engage in the broader community.
• Build relationships with community organizations, businesses, recreational programs, and other resources that can enhance participant experiences.
• Coordinate community-based activities and ensure appropriate planning, staffing, and safety measures.cal perspective in cross-departmental planning and program development.

Job Requirements

Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Human Services, Social Services, Education, Psychology, Recreation, or a related field required
• Demonstrated experience overseeing neurodiversity programs is required.
• Experience working in an OPWDD Day Habilitation program or another OPWDD-funded/regulated program strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in human services, developmental disabilities, Day Habilitation, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience supervising and managing staff.
• Experience working directly with individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, and/or other neurodivergent needs.
• Strong understanding of person-centered programming and participant-centered support.
• Experience with program operations, staff scheduling, documentation, compliance, and quality assurance.
• Knowledge of OPWDD regulations and Day Habilitation requirements strongly preferred.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with participants, families, staff, and community partners.
• Ability to manage day-to-day program responsibilities while maintaining a positive and supportive environment.
• Experience developing activities and programs that promote independence, socialization, community participation, and life skills.
• Proficiency with standard Microsoft Office applications and other relevant program-management systems.
• Ability to work occasional evenings, weekends, or special events as program needs require.