Director of Day Program Services

beautifulmindsgroup; Canton (OH); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Beautiful Minds Group is seeking a Director of Day Program Services in Canton, Ohio to lead and grow the Day Program. The role focuses on operations, staff development, compliance with Ohio DODD regulations, and program expansion to increase enrollment.

The ideal candidate balances hands-on leadership with strategic growth, ensuring person-centered supports and high-quality services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required as baseline.
• CPR/First Aid certification preferred or required.
• Knowledge of Ohio DODD DSP training/certification expected.
• Medication administration certification may be required for some duties.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily Day Program operations to ensure safety and quality.
• Develop and maintain structured schedules and programming aligned with ISPs and person-centered goals.
• Lead staff development, supervision, and accountability.
• Build community partnerships, increase enrollment, and promote services to referral sources.
• Ensure regulatory compliance with Ohio DODD and agency policies; manage documentation and reporting.
• Represent the program and organization at community events and meetings.

Education

High School Diploma or GED

CPR/First Aid certification

Ohio DODD DSP training/certification

Medication Administration Certification (where applicable)

Job description

Beautiful Minds Group is seeking an experienced, compassionate, and motivated Director of Day Program Services to lead, manage, and grow our Day Program in Canton, Ohio.

We are looking for a strong, proactive leader who is passionate about supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities while creating a positive, structured, and engaging environment where individuals can learn, grow, and thrive.

The Director will oversee daily program operations, lead and develop staff, maintain compliance with Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) requirements, and ensure high-quality, person-centered services.

In addition to managing daily operations, the Director will play an important role in growing the program, increasing enrollment, building community partnerships, and identifying opportunities to expand services.

The ideal candidate is organized, dependable, confident in making decisions, and capable of independently managing the responsibilities of a growing Day Program. This is a hands-on leadership position requiring someone who can balance operational management, staff accountability, individual support, and program development.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Operations

• Oversee daily operations to ensure the Day Program runs efficiently, safely, and effectively.


• Develop and maintain structured daily schedules, activities, and programming that support individual goals and interests.


• Ensure services align with Individual Service Plans (ISPs) and person-centered outcomes.


• Coordinate transportation, community outings, recreational activities, and skill-development opportunities.


• Identify and implement improvements to program quality, participant engagement, and daily operations.


• Independently address operational challenges while maintaining communication with upper management.

Program Growth & Development

• Lead efforts to grow and expand the Day Program by increasing enrollment and identifying opportunities for new services.


• Build and maintain relationships with county boards of developmental disabilities, Service and Support Administrators (SSAs), referral sources, and community organizations.


• Actively promote Day Program services to potential referral partners, individuals, and families.


• Coordinate program tours, enrollment inquiries, and the intake process for prospective participants.


• Identify opportunities to expand programming, including vocational training, life skills development, and community integration activities.


• Monitor enrollment, attendance, and program capacity to identify growth opportunities.


• Develop strategies to improve participant engagement, satisfaction, and retention.


• Collaborate with upper management to establish program goals, evaluate performance, and implement growth initiatives.


• Represent Beautiful Minds Group professionally at community events, networking opportunities, and meetings with referral partners.


• Ensure program growth is supported by appropriate staffing, resources, and regulatory compliance.

Staff Leadership & Development

• Supervise, lead, coach, and support Day Program employees.


• Coordinate employee schedules and assignments to maintain appropriate staffing coverage.


• Provide ongoing guidance, performance feedback, and accountability.


• Assist with employee onboarding, training, and professional development.


• Promote a positive, professional, and team-oriented work environment.


• Address staffing concerns and performance issues in collaboration with upper management.


• Lead by example and maintain clear expectations for quality, professionalism, and individual care.

Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Ensure program operations comply with applicable Ohio DODD regulations, agency policies, and safety standards.


• Oversee accurate and timely completion of service documentation, attendance records, incident reports, and progress notes.


• Ensure staff properly implement ISPs, behavior support strategies, and health and safety procedures.


• Maintain a clean, safe, organized, and welcoming program environment.


• Identify compliance concerns and implement corrective actions when necessary.


• Support quality assurance reviews, inspections, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Individual Support & Communication

• Foster an inclusive, supportive environment that promotes dignity, independence, and meaningful participation.


• Encourage life skills development, social interaction, vocational opportunities, and community engagement.


• Maintain effective communication with individuals served, families, guardians, SSAs, and other members of the support team.


• Collaborate with upper management to address individual needs and program concerns.


• Provide direct support when necessary to maintain service quality and continuity.

Qualifications & Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED (Required)


• Previous supervisory or management experience (Required)


• Experience working with individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (Strongly Preferred)


• Leadership experience in an Adult Day Program, Adult Day Support, or DODD-funded service setting (Strongly Preferred)


• Knowledge of Ohio DODD regulations, ISP implementation, and person-centered practices (Preferred)


• Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills


• Ability to manage staff, schedules, documentation, and daily program operations


• Ability to establish professional relationships and contribute to program growth


• Valid driver's license (Required)


• Clean driving record (Required)


• Current and valid vehicle insurance (Required)


• Ability to successfully complete required background checks


• CPR/First Aid certification (training resources provided if needed)


• Ohio DODD-required DSP training/certification (training resources provided if needed)


• Medication Administration Certification, if applicable to assigned responsibilities (training resources provided if needed)

What We're Looking For

We are seeking a Director who can do more than maintain daily operations. We want a proactive leader who takes ownership of the program's success, builds meaningful community relationships, identifies opportunities for growth, and works alongside upper management to expand the reach and impact of Beautiful Minds Group.

Our ideal candidate is someone who:

• Takes initiative and works independently.


• Leads with compassion, professionalism, and accountability.


• Can effectively manage and motivate a team.


• Understands the importance of regulatory compliance and high-quality services.


• Is comfortable building community partnerships and developing referral relationships.


• Brings fresh ideas and a growth-oriented mindset to the program.


• Is committed to creating meaningful opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities.

If you are an experienced leader who is passionate about making a difference and excited about the opportunity to lead and grow a Day Program, we encourage you to apply and join Beautiful Minds Group!