Director of Independent Living & Residential Programs

Spectrum Support; Essex (MD); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) employer match

Paid time off (PTO)

Paid holidays

Collaborative, mission-driven work env

Job summary

Spectrum Support Services seeks a Director of Residential/Independent Living to lead multiple IL programs in Essex County, NJ. This on-site, full-time role reports to the Senior Director of Residential Services and requires travel between locations.

The Director will ensure high-quality, person-centered supports, regulatory compliance, and strategic program leadership. The role oversees staffing, enrollment, and operations, drives quality assurance, Medicaid documentation, and on-call crisis

Qualifications

• Master's degree with 5+ years admin experience in adult IDD services or Bachelor's with 7+ years admin experience.
• Demonstrated experience with NJ DDD regulations, compliance requirements, and best practices.
• Proven experience managing 5+ residential homes or community-based programs.
• Strong knowledge of Independent Living services and person-centered planning.
• Experience with Medicaid documentation and service delivery across multiple programs.
• Leadership experience with staff supervision and development.
• Knowledge of NJ regulations governing residential services for IDD.
• Experience with EHR systems and MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for all Independent Living Services programs.
• Ensure compliance with NJ DDD regulations, Medicaid requirements, and agency policies.
• Oversee daily operations of multiple residential homes and ensure safe, individualized living environments.
• Manage participant enrollment including referrals, admissions, transfers, suspensions, and discharges.
• Supervise IL management team and promote accountability and operational excellence.
• Ensure appropriate staffing levels and effective scheduling to meet participant needs and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with Facilities, Transportation, HR, IT, and other departments.
• Build and maintain relationships with participants, families, guardians, support coordinators, and external stakeholders.
• Lead employee performance management and training, with HR on hiring and disciplinary actions.
• Oversee quality assurance activities, audits, inspections, and corrective action plans.
• Ensure Medicaid billing documentation and timely submission of reports and data.
• Respond to emergencies with on-call leadership and travel as needed.

Skills

Leadership

Regulatory compliance

Strategic planning

Communication

Travel

Education

Master's degree in Special Education or related field

Bachelor's degree in Special Education or related field

Tools

EHR systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Spectrum Support Services seeks a Director of Residential/Independent Living to lead multiple IL programs in Essex County, NJ. This on-site, full-time role reports to the Senior Director of Residential Services and requires travel between locations.

The Director will ensure high-quality, person-centered supports, regulatory compliance, and strategic program leadership. The role oversees staffing, enrollment, and operations, drives quality assurance, Medicaid documentation, and on-call crisis