Lead Program Specialist, Residential Services

Life Opportunities Unlimited; Ridgewood (NJ); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Flexible hours

CPR & First Aid training

PTO & holidays

Vacation & entertainment

Job summary

Life Opportunities Unlimited in Ridgewood, NJ is seeking a Lead Program Specialist for Residential Services. You will oversee a 4–5 resident group home, ensuring resident well‑being, compliance with state and federal guidelines, and coordination with the Director of Residential Services.

The role requires strong communication, organizational skills, and a valid NJ driver’s license. Training and ongoing professional development are provided in a supportive, community‑oriented setting.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Full valid New Jersey Driver’s License, non-probationary, with no restrictions.
• Must be 18 years or older.
• Preferred: CHHA, CNA, LNA, PCA, PCT, DSP certifications.
• Preferred: experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Proven professional written and verbal communication; adequate computer skills.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the residential program to a high standard and ensure documentation aligns with policy and regulations.
• Ensure adequate staffing in the program at all times.
• Oversee all aspects of the group home and the well‑being of residents.
• Work under the Director of Residential Services; collaborate with LOU staff.
• Assist with personal hygiene, housekeeping, and meal preparation; transport clients as needed.

Skills

Excellent communication

Problem solving

Computer skills

Team collaboration

Driver's license

Flexible / adaptable

Education

High School diploma

Job description

Lead Program Specialist, Residential Services

2 days ago Requisition ID: 1321

Lead Program Specialist, Residential Services

Start working to make a difference…. Life Opportunities Unlimited (LOU) is a premier boutique human service agency providing both residential and day program services for adults with developmental disabilities in Northern New Jersey.

LOU is located in Ridgewood with programs in Northwest Bergen County: Allendale, Fair Lawn, Glen Rock, Haledon, Midland Park, Ridgewood, Township of Washington, and Waldwick. All of our locations are approximately 15 minutes from Passaic & Rockland Counties.

LOU’s Residential and Day Programs are conveniently located nearby NJ Transit, Bus Routes and Train Stations.

Core Functions:

Maintain the residential program to a high standard, from the physical components of the program to the documentation requirements as per company policy, federal, and state guidelines

Ensure adequate staffing in the program at all times

Responsibilities:

Responsible for all aspects of the group home and the well-being of our residents

Works directly under supervision of the Director of Residential Services

Work cooperatively with fellow LOU staff and treating clients with dignity and respect

Provide assistance in personal hygiene care, house cleaning, and meal preparation

Driving clients to and from activities, appointments, day programs and part-time jobs

Responsible for all program facilities, vehicles, and assets

Responsible for creating efficient transportation schedules for program participants, and when necessary, physically transporting clients in a company vehicle

Maintain all client and program records, including but not limited to each individual’s: progress notes, individuals plans, facility records and vehicle records

Develop a curriculum, design activity calendars, and ensure that the implementation of activities meet federal, state, and agency standards

Administer medication to residents in accordance with training and procedures

Follow each client’s established behavior plans

Each home consists of 4-5 residents, and you will be responsible for all of them during your shift

Communicate and collaborate with pertinent group home and other LOU staff

Inventory management, including but not limited to: client clothing, household supplies, groceries, etc.

Write clear and concise progress notes on the computer

Ensure that all policies and procedures set by upper management are followed

Cooperate with the licensee and Department staff in any inspection, inquiry, or investigation

This is not an exhaustive list of the responsibilities of this position. Therefore, in this role, you are expected to do anything else deemed necessary for the betterment of the program and its participants.

Join the LOU Team:

We are committed to supporting our employees in their professional growth and career development. This commitment allows our teams to thrive in a passion-driven community that is focused on enriching the lives of our clients. We are looking for dedicated individuals that want to be an important part of building a better future for individuals with developmental disabilities. Staff stay at LOU for an average of 8 years. LOU is a great place for people to meet their professional goals and grow within the organization.

You will be a successful team member if you are:

Creative and able to adjust accordingly

Organized and detail oriented

Patient, compassionate, and caring

Collaborative and communicate effectively with a team

Mission-motivated and result driven

Requirements:

High School diploma or equivalent

Possess a full valid New Jersey Driver’s License Non-Probationary with no restrictions

Must be 18 years or older

Preferred, but not required: Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA), Personal Care Aide (PCA), Patient Care Tech (PCT), Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Preferred, but not required: Experience Working with individuals with developmental disabilities

Proven professional written and verbal communication

Adequate computer skills and problem solving skills

Must be able to successfully complete all NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities mandated training with in the required time frame

The requirements for checks of Criminal Background, the Central Registry, the Child Abuse Registry, and Drug Testing must be completed prior to working with any clients in the Day Program or Residential Program

Competitive Salary and Flexible Hours

Comprehensive Paid Training Programs including CPR and First Aid

PTO, Vacation, Sick Time, & Holiday Pay

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Vacation and entertainment

*These perks could be subject to change without notice