Program Director, Day Habilitation

Kennedy-Donovan Center; New Bedford (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Kennedy-Donovan Center in Massachusetts seeks a Director to provide leadership and daily oversight of the Day Habilitation Program, ensuring high‑quality, person‑centered services and regulatory compliance.

You will recruit and develop a multidisciplinary team, manage admissions and service plans, monitor budgets, and engage families and community partners to promote independence and community inclusion.

Qualifications

• Required Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Special Education, or related field.
• Five+ years in case management, service coordination, or case review.
• Experience supporting adults with developmental disabilities.
• Supervisory or leadership experience in health or human services.
• Experience with EHR and Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Oversee admissions, assessments, DHSPs, goals, and discharge planning.
• Lead program planning, budgeting, and QA initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with MassHealth Day Habilitation regulations and agency policy.
• Foster a collaborative multidisciplinary, person-centered service environment.
• Represent the program in community engagements and stakeholder meetings.

Skills

Leadership

Team Development

Communication

Collaboration

Staff Supervision

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Psychology or related field

Tools

Electronic Health Records (EHR)

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description Program Leadership & Operations Provide Overall

leadership and daily oversight of the Day Habilitation Program, ensuring high-quality, person-centered services. Lead program planning, development, implementation, and continuous quality improvement initiatives. Ensure compliance with MassHealth Day Habilitation regulations, accreditation standards, and KDC policies. Monitor program budgets, manage program resources, and oversee reporting requirements. Maintain a safe, welcoming, and therapeutic environment for participants and staff.

Team Leadership

Recruit, hire, coach, supervise, and develop a multidisciplinary team of supervisors, direct support professionals, clinicians, and consultants. Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and accountable team culture. Facilitate staff meetings, supervision sessions, and ongoing professional development opportunities. Ensure appropriate staffing levels to meet participant needs and regulatory requirements.

Person-Centered Service Delivery

Oversee participant admissions, assessments, Day Habilitation Service Plans (DHSPs), goal development, and discharge planning. Promote interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure individualized, therapeutic programming. Support the implementation of behavior support strategies, therapy services, and meaningful community-based experiences. Champion participant choice, independence, dignity, and community inclusion.

Quality, Compliance & Community Engagement

Ensure accurate documentation, timely reporting, and compliance with all regulatory and agency requirements. Build strong partnerships with families, caregivers, DDS, healthcare providers, and community organizations. Represent KDC through community outreach, educational initiatives, and stakeholder collaboration. Identify opportunities to expand volunteer experiences and community engagement for participants.

Working Environment

This position is based primarily within the Day Habilitation Program and includes time spent in office settings, program spaces, and community locations. The Director works closely with participants, families, multidisciplinary staff, regulatory agencies, and community partners while balancing program operations, staff leadership, and strategic planning. Flexibility, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment are essential.

Ready to Make an Impact?

Join Kennedy-Donovan Center and help create opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities to live fuller, more independent, and connected lives. If you’re a compassionate leader who is passionate about developing teams, strengthening programs, and making a meaningful difference every day, we’d love to hear from you.

About Developing Teams, Strengthening Programs, And Making a Meaningful difference every day

• Required Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Special Education, or a related field with at least five years of experience in case management, service coordination, or case review within healthcare or human services.
• Experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Previous supervisory or leadership experience in a health or human services setting.
• Experience using Electronic Health Records (EHR) and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to obtain and maintain CPR/First Aid and SafetyCare certifications.
• Valid driver’s license with reliable Transportation.

Preferred Experience Leading a Day Habilitation Or similar community-based program.

• Knowledge of MassHealth Day Habilitation regulations and Day Habilitation Service Plans (DHSPs).
• Experience with interdisciplinary clinical programming and behavior support.
• Experience managing program budgets, quality improvement initiatives, and regulatory compliance.