Program Manager of Pathfinder Services - Department 235

Bridgewell; Lowell (MA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Birthday off

Training opportunities

On-call pay

Career growth

Job summary

Bridgewell in Lowell, MA seeks a Program Manager to oversee the Pathfinder supportive housing and Safe Haven programs, ensuring safe, person-centered services, regulatory compliance, and strong staff supervision.

The role includes hiring, training, budget oversight, coordination with clinical providers, on-call coverage, and collaboration with guardians and community partners. Requires Bachelor's or related experience; delivers quality care and financial stewardship.

Qualifications

• Leadership experience in direct care or clinical settings.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with regulatory, funding, accreditation requirements.

Responsibilities

• Ensure regulatory and funding compliance for the program.
• Oversee staffing, scheduling, training, and supervision.
• Manage program finances including budget monitoring and expenses.
• Coordinate with clinical providers and external partners.
• Provide coaching and mentoring to staff and conduct evaluations.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Communication skills

Mental health knowledge

PBS certification

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Associate Degree + 3-5 years

High School Diploma + 5-7 years

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Bridgewell strengthens communities by providing an unmatched range of social and human services that empower people with disabilities and other life challenges to live safe, self-directed, and productive lives. Bridgewell delivers support through community housing, day programs, outpatient treatment, recovery services, education, and employment training. We're committed to helping people in need, from those with autism to people with substance use disorders, become engaged members of their communities. Bridgewell is also the industry leader in developing innovative offerings responding to unmet or emerging needs.

Our employees take pride in making every day count to its fullest. They are committed to adding value to the lives of the people we support, and they bring energy, ideas, and a passion for service. Does this describe you? Then please consider joining our incredible team!

Bridgewell Mission

"Connecting People with Possibilities"

Bridgewell inspires hope and empowers people experiencing life challenges to achieve their fullest potential.

Summary

The Program Manager oversees the quality of care and successful daily operations of both the Pathfinder supportive housing apartments and the Safe Haven program, ensuring a safe, supportive, and person-centered environment for all individuals served. This includes maintaining quality standards, coordinating the hiring, training and supervision of staff, financial management of the program budget, the monitoring of the medical and clinical needs of the people living in the home.

Schedule

Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:00pm (40 hours per week)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Ensure the program meets all applicable regulatory, funding agency, and organizational requirements.
2. Ensure all required program documentation and paperwork is completed accurately, timely, and in alignment with all applicable regulatory, funding, accreditation, and Bridgewell requirements.
3. Ensure the staffing needs of the program are met based on defined ratios and attendance of persons served. This includes coordination of work schedules, interviewing and hiring talented employees to fill staffing vacancies, and coordinating the use of per diem and agency relief staff, as needed.
4. Provide guidance, coaching and mentoring opportunities to direct reports by conducting monthly supervisions and regular team meetings,
5. Conduct timely Performance Evaluation meetings and ensure performance standards are met; proactively address performance concerns, working with program management and Human Resources, as appropriate.
6. Ensure employees maintain certifications (such as CPR/1st Aid, MAP, PPS and PABC, as required) and complete all other mandatory training requirements based on Bridgewell policies and the program's funding sources.
7. Ensure administrative duties are completed and followed as required in areas including finance, human resources, payroll, quality assurance, and electronic health records
8. Utilize sound clinical judgment and person-centered decision-making when assessing and responding to the needs, behaviors, and circumstances of individuals served.

1. Apply knowledge and experience working with adults who have histories of housing instability, mental health conditions, and/or substance use disorders to promote housing stability, safety, wellness, and successful engagement with services.
2. Recognize changes in an individual's presentation or needs and coordinate with appropriate internal and external providers and resources to ensure timely and appropriate support.
3. Oversee the daily operations of the Pathfinder supportive housing apartments, ensuring a safe, stable, person-centered living environment
4. Coordinate and monitor housing stability supports for individuals residing in the Pathfinder apartments, collaborating with staff, clinical providers, landlords, community partners, and other resources to address individual needs and promote successful long-term housing.
5. Responsible for On-Call coverage based on a rotating schedule for that program, and/or cluster, as designated. On-Call coverage includes addressing concerns and providing direction to employees, managing callouts and scheduling per diem staff, on-call reporting, as well as possible coverage of shifts if staffing cannot be coordinated for a shift.
6. Work collaboratively with all guardians, family members, service providers, neighbors, etc. ensuring proactive communication and positive relationships.
7. Manage the financial responsibilities of the program, including program expenses, monitoring overtime, supply ordering and monthly budget review.
8. Ensure people served are provided support with financial needs, such as managing funds, applying for food stamps, social security, Mass Health, housing vouchers/section 8 applications and/or employment.
9. Provide direct care in the absence of program staff, as needed. This can include covering individual shifts, as well as, assisting with management needs in other programs where either a management vacancy or extended absence is occurring.
10. Manage the technology needs of the program, including employee time and attendance, and data management/electronic health record systems. Ensure information is tracked as required, and system needs and issues are raised to the IT Department or Payroll Department, as appropriate.
11. Ensure vehicles assigned to the program maintain registrations as required and receive maintenance as scheduled. Coordinate and address needs with the Transportation Department. Ensure employee use of the vans follows established Bridgewell protocols. Report accidents in a timely manner to Transportation.
12. Ensure the confidentiality of Personal Health Information, records of people served, and other related information is in compliance with HIPAA, and other state or federal mandates.
13. Role models the core philosophy of universal supports and promotes Bridgewell's values: dignity, respect, caring, integrity, safety and wellness across their teams.
14. Ensure safe operations of the program by providing safety training per the Safety Calendar, addressing program physical maintenance needs, conducting audits as required, and alerting management to any concerns.
15. Other duties as assigned

Required Education/Experience

• Bachelor's Degree OR
• Associate's degree with a minimum of 3-5 years' experience in a direct care or clinical role OR
• High school diploma with a minimum of 5-7 years of experience in a direct care or clinical role
• At least 1-2 years of experience in a supervisory role is required.
• Working experience in understanding the clinical needs of the people served is required.
• A valid US driver's license and one year of driving experience is required.

Required Skills/Knowledge

1. Demonstrated knowledge and experience working with adults who have histories of housing instability, mental health conditions, and/or substance use disorders.
2. Ability to apply sound clinical judgment and person-centered decision-making when assessing needs, responding to behavioral or situational concerns, identifying potential risks, and determining appropriate supports and referrals.
3. Knowledge of Fair Housing laws, regulations, and best practices, including the ability to promote equitable access to housing, protect tenant rights, and ensure compliance with applicable federal and state housing requirements.
4. Ability to set priorities for self and team in alignment with departmental goals.
5. Ability to delegate tasks effectively, communicate expectations clearly, and establish deadlines.
6. Ability to provide coaching and mentoring to their team members to enhance their skills and performance.
7. Strong writing and verbal communication skills.
8. Ability to encourage employee engagement and ensure an inclusive work environment.
9. Competent in technology to include the ability to coordinate entry into a data management system, use Microsoft Office products proficiently, and records management systems.
10. Ability to be certified and maintain such certification, in PBS, PABC Tier 1 and 2, medication administration, First Aid/CPR and any other certification/training required based on program needs and Bridgewell policies and procedures.
11. Must have a current US driver's license and one year of driving experience.

Physical Demands

The physical demands of staff working in residential programs assisting people with their care needs are varied and require the employee to be able to maneuver people of varying weights, and provide lifting, balance support and physical intervention in several scenarios.

Described below are essential requirements of staff to ensure the safety of employees and persons served alike. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable a person with a disability to perform the essential functions; however, approval will be based on the needs of the persons served and consideration of safety factors related to any program or position within a program.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to be able to:

• Climb stairs, physically assist persons served, often weighing more than 200 pounds, with movement, bathroom routines including toileting, assisting with entry and exit of a tub or shower, getting into and out of wheelchairs or dealing with assists that include physical, behavioral and medical interventions.
• Additional lifting or moving may be required as part of activities in the daily living of people in our services.
• Ability to drive a 12-passenger van

Bridgewell offers

• Excellent health benefits-medical, dental, vision. We believe our benefits package is one of the most competitive.
• Generous paid time off includes your birthday (that's right, we even give you your birthday off!)
• A collaborative work environment that values new insight and personal contributions
• With over one hundred programs in the North Shore, Lowell, and Merrimack Valley we provide excellent opportunities for training and development.
• Additional compensation for on-call rotations
• Opportunities for professional development and growth

Why Should You Apply

If the top benefits alone don't sway you, our compassionate and collaborative work environment should! Bridgewell is committed to training and developing staff and provides opportunities for you to have a positive impact on the work you do.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Requires acceptable CORI results according to Bridgewell policy.

Bridgewell is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The pay range listed for this position is the base salary range the organization reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for this position at this time. Actual compensation is determined based on several factors, that may include seniority, education, training, relevant experience, relevant certifications, or other applicable factors permissible by law.