Residential Director

Abilis; Stamford (CT); On-site; USD 75,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Abilis in Stamford, CT, is seeking a Residential Director to ensure the smooth operation of its adult residential services. You will supervise staff, promote person-centered planning, and develop training to deliver high-quality services.

The role requires strong leadership, regulatory acumen, and a commitment to empowering individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Join a mission-driven team dedicated to dignity and independence.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or a related field.
• Bachelor’s degree with at least 8 years supervisory experience in a residential services program.
• Five years of full-time paid experience in a professional position serving individuals with disabilities, including supervisory role.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support, authorization, and decision-making for Abilis’ direct residential services.
• Address dashboard targets with defined action steps and timelines.
• Maintain written policies and procedures for adult residential services.
• Develop and implement continuous improvement plans meeting QA and licensing requirements.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Conduct site inspections and maintain knowledge of all residential services.
• Maintain thorough record-keeping for residential services.
• Provide supervision, orientation, ongoing education, and performance appraisals for staff.
• Develop and implement professional staff training programs.
• Participate in staff meetings and support recruitment with leadership.
• Address staff grievances per agency procedures.
• Foster communication with related service professionals to advance Abilis' mission.
• Represent Abilis on professional committees and trade organizations.
• Assist in outreach programs to benefit Abilis services.
• Actively participate on the administrative team.
• Coordinate consistent communication between programs.

Skills

Staff supervision

Leadership

Communication

Education

Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or a related field

Bachelor’s degree with 8+ years supervisory experience in a residential services program

Job description

Job Details

Job DetailsJob Location: Stamford Harvard Avenue - Stamford, CT 06902Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $75,000.00 - $80,000.00

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Residential Director to join our growing team at Abilis!

About Us:

Abilis’ mission is to empower individuals with developmental disabilities and their families through comprehensive services, support, and advocacy. We are dedicated to helping people build able, independent lives while honoring dignity and individual strengths. Our work strengthens families and fosters inclusive, supportive communities.

Job Summary:

The Residential Services Director ensures the smooth day-to-day operation of Abilis’ adult residential services programs. The Director supervises and supports program staff in implementing individualized support plans using person-centered planning principles, delivering professional development for direct support professionals, and proposing new activities/services. Counseling and support may also be provided to individuals, families, and direct staff as necessary.

Responsibilities:

• Provide administrative support, authorization, and decision‑making for Abilis’ direct residential services.
• Address strategic dashboard target areas within action steps and timelines.
• Maintain written policies and procedures for adult residential services programs.
• Develop and implement continuous improvement plans for all residential programs, reflecting quality assurance and licensing requirements.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Conduct regular site inspections and maintain thorough knowledge of all residential services.
• Maintain adequate record‑keeping systems for all residential services.
• Provide ongoing supervision, orientation, continuing education, and performance appraisals for assigned staff.
• Develop and implement professional staff training programs to ensure the highest quality services.
• Provide feedback and guidance on program operations, policies, and procedures.
• Participate in staff meetings and support program needs through recruitment and hiring in collaboration with the Executive Director, Finance Director, and Human Services Director.
• Address staff/employee grievance in a timely manner, as outlined in agency procedures.
• Foster communication and networking with related service professionals to advance Abilis’ mission and vision.
• Represent Abilis through participation on professional committees and trade organizations.
• Assist in developing outreach programs to benefit Abilis services.
• Actively participate as a member of the administrative team.
• Facilitate consistent communication between adult service programs and other Abilis programs.
• Contribute to agency-wide planning activities and initiate planning within supervised departments.
• Assume duties of the Executive Director when requested.
• Maintain a close working relationship with the Abilis Board of Directors and relevant sub‑committees.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or a related field from an accredited college or university or Bachelor’s degree with at least 8 years of supervisory experience in a residential services program.
• Five years of full‑time paid experience in a professional position serving individuals with disabilities, including at least two years in a supervisory role or a Ph.D. in Special Education, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field may substitute for two years of experience.