Residential Operations Manager - Home for Special Needs Adults

Journey-Together; Whittier (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Journey-Together is seeking a Residential Operations Manager to lead a California adult residential facility. You will supervise Direct Support Professionals, stay hands-on with resident care, and ensure daily operations run smoothly.

This role emphasizes coordinating care plans and community activities, maintaining regulatory compliance, coaching staff, and building a positive, growth‑oriented team culture in a fast‑paced environment.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership and supervisory experience in fast-paced environments.
• Ability to delegate, hold a team accountable, and stay hands-on with resident care.
• Familiarity with medication administration procedures and healthcare regulations for long‑term care.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Compassionate, people-first attitude with strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead DSPs and delegate daily tasks to ensure timely, quality resident care.
• Provide hands-on ADL support and participate in daily routines alongside residents.
• Administer medications following healthcare regulations and procedures.
• Coach and train staff; enforce policies and document progress notes and records.
• Audit progress notes, MARs, and care plans to ensure compliance.
• Coordinate care plans, activities, and community outings for residents.
• Lead monthly resident council meetings and communicate with families.
• Maintain inventory and manage supplies for the home.

Skills

Leadership

Delegation

Accountability

ADL support

Regulatory compliance

Job description

About the Role

Are you a strong leader who knows how to run a team, hold people accountable, and keep operations running like clockwork? We're looking for a dedicated and energetic Residential Operations Manager to lead the daily operations of our adult residential facility, supporting individuals with special needs. This is a hands‑on leadership role: alongside directing your team of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), delegating tasks, and holding staff accountable to high standards, you'll also be right there providing direct support to residents — assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs), personal care, and daily routines, just as a DSP does.

As Residential Operations Manager, you'll set the tone for the household: assigning and overseeing daily tasks, coordinating care plans and community outings, and ensuring full compliance with regulations — all while staying hands‑on with the day‑to‑day care of residents. You don't need a background in residential or clinical care to succeed here — what matters most is your ability to lead people, manage priorities, and drive consistent execution. We'll help you build the specialized knowledge; you bring the management instincts.

If you have proven experience leading teams — whether in healthcare, retail, hospitality, facilities, or another fast‑paced environment — and you're ready to put your leadership skills to work in a role with real purpose, we'd love to meet you.

What You'll Do:

Provide Direct Care & Support:

• Work alongside DSPs to provide hands‑on, day‑to‑day support to residents, including assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, and mobility.
• Step in directly to support residents during daily routines, personal care, and community outings — just as any DSP would.
• Administer medication and oversee medication procedures in accordance with healthcare regulations.
• Support residents through challenging behaviors and crisis episodes, providing direct, hands‑on support alongside your team.

Lead and Manage the Team:

• Direct and delegate daily responsibilities to DSPs, ensuring every task is completed correctly and on time.
• Hold DSPs accountable to performance standards, and report on their performance directly to the Administrator.
• Enforce the daily schedule, keeping the team on track and operations running smoothly.
• Shadow and train new hires during their introductory period, setting them up for success from day one.
• Coach and train DSPs on proper documentation practices, including progress notes, task analyses, and ABCs.
• Lead regular in‑service trainings alongside the Administrator, identifying areas for improvement and reinforcing policies and procedures.

Oversee Operations & Compliance:

• Audit daily progress notes, MARs/medication records, task analyses, and ABCs to ensure DSPs are meeting documentation standards.
• Ensure full compliance with organizational policies and healthcare regulations, and know the employee handbook inside and out.
• Keep records organized and up to date using our shared OneDrive.
• Communicate proactively with the Administrator on schedule changes, staff performance, and any operational concerns.
• Enforce the organization's hygiene and housekeeping standards, ensuring the home is kept clean and well‑maintained.
• Participate in quarterly meetings with Regional Center personnel and residents' family members.

Coordinate Resident Care & Activities:

• Oversee the day‑to‑day routine and schedule for residents, ensuring services are delivered as planned.
• Build the monthly activity calendar and coordinate community outings, making sure DSPs follow through on scheduled events.
• Lead and document monthly resident council meetings, giving residents a voice.
• Assist the Administrator with medical and dental appointments and related documentation.
• Manage weekly grocery and supply needs, maintaining accurate inventory and rotating stock to minimize waste.

What You Bring:

• Strong leadership and supervisory experience — you know how to delegate, hold a team accountable, and keep operations running smoothly, all while staying hands‑on with resident care.
• Experience in assisted living facilities, nursing homes, or group homes, working with adults with developmental disabilities or complex health needs (or comparable leadership experience in another fast‑paced, people‑focused environment).
• DSP Year 1 & 2 Certification preferred.
• Familiarity with medication administration procedures and healthcare regulations for long‑term care facilities.
• Excellent organizational skills and a sharp eye for detail.
• A compassionate, people‑first attitude paired with strong communication skills — you'll be connecting with residents, families, staff, and healthcare providers alike.
• A valid driver's license with a clean driving record, plus a reliable vehicle and car insurance.

Schedule:

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: 1:30 PM – 9:30 PM Saturday & Sunday: 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM.

Join Our Team

We're building a community where adults with special needs can truly thrive — and that starts with leaders who are willing to be right there in the day‑to‑day work alongside their team. We invest in ongoing training and real opportunities for professional growth, because when our leaders grow, so does the quality of care we provide.