Director- Director of Programs

Description

ORGANIZATION

Our Mission: We empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families to build person-centered life skills, access opportunities, and belong.

The Arc empowers individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to achieve their full potential, lead fulfilling lives, and actively participate in their communities. We foster a supportive, inclusive, person-centered environment driven by advocacy, dignity, and personal growth.

Our Vision: We envision a community where people with disabilities truly belong and thrive.

POSITION

We are seeking an experienced, mission-driven, operational leader to join our management team as a Director of Programs. In this role, you will provide strategic leadership, administration, and overall supervision of our adult day, vocational, and community integration programs. You will work closely with program leads, direct support teams, Regional Centers, and executive leadership to ensure exceptional person-centered service delivery, strict regulatory compliance (Title 17/22, CARF, HCBS Final Rule), and continuous quality improvement.

BASIC RESPONSIBILITY

Responsible for the overall management and supervision of assigned Arc programs. Works with program teams to ensure program designs and organizational policies and processes are implemented. Collaborates with other agency representatives in assessment and case management plans in accordance with policies, procedures, and guidelines. Plans staff trainings, staff meetings, and ensures participant profiles are up to date and complete. Attends The Arc Leadership meetings and is an active participant in shaping the future of The Arc. Reports directly to the CCOO and CEO.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

• 1. Programmatic Leadership & Quality: Oversee daily operations of assigned programs, ensuring adherence to approved program designs, service codes, and individual participant outcomes outlined in Individual Program Plans (IPPs).
• 2. Community Integration & HCBS Advocacy: Champion meaningful community integration, recreational outings, volunteer opportunities, and vocational activities in full compliance with the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Final Rule.
• 3. Team Coaching & Supervision: Supervise, mentor, and evaluate Program Instructors/Leads (PILs) and Direct Support Professionals (DSP 1 & 2), promoting staff retention, leadership development, and accountability.
• 4. Regulatory & Accreditation Compliance: Maintain operational readiness and full compliance with California Department of Developmental Services (DDS), Title 17, Community Care Licensing (Title 22), CARF standards, and Regional Center vendor guidelines.
• 5. Intake, Enrollment, & Census Growth: Oversee referral pipelines and enrollment processes; conduct tours for prospective participants/families, review Regional Center documentation, and coordinate smooth onboarding.
• 6. Participant Safety & Incident Management: Ensure high safety standards across all facilities; manage critical incident responses and oversee prompt, thorough Special Incident Reports (SIRs) submissions.
• 7. Stakeholder & Regional Center Collaboration: Act as a primary liaison with Regional Center Service Coordinators, School Transition Specialists, Department of Rehabilitation Counselors, and participant families.
• 8. Fiscal & Operational Management: Manage department operating budgets, monitor petty cash and credit card allocations, and generate accurate daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly administrative and utilization reports.
• 9. Agency Leadership: Actively participate in Arc Leadership and Executive meetings to help shape the organization's future vision and operational strategy.

SCHEDULE AND COMPENSATION

• Competitive Compensation: Salary reflective of experience, leadership background, and education.
• Retirement Plan: 403(b) Retirement Plan with up to 4% employer matching contribution (following 6% employee contribution).
• Comprehensive Health Benefits: Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Paid holidays, 2 weeks paid vacation, sick days, and birthday holiday.
• Professional Growth: Leadership development opportunities and paid professional training.
• Work-Life Balance: Standard daytime schedule (Monday – Friday, 7:45 AM – 4:15 PM). Some evenings/weekends or overtime are needed, for some events, with advance notice.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

General:

• Education: Associate degree required (bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Healthcare Administration, Psychology, Social Work, or related field strongly preferred). Additional relevant experience may be substituted for the educational requirement.
• Experience: