Assistant Director of Residential Services

Position Title: Assistant Director of Residential Services

Department: Residential

Reports To: Senior Director of Residential Services

Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Hours per Week: 40

Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm

Wage Range: $70,000.00 to $90,000.00 per year

Position Description

The Assistant Director of Residential Services is responsible for supporting the overall administration, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and daily operation of the agency's residential services programs. This position provides direct supervision to Program Managers, and other assigned staff, while ensuring that services promote the highest quality of life, health, safety, independence, and dignity for individuals served.

The Assistant Director serves as a key member of the management team, overseeing residential operations, staff development, licensing compliance, program implementation, quality improvement initiatives, and residential supports in accordance with agency policies and Department of Developmental Services (DDS) regulations.

Essential Duties/Key Responsibilities

Program Operations and Resident Services

• Oversee the daily operations of licensed and unlicensed residential programs.
• Ensure that all residential services are person-centered and support individual choice, independence, health, safety, and community inclusion.
• Monitor implementation of Individual Plans (IPs), behavior support plans, medical protocols, and other service plans.
• Ensure residents receive appropriate medical, nursing, therapy, behavioral, and ancillary services.
• Act as an advocate for individuals served and ensure their rights, confidentiality, dignity, and human rights are respected at all times.
• Participate in resident assessments, admissions, transfers, discharge planning, and clinical meetings as needed.
• Evaluate referrals and make recommendations regarding program placement.
• Ensure residents have appropriate food, clothing, personal care items, and other necessities.
• Attend and participate in IDT/IP meetings, vocational meetings, court hearings, and other service-related meetings.
• Facilitate development of residential assessments, reports, consents, and supporting documentation.
• Ensure recreational, educational, and community integration opportunities are available and utilized.
• Provide direct care support and intervention as needed during emergencies, staffing shortages, or crisis situations.
• Participate in agency on-call and provide emergency support on a 24-hour basis as assigned.

Leadership and Staff Supervision

• Provide direct supervision, coaching, guidance, and support to Program Managers, Direct Support Counselors and other assigned staff.
• Assist with recruitment, interviewing, hiring, orientation, and retention of residential personnel as needed.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing performance feedback.
• Develop staff leadership skills and succession planning initiatives.
• Ensure adequate staffing coverage for all residential programs.
• Review and approve staff schedules, overtime, time-off requests, payroll submissions, and mileage reimbursement records as applicable.
• Address personnel issues through coaching, corrective action, and conflict resolution.
• Foster a positive, professional, and team-oriented work environment.
• Conduct and facilitate management meetings, supervisory meetings, and staff meetings.
• Ensure staff receive all required training, certifications, and continuing education.
• Serve as a resource and mentor to residential leadership teams.

Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance

• Ensure compliance with DDS regulations, licensing requirements, agency policies, OSHA standards, and all applicable state, federal, and local regulations.
• Coordinate residential licensing and relicensing activities.
• Serve as liaison with DDS Quality Assurance personnel and regulatory agencies.
• Prepare programs for surveys, inspections, audits, and licensing visits.
• Participate in on-site inspections and oversee corrective actions.
• Develop, monitor, and ensure timely completion of Plans of Correction and Action Plans.
• Monitor documentation systems to ensure accuracy, completeness, and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure Levels of Need (LONs), Individual Plans, quarterly reviews, and required reports are completed on time.
• Review residential program records and documentation for quality and compliance.
• Oversee incident reporting, medication error investigations, and follow-up training.
• Monitor workers' compensation claims and ensure reporting requirements are met.
• Maintain quality improvement initiatives and recommend operational enhancements.
• Participate in the creation, implementation, and reporting of agency Key Performance Indicators (KPI) and Strategic Plan.

Health, Safety, and Risk Management

• Promote a culture of safety throughout all residential programs.
• Ensure fire drills, emergency preparedness exercises, evacuation procedures, and safety inspections are completed as required.
• Coordinate fire marshal inspections, alarm inspections, sprinkler testing, e-score surveys, and related compliance activities.
• Monitor accident, injury, incident, and abuse/neglect reporting processes.
• Investigate significant incidents and recommend corrective actions.
• Ensure OSHA logs and other required safety records are maintained.
• Participate in Safety Committee initiatives and ensure residential representation.
• Oversee staff training in emergency procedures, medication administration, infection control, and workplace safety.
• Participate in Safety Committee meetings and provide safety reports as directed.

Financial and Administrative Management

• Monitor residential program budgets and expenditures.
• Oversee resident funds, agency funds, credit cards, petty cash, and financial recordkeeping.
• Ensure all financial transactions are documented accurately and comply with agency policies.
• Assist with budget development and resource allocation.
• Review purchasing activities and ensure cost-effective procurement of supplies and services.
• Monitor utility usage and support cost-containment initiatives.
• Maintain accountability for agency property, equipment, vehicles, and assets.
• Ensure timely completion of reports, documentation, and administrative responsibilities.

Facilities and Property Management

• Oversee the maintenance, safety, cleanliness, and appearance of residential properties.
• Coordinate repairs, maintenance projects, inspections, and vendor services.
• Conduct routine site visits, including announced and unannounced inspections.
• Ensure homes remain compliant with licensing, safety, and accessibility standards.
• Monitor maintenance reports and develop plans for necessary improvements.
• Support long-term residential facility planning and enhancement initiatives.

Training and Professional Development

• Develop and facilitate staff training programs and in-service education.
• Ensure compliance with all mandatory training requirements.
• Train leadership staff on agency policies, regulatory requirements, and best practices.
• Promote professional growth and continuous improvement among residential staff.
• Identify organizational training needs and implement appropriate learning opportunities.

Additional Responsibilities

• Serve on agency committees and represent the organization at professional meetings and community functions.
• Maintain proficiency with agency software systems, electronic health records, THERAP, Microsoft Office, and other required technology platforms.
• Demonstrate outstanding customer service when interacting with individuals served, families, guardians, DDS personnel, and community stakeholders.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief Executive Officer and/or Senior Director of Residential Services.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Special Education, Rehabilitation, Social Work, Psychology, Healthcare Administration, or a related field highly preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of experience working in residential services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Minimum of 3 years of progressive supervisory or management experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of DDS regulations, licensing requirements, and residential service delivery.

Certifications and Licenses

• Valid Connecticut Driver's License and insurable under agency insurance requirements.
• Current CPR, First Aid, and DDS Medication Administration Certification (or ability to obtain and maintain as required).
• PMT Certification
• Ability to be trainer as directed in areas such as PMT, CPR/1st Aid, Mental Health 1st Aid, or other trainings based upon agency need.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of DDS regulations, residential operations, person-centered planning, and quality assurance practices.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple programs and priorities effectively.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with staff development, conflict resolution, and performance management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, THERAP, and electronic documentation systems.
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions in crisis situations.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.

Physical Requirements: Ability to bend, lift, push, pull, assist individuals receiving services, operate agency vehicles, and respond to residential emergencies. Must be able to travel between residential locations and work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and on-call assignments as needed.

• Please Note: Internal candidates will need to submit a letter of intent outlining why they believe they are prepared for this role, along with an updated resume.

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATIONHART United is a private, non-profit organization located in North Haven, Connecticut. The agency provides support services, in a variety of settings, of more than 150 individuals with developmental disabilities throughout Connecticut. Inclusion and community supports have enabled our clients to become strong and independent citizens contributing to society and the community.

We provide a variety of settings to individuals we serve, including group homes, independent living arrangements, respite care services, and community companion homes.

THIS POSITION IS CURRENTLY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS.