POSITION SUMMARY:

The position manages all services (case management, provider services, self-direction, nursing, behavioral health, employment, housing, and person-centered planning) and the agency’s quality assurance efforts.

The Director of Programs is responsible for ensuring statutory deadlines are met; services are efficiently executed, and all services achieve goals and operate within the guidelines of federal/state laws, regulations, waivers and department policies and procedures. The Director of Programs ensures that service philosophy and delivery align with the program and agency vision, mission and values and leads program development and improvement, including promoting person-centered planning and self-direction.

The Director of Programs establishes and oversees program systems, structures, clinical practices, and policies and procedures, focusing on maintaining and improving efficiency, effectiveness and quality of services while ensuring programs address the needs of Maryland’s developmentally disabled population. The Director of Programs also manages the service delivery system, including a network of Coordination of Community Services (CCS) providers.

The Director of Programs is also responsible for capacity building and program development to ensure the needs of people with developmental disabilities are being uniquely met depending on their individualized needs.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential Job Duties:

1.Ensure that individuals who receive services are supported in realizing their aspirations and goals.

2.Respect the choices of individuals and provide information, encouragement, and guidance in exercising those choices.

3.Ensure that individuals who receive services have opportunities to develop meaningful relationships and receive assistance, modelling, coaching, and support.

4.Oversee the performance of HRST, Initial Nursing Assessment, Plan of Care and ongoing assessments as needed. The HRST will be reviewed annually for all level 3 or greater individuals.

5.Ensure that individuals who receive services have opportunities to develop membership in social groups and communities and receive assistance, modelling, coaching, and support.

6.Ensure that the health and safety needs of individuals who receive services are met consistently with COMAR, Center for Medicaid Services, and Board of Nursing regulations, accreditation standards, and agency policies and procedures.

7.Remain abreast of all Board of Nursing and COMAR Regulations as they apply to the position and ensure agency compliance with such standards.

8.Ensure all required home/day site visits are done in compliance with healthcare standards set by DDA/MDH.

9.Report and investigate all incidents as required by the MD Department of Health and the agency.

10.Ensure that necessary classes for staff (i.e., Medication Administration Training Program, Medication Recertification Class) are taught in compliance with Board of Nursing Regulations. Ensure the performance of initial medication delegation and maintenance of 6-month re-delegations for medication administration.

11.Ensure that the on-site PCP, Care Plan, and 45-day Review specific medical training to direct support professionals is completed promptly and efficiently.

12.Review all medication errors that occur, analyze each error and report per DDA regulations. Provide assessment of systemic risk management issues regarding the administration of medications in collaboration with the RN Trainer and Risk Management Committee.

13.Provide supervision and evaluation to Agency Nurses. Monitor nursing caseloads and offer consultation for any health risk situations.

14.Work closely with the CEO and Quality Assurance Manager regarding any special health/safety concerns.

15.Complete all agency-required training for the position.

16.Attend the following meetings: Risk Management Committee, Staff Meetings, PCP meetings for medically complicated people we serve (as needed), respite coordination involving medical care, Nursing Case Management Division Meetings, DDA quarterly Nursing Meetings, and Hospital Discharge meetings (as needed).

17.Assist with planning for and obtaining appropriate nursing resources for all programs, including preparation for medication administration.

18.Review quarterly Pharmacy audits. Address Pharmacy issues/attend meetings at the Pharmacy.

19.Collaborate with Residential and community-based support staff concerning the health issues of the people we support.

20.Oversee the provision of additional employee training as dictated by best practice, such as Seasonal training (i.e., Flu, Sun Safety), Blood-borne Pathogens, Diabetes, Hypertension, Thyroid disease, Alzheimer's Seizures, HRST Certifications, Health Care Consent etc.

21.Oversee the development and implementation of training programs for individuals supported regarding health and medical issues: self-medication, consent, sexuality etc.

22.Oversee the data elements related to diagnoses, allergies and others as needed in the medical file records

23.Ensure that Individual Plans written are accurate and implemented.

24.Write outcomes, goals, and strategies as part of the Person-Centered Planning process and ensure that progress is made towards achieving those outcomes, goals, and strategy.

25.Ensure that medical services for individuals who receive services are completed as required.

26.Hire, manage, evaluate, supervise, and develop Direct Support Professionals.

27.Conduct, and document, one-on-one supervision meetings with staff at least once per quarter.

28.Conduct, and document, house meetings that include staff and individuals who receive services at least monthly.

29.Work cooperatively with intra and extra-agency professionals and stakeholders to implement the agency's mission, including supporting individuals who receive services in their employment aspirations.

30.Use the agency's database/record keeping system, ensuring accurate and timely data and information input.

31.Ensure that employees are scheduled for shifts, that staff are using the agency's time management system, and to avoid excessive use of overtime.

32.On a rotating basis, be on-call 24 hours a day for 7 days, and manage all calls to the on-call emergency service.

33.Conduct quarterly home visits and ensure follow-up actions on identified issues are completed.

34.Ensure that the agency's vehicles are inspected as required.

35.To attend all meetings and training as required.

36.To fulfil other job duties as assigned.

Non-Essential Job Duties:

To participate in the agency's committees and work groups.

To assist with agency marketing efforts and other events.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Qualified candidates must possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and at least 6 years of professional health or human services experience, including 3 years of professional experience working with people with developmental disabilities and two years of supervisory or managerial experience.

A master’s degree will substitute for one year of general experience. A doctoral degree will substitute for two years of general experience. Additional expertise will be substituted at the rate of 30 credit hours for one year of experience, up to 4 years.

Experience managing service delivery systems for people with Intellectual disabilities.

Superior knowledge of services for people with intellectual disabilities, including, case management, self- direction, nursing, behavioral health, employment, transitioning youth, children and family services, housing, technology, and person-centered planning.

Knowledge and experience with quality assurance efforts for people with intellectual disabilities.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Some evenings and weekends required—some lifting up to 50 lbs.

Must be available during scheduled work hours by use of an assigned work cell phone. Must work effectively within a team environment