Full Time Program Director - ITR Elmwood

Position Summary

The Program Director provides overall leadership and operational oversight of a licensed DCF group home serving youth in care. This role ensures a safe, structured, and supportive environment grounded in trauma-informed, youth-centered practice.

The Program Director partners closely with DCF, clinical providers, families, staff, and community stakeholders to support each youth’s well-being, stability, and permanency goals while maintaining full regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, supervise, and develop direct care staff, shift supervisors, and case managers.
• Build a positive, mission-driven culture centered on accountability, professionalism, and trauma-informed care.
• Facilitate staff meetings, training, supervision, and annual performance evaluations.
• Oversee hiring, onboarding, and ongoing staff development in compliance with DCF and EEC regulations.

Program Operations & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with DCF licensing standards, contractual requirements, and agency policies.
• Oversee intake and discharge planning in collaboration with DCF and clinical teams.
• Maintain accurate documentation, incident reports, medication records, and resident files.
• Lead audit readiness efforts and serve as liaison during licensing reviews and investigations.
• Monitor the physical plant to ensure health and safety standards are consistently met.
• Ensure 24/7 staffing coverage and respond to emergency situations as needed, including participation in the on-call rotation.

Youth Services & Clinical Collaboration

• Ensure delivery of individualized, strength-based programming that supports educational, emotional, and social development.
• Support effective crisis response and implementation of behavior management plans.
• Participate in case conferences, treatment team meetings, and youth permanency planning.
• Maintain strong partnerships with DCF caseworkers, schools, healthcare providers, families, and community agencies.

Financial & Administrative Oversight

• Develop and manage the program’s operational budget in collaboration with senior leadership.
• Oversee staffing schedules, timesheets, and expense approvals to ensure compliance with labor regulations.
• Prepare monthly and quarterly program reports for agency leadership and DCF.
• Support quality assurance initiatives and continuous program improvement.

Qualifications & Competencies

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum 2–5 years of experience in residential care, child welfare, or social services.
• At least 2 years of supervisory or leadership experience required.
• Strong working knowledge of Massachusetts DCF and EEC group care regulations.
• Demonstrated experience in staff supervision, program oversight, and crisis intervention.

Core Competencies

• Solid understanding of trauma-informed care and adolescent development.
• Ability to lead diverse teams and effectively support youth who have experienced trauma.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and remain flexible in a fast-paced, 24/7 environment.
• Professional judgment and sound decision-making in high-stress situations.

Licensure & Background Requirements

• Valid Massachusetts driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to successfully complete CORI, SORI, fingerprinting, Motor Vehicle Report, and DCF background checks.

Required Training

The Program Director must complete and maintain certification in required agency and regulatory trainings, including:

• CPR/First Aid
• Crisis intervention and approved physical restraint training
• Medication Administration
• Orientation training
• HIPAA and OSHA compliance
• Ethics and professional boundaries
• Trauma-Informed Care / Collaborative Problem Solving

All staff are required to attend refresher trainings as needed to maintain compliance and demonstrate continued competency.

Salary : $64,872