Chief Program Officer

Summary:

GHO is seeking a highly experienced and mission-driven Program Officer to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight across five core service departments: Residential Services, Community Services, Day Habilitation, Clinical Services (including Nursing Supervision), and Employment Services. This executive-level role is essential to ensuring that all programs are delivered with excellence, compassion, and in full compliance with OPWDD regulations and other applicable standards.

As a key member of the executive leadership team, the Program Officer will work collaboratively with fellow senior staff to drive organizational goals, enhance service quality, and promote a culture of accountability, innovation, and person-centered care. The Program Officer will be responsible for evaluating program performance, implementing systems to ensure regulatory compliance, and supporting program Directors and managers in their day-to-day operations.

This role requires a proactive and responsive leader who is available 24/7 for on-call support, including guidance during emergencies and critical incidents. The Program Officer will conduct regular site visits, meet with families to address concerns, participate in investigations, and represent GHO in inter-agency committees, OPWDD conferences, and professional trainings. A strong ability to interpret and operationalize regulations is essential, along with the capacity to use monitoring tools and data to assess program needs and prepare comprehensive reports for the CEO.

The ideal candidate will bring deep experience in the IDD field, a collaborative spirit, and a commitment to advancing GHO’s mission of empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live meaningful, self-directed lives through high-quality, integrated services.

Program Oversight & Leadership

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across all five departments.
• Supervise Nursing Supervisors and clinical staff to ensure high standards of care.
• Conduct random program visits to assess service delivery and staff performance.
• Evaluate program functions and prepare reports for the CEO with recommendations for improvement.
• Use monitoring tools to assess program needs and effectiveness.

Financial Oversight

• Ensure each program operates within its approved budget while maintaining high standard of service.
• Collaborate with the finance department to review, monitor and forecast program budgets.
• Provide fiscal oversight and ensure responsible allocation of resources across departments.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising service quality.
• Support program managers in understanding and managing their departmental budgets.
• Prepare financial summaries and budget variance reports for the CEO and executive team.

Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Ensure systems are implemented to maintain compliance with OPWDD and other regulatory bodies.
• Translate regulations into actionable policies and procedures for staff.
• Participate in investigations and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Lead internal audits and quality assurance initiatives.
• Collaborating with senior management to set performance goals and develop long-term operational plans.
• Analyzing current operational processes, identifying inefficiencies, and recommending solutions to improve productivity.
• Working with project managers to develop and manage financial and budgetary plans.
• Conducting performance evaluations, monitoring inventory levels, and analyzing costs to identify improvement opportunities.

Emergency & On-Call Support

• Serve as part of the 24/7 on-call rotation to support program leadership and respond to emergencies.
• Provide real-time guidance and decision-making support during critical incidents.

Collaboration & Communication

• Be a team player and work collaboratively with other executive staff.
• Participate in inter-council committees and strategic planning initiatives.
• Meet with family members to address concerns and promote transparency.
• Represent GHO at OPWDD conferences, trainings, and community events.
• Ensuring smooth communication and collaboration between different departments to achieve company objectives.

Staff Development & Supervision

• Support and mentor program managers and supervisors.
• Promote a culture of accountability, respect, and continuous learning.
• Facilitate staff training and professional development.
• Leading teams, providing direction to supervisory staff, and fostering a collaborative environment.
• Participating in efforts to help the agency grow — including evaluating new growth opportunities, supporting facility expansion or increased capacity initiatives, and aligning operational infrastructure with strategic growth objectives.
• Ensuring that each department maintains audit-ready status by coordinating with department heads to establish consistent documentation protocols, enforce internal controls and conduct periodic self-assessment.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Health Administration, Social Work, Nursing, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in the IDD field, including supervisory and program management roles.
• Strong understanding of OPWDD regulations and service delivery models.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex programs.