Residential Program Manager

Job Summary

The Program Manager provides ongoing support and training to staff as well as oversight of all facilities, equipment, supplies, and travel for the assigned residential program. Under the direction of the Program Administrator, supervises various program staff including any program and Shift Supervisors and Direct Support Professionals in order to ensure a well-run, safe and therapeutic program that meets the needs of the children and supports them in obtaining their goals. Acts as the Program Administrator in his/her absence. Must be a licensed Child Care Administrator in Texas. This is an interim position with potential for regular employment. 

Essential Duties:

Program:

• Ensures that all Residential Child Care Licensing and Contract Standards, Youth for Tomorrow Standards, and Pathways’ policies and procedures are implemented.
• Reports to the Program Administrator regarding support services, personnel, and fiscal issues, etc.
• Assists the Program Administrator in short and long-term planning for the program.
• Responds to emergency and crisis situations.
• Assists with ensuring program policies and procedures are up to date and available for staff review.

Facility Safety:

• Complete and documents facility inspections and generates work orders for repairs when necessary.
• Prepares for any off-site travel activities (i.e., needed items, menus/food, etc.).

Staff:

• Provides leadership and direction to supervisors and direct care professionals. Acts as a role-model and mentor.
• Listens to staff concerns and works with them to resolve.
• Assists with staff recruitment and hiring.
• Facilitates orientation and initial training of new staff.
• Provides ongoing training through on-the-job training and curriculum-based training.
• Oversees work schedules for staff to ensure adequate supervision of residents.
• Assists in the review of staff time sheets and vacation requests.
• Assists with completing staff performance evaluations, employee corrective actions, performance plans and terminations.

Residents:

• Participates in intake staffing.
• Develops recreation calendar as applicable for the program.
• Reviews and approves incident reports and provides feedback to staff when necessary.
• Attends program activities held off-site as necessary.
• Assists with community service projects.
• Intervenes in crisis situations involving residents when necessary.
• Transports residents when necessary.
• Attends court hearings when necessary.

Education & Experience

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must be a licensed Child Care Administrator in Texas.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major in social services or related field.
• Minimum of three years of supervisory or manager experience in a therapeutic program or general residential operation serving children diagnosed as emotionally disturbed.
• Must have at least two years of experience working with children in a child placing agency, or general residential operation. If working in our IDD program, two years of experience working with children with developmental disabilities such as Autism, is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Strong commitment to, and expertise in, working with children placed in substitute care.
• Good understanding of child growth and development.
• Ability to support the agency's culture, growth, and success through communication, accountability, and positivity.
• Ability to be clear headed and decisive based on the scope of the position.
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively both individually and as part of a team.
• Ability to appropriately accept feedback through the supervision process thus displaying the willingness to learn, grow, and improve.
• Demonstration of positive role modeling and leadership skills.
• Ability to relate positively to residents, family members, staff, caseworkers/probation officers, referring agencies, volunteers, etc.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Competent in using Microsoft Word, Excel, the Internet, and other software applications.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data and write meaningful, concise reports.
• Organizational skills.

Additional Requirements

• Proof of valid Texas Driver's License (Type C).
• Access to reliable transportation.
• Proof of valid/current auto insurance.
• Cleared motor vehicle driving record.
• Employment and personal references.
• Cleared criminal background check and signed statement regarding felony indictments/convictions.
• Cleared pre-employment drug test.
• Working cellular telephone.

Physical and Mental Demands

With or without reasonable accommodation, the physical and mental requirements of this job include the following: frequent bending, stooping, reaching, lifting, carrying, pulling, climbing and kneeling in interactions with residents. Approximately 50% of the time on shift spent walking or standing. Must hear, speak and see well to drive and respond quickly in emergencies. Frequent lifting and moving of up to 50 pounds. Ability to recognize the needs and moods of non-verbal children recognize the difference between angry and combative and the ability to differentiate tone and volume in conversations. Ability to maintain a calm demeanor in tense situations and use appropriate de-escalation skills as trained. Requires participation in field trips, recreation and social activities (both indoors and outdoors). Manual dexterity and use of a computer frequently.