What are the responsibilities and job description for the Behavioral Program Manager position at The Arc Mercer?
Position: Behavioral Program Manager
Compensation:$65,000 - $75,000 annually
Status: Full-Time
Category: Exempt
Reports to: Program Administrator of Behavioral Day Services
Location: Ewing Township, NJ
What We Offer:
- Top 401k plans in the industry. Employer contribution of 5% and 6% match, for a total of 11%
- Comprehensive Medical and Dental Benefits
- Paid Time Off: Personal, Vacation & Sick; Paid Holidays.
Join Our Team
The Arc Mercer is seeking an experienced and compassionate Program Manager to lead one of our Behavioral Day Services programs supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including individuals with behavioral health and dual-diagnosis needs.
This leadership position is responsible for the daily operation of the program, supervision of staff, implementation of person-centered supports, and ensuring high-quality services that promote independence, community inclusion, behavioral stability, and quality of life.
If you are passionate about supporting individuals with disabilities and have strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills, we encourage you to apply.
What You'll Do:
Program Leadership & Operations
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Manage the daily operations of an assigned Behavioral Day Services program.
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Supervise, coach, and develop direct support professionals and other assigned staff.
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Maintain staffing schedules and ensure appropriate coverage to meet program needs.
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Participate in hiring, onboarding, training, performance management, and employee development.
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Foster a positive, professional, and person-centered program culture.
Consumer Services & Support
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Ensure high-quality services are delivered in accordance with Individualized Service Plans (ISPs), Behavior Support Plans (BSPs), and agency standards.
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Monitor consumer participation, progress, and outcomes.
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Promote meaningful community-based activities, skill development, and social engagement opportunities.
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Support consumer transitions into and throughout services.
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Participate in Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) meetings and planning processes.
Behavioral Support & Clinical Collaboration
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Work closely with Behavioral Specialists, Nursing, Quality Assurance, Residential Services, Support Coordinators, and families.
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Ensure behavioral support strategies are implemented consistently and effectively.
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Monitor incidents, behavioral trends, and other indicators impacting consumer well-being.
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Assist staff with behavioral challenges, de-escalation, and crisis response when necessary.
Compliance & Documentation
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Ensure timely, accurate, and complete documentation within Therap and other agency systems.
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Review documentation for quality and compliance.
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Conduct routine program audits and observations.
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Ensure compliance with DDD, Medicaid, DHS, licensing, and agency requirements.
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Assist with incident reporting, investigations, corrective actions, and quality improvement initiatives.
Community Integration & Program Development
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Develop and expand opportunities for community participation, volunteerism, recreation, and skill-building.
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Build positive relationships with community partners and stakeholders.
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Support innovative programming and continuous quality improvement efforts.
What You Need:
Required
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Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Human Services, Social Work, Special Education, Rehabilitation Counseling, Behavioral Science, Healthcare Administration, or a related field.
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Minimum of three (3) years of experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
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Minimum of one (1) year of supervisory, leadership, or program coordination experience.
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Valid New Jersey driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
Preferred
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Experience in Behavioral Day Services, Special Needs Day Programs (SNDP), or Dual Diagnosis services.
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Knowledge of DDD regulations, Medicaid requirements, ISP implementation, and person-centered planning.
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Experience working with individuals who have behavioral, psychiatric, or complex support needs.
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Familiarity with Therap and other electronic documentation systems.
Skills We Value
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Strong leadership and staff development skills.
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Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
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Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and work independently.
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Effective problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.
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Commitment to person-centered supports and community inclusion.
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Ability to remain calm and professional during crisis situations.
Benefits
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Competitive salary: $60,000 – $75,000 annually
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Paid time off and holidays
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Professional development and training opportunities
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Opportunities for career advancement within a growing organization
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Meaningful work that makes a difference every day
Working Environment
This position works in program, office, community, transportation, and consumer-service settings. The role includes frequent interaction with individuals who may exhibit behavioral, emotional, psychiatric, or medical challenges and may occasionally require crisis intervention, de-escalation, and emergency response.
Some evening, weekend, and on-call responsibilities may be required to meet program needs.
Have Questions? Email us at recruiter@arcmercer.org or call 609-477-9806 for more information.
We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring process. If you require a reasonable accommodation or assistance with your application, please contact us at accommodations@arcmercer.org
Pre-Employment Requirements: All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, drug screening, physical exam, PPD test, and verification of an acceptable driving record.
Equal Opportunity Employer The Arc Mercer is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.
Salary : $65,000 - $75,000