ILS Program Director - Independent Living Services

Position/Title: Independent Living Skills Program Director

Supervisor: COO

Department: Independent Living Services

Jobs Supervised: ILS Program Coordinators, ILS Instructors

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

As the Independent Living Skills (ILS) Program Director, you will lead and innovate our program dedicated to empowering intellectually and developmentally disabled adults to achieve greater independence. This pivotal role combines strategic leadership with hands-on oversight to ensure person-centered services align with regulatory standards, grant requirements, and our mission. You will foster a culture of excellence by mentoring ILS Program Coordinators and Instructors, driving quality improvement, and delivering impactful outcomes for our consumers.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

1. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

a. BA/BS in social work, disability studies, public administration or related human services field. Masters degree preferred.

b. Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in program management, preferably within the field of disability services or community living.

c. An appropriate combination of experience and education may be substituted for some part of the qualifications.

d. Relevant certifications in disability services or direct support (e.g., Certified Program Director, Direct Support Professional Certification) are a plus.

e. Demonstrated experience working with intellectually and developmentally disabled adults.

f. Proven leadership experience with the ability to manage diverse teams and complex programs.

g. Familiarity with Title 17 funding guidelines and regulatory requirements.

h. Understanding of Department of Disability Services systems, policies, andcompliance requirements.

2. TRANSPORTATION:

a. Valid California driver's license

b. Clean driving record (DMV printout required)

c. Valid automobile insurance for that vehicle and all passengers that meets minimum coverage requirements of the agency (100k/300k liability/bodily injury).

3. OTHER:

a. Pass criminal background check through Department of Justice fingerprinting.

b. The willingness and ability to perform all the essential functions of the job.

c. Bilingual-bicultural strongly preferred.

d. The ability to work collaboratively with consumers and co-workers.

e. An employment record of punctuality, good work attendance and reliability.

f. You must be eligible to work in the U.S. and complete an I-9 with supporting documentation.

g. Willingness to update any and all personnel certifications, clearances and reports as required by agency policy or DDS/RCEB requirements.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. PROGRAM LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT:

a. Oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of Independent Living Services.

b. Develop, update, and enforce program policies, procedures, and standards in alignment with state, federal, and organizational guidelines.

c. Ensure services are delivered in a person-centered, respectful, and inclusive manner that honors the autonomy and dignity of each client.

d. Integrate and maintain compliance with Regional Center guidelines, Title 17 funding parameters, and Department of Disability Services (DDS) systems and requirements.

e. Development and implementation of strategic plan in conjunction with the CEO.

f. Development of new programs and modification of existing ones in alignment with our grants and our strategic plan.

g. Development and implementation of training curriculum and related materials for staff, consumers, and other agencies as needed.

2. STAFF SUPERVISION & DEVELOPMENT:

a. Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate program staff, ensuring they are equipped with the skills and knowledge to support intellectually and developmentally disabled adults effectively.

b. Foster a supportive work environment that promotes professional development and adherence to best practices.

3. BUDGET & FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT:

a. Develop and manage program budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with organizational goals.

b. Prepare financial reports, monitor expenditures, and seek additional funding opportunities, including grant writing and community partnerships.

c. Ensure alignment with financial guidelines related to Regional Center and Title 17 funding.

4. QUALITY ASSURANCE & COMPLIANCE:

a. Monitor program performance through data collection, client feedback, and regular audits.

b. Implement quality improvement initiatives and ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, including those set by the Department of Disability Services.

c. Maintain accurate documentation and records in accordance with HIPAA, confidentiality and data protection standards.

5. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & ADVOCACY:

a. Build and sustain relationships with community partners, local agencies, families, and other stakeholders.

b. Advocate for the needs of intellectually and developmentally disabled adults, ensuring access to community resources and opportunities.

c. Represent our company at community events, forums, and public meetings to promote independent living initiatives.

6. CLIENT SERVICES COORDINATION:

a. Oversee the client assessment process, individualized service planning, and periodic reviews.

b. Ensure that the program effectively meets the diverse needs of clients, promoting independence, self-determination, and community integration

7. SKILLS & COMPETENCIES:

a. In-depth knowledge of independent living services and best practices for supporting intellectually and developmentally disabled individuals.

b. Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

c. Ability to communicate effectively with a broad range of people including (but not limited to) funders, consumers, media, social service agencies, and government entities

d. Proficiency in budgeting, grant management, and program evaluation.

e. Ability to work collaboratively with staff, families, community agencies, and stakeholders.

f. Commitment to person-centered planning and empowerment of individuals with disabilities.

g. Ability to interpret and implement guidelines from Regional Centers, Title 17, and the Department of Disability Services effectively.

8. OTHER RELATED JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

a. Cooperate with other in home services, such as home health providers, physical therapists, home maintenance persons, natural supports, etc.

b. Report suspected abuse or any unusual incident as indicated by company policy and regulations. This may include but is not limited to the following: any decline in consumer's health, medication abuse, or refusal, ability to successfully live in the community safely, willingness to receive services, or request for a new ILS instructor.

c. Perform all duties in a safe manner. Utilize Standard Precautions at all times. Use proper body mechanics when lifting. Never lift, push or pull over 50 pounds without assistance.

d. Report workplace safety issues, consumer injuries, consumer threats to staff or self, potential liabilities and worker injuries immediately to supervisor.

e. Abide by all agency policies and procedures as indicated in the Employee Handbook, Memorandums issued by company.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT:

1. Desktop computer skills, such as Microsoft suite (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.).

2. Office machines such as cell phones, tablets, printers, etc.

3. Adaptive equipment such walkers, wheelchairs, gait belts, etc.

4. General household machines.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, talk and hear. Employee must be able to read and write. The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and use hands and arms to operate, handle or feel objects, tools or controls. The5 employee will reach with arms and hands. Occasionally the employee is required to climb, bend, stoop and/or crawl.

2. The employee will occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

3. The employee must be able to safely drive and operate a passenger vehicle.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

1. The work environment is primarily based in an office environment with regular visits to community settings and client residences.

2. When out of the office, the employee may be subject to adverse weather such as hot and wet and/or humid in the summers and cold and wet in the other seasons.

3. The noise level can range from moderately quiet in the office to loud and noisy in the field.

4. Occasional travel may be required for community engagement, training sessions, and professional conferences.

5. Ability to respond to program needs in a timely manner, including during non traditional work hours as necessary.

6. The employee occasionally may be exposed to contagious diseases and parasites and/or potentially violent individuals or domestic animals.

GENERAL STATEMENT:

We are committed to creating a diverse environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.