Director of Community Development Services

As part of the agency’s senior leadership team, the CDS Director leads the Community Developmental Services (CDS) Division at the agency, which consists of residences for individuals with disabilities, day and community habilitation programs, and supported employment programs. The Director is responsible for oversight, leadership, and management of the Division’s resources and program growth, and plays a key role in fulfilling WCMHS’ mission, vision, and the goals of the strategic plan to deliver high quality services.

Duties & Responsibilities

The following duties and responsibilities reflect the essential functions of the position, but do not restrict the assignment of additional tasks. Reasonable accommodations may be granted to support individuals with disabilities in performing the position’s essential functions.

• Direct the daily operations of the agency’s developmental services programming to ensure high quality services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD services) are provided to fidelity of best practices.
• With executive leadership’s support, manage the division’s 29-million-dollar operating budget.
• Foster a culture of person-centered, community-based supports that promote independence and dignity for people with developmental disabilities.
• Supervise the division’s management team and provide expertise and guidance to support their work with direct services staff.
• Represent department activities, programs and services with community organizations and other government agencies.
• Manage the division’s budget, financial reporting, and grant funding.
• Oversee the direct service and administrative operations of the division, the development of evidence-based services; and provide expertise for complex cases and quality assurance systems.

• Direct the daily operations of the division by developing, managing, and monitoring long- and short-term goals that achieve high-quality services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
• Oversee the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of quality and compliance practices to ensure effectiveness and quality service outcomes.
• Coordinate and oversee audits, needs assessments, and quality assurance activities to maintain and improve service delivery and manage program performance, making recommendations for improvement and innovation.
• Collaborate with the division’s leadership team to ensure performance metrics and documentation practices are effective to meet contractual obligations for service delivery.
• Serve as a liaison between developmental services and local community services through community outreach, collaboration, and education efforts. Engage in public relations, advocacy, and special events to promote community awareness and inclusion.
• Collaborate with other community developmental services agencies through joint leadership teams, steering committees, and legislative testimony/ education to improve developmental services for the clients the agency serves.
• Support the development of quality and outcomes measures/ data to inform system improvements that align the agency with best practices and new care models.
• Attend senior staff meetings, clinical committees, State of Vermont collaborating meetings, and client/ peer review meetings, to provide expertise and guidance for client care issues.
• May provide education and information to promote public interest and advocacy for services for people with developmental disabilities, as necessary.
• May provide direct support to people receiving services, as needed to support the program and clients.
• Support the agency’s crisis management processes by consulting on developmental services cases, evaluating risk factors, and ensuring client centered outcomes can be achieved with the services provided.
• Identify community needs and develop new resources, services, and pilot programs in response to emerging trends and gaps.
• Prepare grant and funding proposals to support program expansion and sustainability.
• Other duties may be assigned according to agency and program needs.

Education & Experience

• A bachelor’s degree in a related field such as human services, psychology, special education, or social work; master’s degree is preferred in a related field such as special education, educational leadership, social work, or public administration.
• 5 plus years of leadership experience, including team supervision experience.
• Practical experience with service delivery models, program development, and maintaining partnerships with community organizations (preferred)

Knowledge & Competencies

• Sufficient knowledge of State of Vermont Department of Aging and Independent Living regulations and standards governing I/DD services.
• Knowledge of relevant laws and regulations (such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act-IDEA) and best practices in the field.
• Ability to develop programs, create and maintain quality improvement processes, and manage resources.
• Ability to create and maintain partnerships with community stakeholders and advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, and ability to present complex information and give public testimony accurately and in understandable terms.
• Proficiency with data analysis and ability to use data to inform strategic and tactical plans.
• Proficiency in applying technology to work processes such as the agency’s electronic medical records system.
• Ability to effectively manage administrative systems, workflows, and projects, manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and consistently meet critical deadlines.
• Ability to build and maintain strong, productive, professional relationships with internal and external partners, and to work collaboratively toward achieving organizational goals.
• Ability and willingness to proactively prepare for, respond to, and adapt to change and to work in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to navigate conflicts and challenges with respect and a solutions-oriented approach.
• Ability to maintain a calm demeanor and to make sound decisions in challenging situations.
• Demonstrated management and leadership abilities.
• Strong analytic, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.