Residential Program Manager Level 1 (30595)

About We Do Life… Together

We Do Life…Together (WDLT), a division of ICES, Inc., has been transforming lives in Connecticut since 1998. We support individuals with cognitive disorders, mental illness, and those on the autistic spectrum. Our caring human service professionals focus on the individuals’ personal strengths to make the most of valuable community resources while promoting respect and dignity of all. We serve individuals in private residences, respite facilities, emergency placements, community work sites, training centers, supervised living arrangements, and our own state-licensed group homes.

We offer a comprehensive continuum of services, including residential, vocational, clinical, community habilitation, and in-home support, all grounded in person-centered care. Our team works alongside each individual to build real-world independence, from securing meaningful community employment to developing daily living skills and accessing the resources they need to thrive.

WDLT collaborates with the Department of Developmental Services, the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, and other community partners. When you join WDLT, you are joining a team that believes in doing this work together, for each other and for the people we serve.

Why This Role Matters

Residential Program Managers are the backbone of our group homes. You'll take direct ownership of one or more homes, leading a team of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) while making sure every individual in your care has what they need to live their best life. The level of oversight you take on grows with the complexity of the program and the size of your team, and so does your opportunity.

This is a role for someone who leads with both heart and structure, someone who is organized, technically sharp, and able to build trust with individuals, staff, and partners alike. You'll need a solid grasp of Connecticut DDS regulations and policy, and the kind of communication skills that keep a team aligned across every shift. You'll report to senior leadership, with real opportunities to grow your scope, your team, and your career at WDLT.

If you believe everyone deserves the chance to do their best work and live their best life, we want to meet you.

What You’ll Do

Group Home Oversight and Management

• Take full ownership of the daily operations and management of one or more group homes.
• Build and manage staff schedules to maintain 24/7 coverage and required supervision ratios.
• Plan and assign work so your team consistently delivers on individuals' support needs.
• Ensure compliance with all DDS, agency, and regulatory policies and procedures.
• Develop and implement operational procedures that set your program up for success.
• Complete all required documentation accurately and on time.
• Use all company systems and software as required and make sure your team does too.

Individuals’ Care

• Make sure each individual's needs — medical, behavioral, vocational, and beyond — are consistently met in line with their individualized plan.
• Maintain and update individuals' plans as needed, in accordance with state and agency requirements.
• Support individuals with daily living activities and community participation.
• Step in to provide direct care coverage when needed.

Team Leadership and Development

• Directly oversee a team of Direct Support Professionals: scheduling, performance management, and development.
• Make sure your team always has the training and certifications they need.
• Lead team meetings and keep everyone equipped with the information they need to do their jobs well.
• Facilitate staff training as needed.

Business Partner Relationships and Communication

• Build strong working relationships with sister teams and departments across WDLT.
• Keep leadership informed on program performance, wins, and challenges.
• Partner with other leaders to share expertise and insight.
• Identify and contribute to projects that drive long-term excellence and individual growth.

Program and Organizational Contribution

• Build a working knowledge of how every department connects to individual outcomes.
• Take on special projects and assignments as they arise.
• Use technology to its fullest to get the job done.
• Participate in a rotating on-call schedule, responding to on-site emergencies as needed.
• Model a professional, solution-oriented approach in every interaction.
• Other duties as assigned.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary that reflects your experience and grows with your performance.
• The salary range for this position is based on the program level oversight:
  • Level 1 Program Oversight     $57,000 - $64,000
  • Level 2 Program Oversight    $61,000  - $68,000
  • Level 3 Program Oversight    $63,000 – $70,000
• Clear pathways for advancement, with real opportunity to expand your scope and your team.
• A mission-driven culture where your leadership makes a visible difference every day.
• A collaborative environment that values flexibility, initiative, and genuine care.
• The chance to build broad leadership experience across multiple programs and settings.
• We are proud we pay for experience and performance.

Additional Required Responsibilities

• Local travel using company vehicles is required; a valid driver's license and clean driving record are needed.
• Must be flexible and willing to work weekends and holidays.
• Requires 2nd shift presence based on residential needs.
• Required participation in a rotating on-call staffing schedule.
• Must be able to perform unannounced 3rd shift spot checks at group home locations.
• Skill-based assessments are required for this position.

Required Trainings and Certifications

WDLT provides training and support to help you meet all certification requirements. The following must be maintained throughout employment and includes, but is not limited to:

• DDS Medication Administration Certification (required within first 6 months of employment)
• CPR Certification
• Physical & Psychological Management Training (PMT)
• Human Rights and Abuse/Neglect Training
• Other DDS Mandated Annual Training
• HR-related Training
• Attendance at required leadership meetings, staff meetings, and agency trainings

What You Bring

• A genuine commitment to the dignity, respect, and growth of the individuals you support.
• Strong leadership and managerial skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment, with strong prioritization and time management.
• Resourcefulness and problem-solving ability; a self-starter who takes initiative.
• Flexibility and multitasking ability, with a results-oriented, accountable approach.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven computer and software skills.

Physical and Other Requirements

This role includes physical activity. You should be able to:

• Stand, walk, and sit for extended periods.
• Occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
• Work outdoors as program activities require.

Other qualifications include:

• Knowledge and understanding of Intellectual Developmental Disabilities, including experience managing individual/agency relationships, regulations, funding guidelines, and program models such as CLAs, CRSs, and IHS, is a plus.
• An associate degree, or working towards a bachelor's degree.
• Minimum of 2 years' management experience, preferably in the human services field.
• A solid command of Microsoft 365, including Excel, SharePoint, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook.
• Experience with Paycom and Therap is a plus.

Salary : $57,000 - $64,000