Assistant Director of Residential Services

Abilities First • Poughkeepsie, NY

1d • Onsite

About The Position

For over 60 years, Abilities First, Inc. has been empowering individuals with developmental disabilities to live their most vibrant, independent lives. From early education to adulthood, our wide range of services—including preschool and school programs, day and residential habilitation, community connections, and employment services—are designed to uplift every individual’s unique strengths and dreams. We believe in the power of people—of every background, identity, and ability—to create change and build a more inclusive world. Abilities First is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is welcoming and supportive of people of varying abilities, races, ethnicities, religions, socio-economic status, gender and gender identities. At Abilities First, you’ll join a mission-driven team that values collaboration, celebrates individuality, and is dedicated to meaningful work. If you're ready to turn your passion into purpose, we’d love to welcome you aboard. Abilities First is seeking an Assistant Director of Residential Services to oversee residential programs and services across a variety of settings. This leadership role is responsible for ensuring high-quality, person-centered supports while providing supervision, guidance, and direction to the Residential Management Team. The Assistant Director will promote regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and positive outcomes for the individuals we support.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services or related field, or a combination of education and experience may be deemed appropriate by Program Director.
• At least five (5) years of management experience, including experience in OPWDD residential programs.
• Demonstrated track record in leadership, team building, communication, and problem solving.
• Computer skills including use of Microsoft Office (Excel, Power Point, Visio, etc.) and EHR programs.
• Must have current NYS Driver’s License deemed acceptable by our insurance carrier.

Nice To Haves

• At Abilities First, we recognize that talent and potential come in many forms. If this position inspires you but your experience does not align with every preferred qualification, we still encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role—or another opportunity within our organization

Responsibilities

• Ensure the quality of services delivered within assigned programs and that the quantity of services meets the needs of individuals.
• Serve as a member of the interdisciplinary team to plan, implement, and monitor individual treatment plans and to provide support to dually diagnosed adults with intellectual developmental disabilities in all residential settings.
• Supervise internal program development, conversions, and evaluations, focusing on activities that promote independence, autonomy, productivity, individual choice, and person-centered planning as appropriate for the individual.
• Provide supervision and direction for members of the Residential Management Team within the assigned caseload.
• Assume the role of Residential Program Coordinator and/or Manager when the position is vacant.
• Participate in the hiring process of Residential Program Coordinators and Managers.
• Delegate the hiring process of Residential Coaches to the appropriate Coordinator, providing guidance where needed.
• Ensure Program Coordinators and Managers maintain appropriate staffing, minimizing overtime.
• Supervise the use of relief staff, ensuring active and consistent communication with relief staff, and advise the Human Resources Department when relief staff are no longer available for work.
• Conduct and maintain annual performance evaluations of all direct reports.
• Ensure all department staff have annual performance evaluations conducted by their direct supervisor.
• Provide 24-hour on-call support/assistance for the residential programs, including weekends. This includes providing onsite assistance in the absence of the Program Coordinator, Manager, or as an emergency situation warrants.
• Develop a protocol to track the submission and completion of the Personal Outcome Measures (POMS) for the individuals.
• Attend meetings, participate in, or chair committees as directed; meetings/committees may include HRC, CCIC, Risk Committee, and AROC at DDRO.
• Communicate all information to the supervisor and program teams as appropriate.
• Ensure that all incidents are reported in a manner consistent with regulations and complete appropriate follow-up as needed in a timely manner, including completion of Corrective Action Plans (CAPS).
• In collaboration with the Quality Assurance Department, ensure regulatory compliance within programs, including completion of quarterly Level One internal audits and unannounced physical plant inspections.
• Develop and maintain a mechanism for data tracking of residential vacancies by working directly with the Regional Office with the Certified Residential Opportunities Unit (CRO Unit) to develop a waitlist for potential individuals seeking residential placement.
• Accountable for the financial operations of assigned programs, including adherence to the annual budget, and monitoring Electronic Health Records, including Staff Action Plans, for daily and monthly billing requirements.
• Responsible for the completion and implementation of policies and procedures as they pertain to Residential Services.
• Ensure all required training and certifications are current and seek further support and training where needed.
• Adhere to the agency Code of Legal and Ethical Behavior, which requires all employees, consultants, board members, volunteers, and affiliates to perform their responsibilities according to ethical and legal standards with honesty, integrity, fairness, good faith, respect for others, and the law.
• Follow all agency policies and procedures and demonstrate continuous regard for personal safety and the safety of others.
• Perform other appropriate job-related activities as requested by your supervisor or as circumstances warrant.
• Incorporate CORE concepts of person-centered excellence by respecting people’s concerns and responding accordingly and will use “teachable moments” to assist people in understanding and exercising their rights.

Benefits

• Paid vacation, sick time, holidays and personal time
• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Increased earning potential with paid learning through the College of Direct Support
• Retirement plan
• On Demand Payment - work today, get paid tomorrow!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager