DS DIRECTOR
About The Position
Northeast Kingdom Human Services (NKHS) is a 501(c)(3) private not-for-profit organization operating with the purpose of promoting a high quality, comprehensive community mental health program in Vermont’s beautiful Northeast Kingdom. Our mission is to enrich communities and enhance the ability of individuals and families to improve their lives. NKHS is a Designated Agency contracted with the State of Vermont to provide the highest quality of service in the areas of adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities, children and youth with serious emotional disabilities, and adults with mental health and substance use challenges. We serve the populations of Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans counties through a wide variety of targeted programs for individuals of all ages. NKHS has employees providing case management, community and home supports, residential care, psychiatry, medication management, therapy, vocational supports, school based counseling, emergency care, and respite services. These services are provided annually to nearly 4,000 of our local community members, helping them overcome challenges and achieve health in mind, body, and spirit. As our DS Director, you'll provide operational leadership for Home and Community Based Services, ensuring high-quality, person-centered support for individuals with developmental disabilities. In this role, you'll mentor Team Leaders, Service Coordinators, and Direct Support Professionals, oversee service delivery and Medicaid compliance, drive quality and performance initiatives, and advance program goals.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree required in human services, social work, psychology, special education, or related field
- Qualified Developmental Disabilities Professional (QDDP) certification required.
- Minimum three (3) years of progressive experience in human services, with supervisory experience preferred.
- Experience with developmental services systems, Medicaid HCBS waiver programs, and regulatory compliance required.
- Experience using data to drive decisions around staffing, service delivery, and quality improvement initiatives.
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree preferred.
- Knowledge of Vermont’s Developmental Services regulations and DAIL requirements preferred.
- Experience coordinating with DDSD, CMOs and other Vermont human services agencies preferred.
- Familiarity with Quality Service Review (QSR) processes and Fee for Service billing models preferred.
Responsibilities
- Provide direct administrative and support service supervision to assigned Team Leaders, Service Coordinators, DSP staff, and administrative support personnel.
- Ensure staff and program compliance with State of Vermont requirements as a Designated Agency, rostering standards, Developmental Services rules, and quality expectations.
- Model effective leadership practices through daily staff engagement, structured supervision, professional development opportunities, and transparent communication.
- Provide day-to-day oversight and supervision of program compliance with state and federal regulations within the assigned program area.
- Implement agency policy and operational procedures across assigned Developmental Services programs.
- Monitor program budget performance within the assigned area and report variances to the Division Director of DS.
- Serve as backup leadership support, responding to emergent needs on evenings and weekends as available.
- Collect and review program and billing data for the assigned program area to evaluate service effectiveness and identify gaps.
- Translate performance and compliance data findings into actionable changes in program operations, staffing, or service delivery.
- Support Medicaid billing processes within the assigned program area, ensuring accuracy of billing relative to authorized services, timely submission, and compliance with the 180-day reimbursement window.
- Ensure all required documentation is maintained in both CRMS (State platform) and the agency’s EMR in accordance with state and federal Medicaid requirements.
Benefits
- Tuition & continuing education reimbursements and loan repayment program.
- Health and dental insurance.
- 403b retirement plan with Agency contribution and match.
- Generous paid time off, 12 sick days and 12 paid holidays.
- Outstanding employee wellness program
- Exceptional benefits package including low-cost medical and dental, short-/long-term disability coverages, life insurance, employee assistance program, and additional optional benefits.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
