LifeSkills Program Director
About The Position
The LifeSkills Program Director is responsible for the overall leadership, daily operations, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance of ERC's Life Skills Adult Day Treatment Program. The Director supervises program staff and ensures high-quality, person-centered services that promote independence, skill development, community inclusion, and meaningful engagement. The role collaborates with Care Coordination, the Waiver Department, Transportation, Development, families, and community partners to deliver services aligned with individuals' goals, applicable regulations, and ERC's mission. The position oversees staffing, program schedules, curriculum implementation, documentation, quality reviews, audits, participant services, and safety. It may include direct participant support, transportation, and work in classrooms, community settings, activity areas, and occasionally outdoors. The role requires frequent interaction with people with developmental disabilities and may involve responding to behavioral or medical situations.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED required.
- At least two years of experience working with individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
- Knowledge of person-centered practices.
- Excellent communication, leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong leadership and team development skills and the ability to coach and mentor staff.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Knowledge of HIPAA and confidentiality requirements.
- Ability to analyze documentation for quality and compliance.
- Commitment to person-centered supports and continuous quality improvement.
- Successful completion of all required background checks.
- Valid Arkansas driver's license with an acceptable driving record and reliable transportation.
- Must meet all DHS training requirements.
- CPR/First Aid certification or ability to obtain it.
- Ability to successfully pass drug screening.
- Frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, reaching, and assisting participants; ability to lift up to 50 pounds, safely assist with transfers and mobility, and respond to emergencies.
Nice To Haves
- Associate's degree in Human Services, Education, Psychology, Social Work, Healthcare, or a related field.
- At least one year of supervisory or leadership experience.
- Experience with Medicaid-funded services.
- Experience with Therap or similar electronic documentation systems.
Responsibilities
- Provide direct supervision, coaching, mentoring, and performance management for Life Skills staff; conduct observations, one-on-one meetings, and annual evaluations.
- Assist with interviewing, hiring, onboarding, orientation, and training of staff.
- Develop staff schedules, ensure coverage, and minimize overtime.
- Foster accountability, professionalism, teamwork, and person-centered supports.
- Oversee daily program operations, schedules, classroom routines, activities, staffing assignments, and staff-to-client ratios.
- Provide direct support and program coverage when needed.
- Keep classrooms organized, safe, and adequately supplied; maintain inventory, submit purchasing requests, and monitor supply budgets.
- Oversee the Life Skills curriculum, review weekly lesson plans, verify learning objectives and resources, and ensure supplies are available.
- Observe classroom instruction, coach staff, evaluate curriculum implementation, and recommend improvements to engagement and outcomes.
- Monitor documentation for accuracy, completeness, timeliness, and regulatory compliance, including Therap records, daily goal documentation, attendance, and required records.
- Ensure documentation supports Medicaid billing requirements; conduct quality assurance reviews and implement corrective actions.
- Prepare for DHS, Medicaid, licensing, and other regulatory audits and ensure compliance with ERC policies, HIPAA, Medicaid standards, and applicable regulations.
- Promote person-centered programming and participant engagement; attend IPP, behavioral planning, and interdisciplinary meetings.
- Complete required IPP documentation and recommend actions based on participant progress.
- Assist with admissions, tours, and transition planning.
- Support participants with activities of daily living, medication assistance when applicable, mobility, transfers, feeding, toileting, and personal hygiene while maintaining dignity and respect.
- Ensure a safe, clean, and welcoming environment; conduct monthly safety inspections and emergency drills.
- Report incidents and accidents, complete required documentation, and ensure staff understand emergency procedures and safety protocols.
- Enter and verify daily attendance; review T-Logs and daily documentation for completion and quality.
- Prepare monthly participant goal progress reports and maintain accurate program records and reports.
- Use data to improve program quality and participant outcomes.
- Transport participants using an agency or personal vehicle when necessary.
- Attend required meetings and trainings, maintain certifications and annual training requirements, and perform other duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
Education Level
High school or GED
