LifeSkills Program Director

Elizabeth Richardson Center•Springdale, AR

About The Position

The LifeSkills Program Director leads the daily operations, staff supervision, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance of ERC's Life Skills Adult Day Treatment Program. The Director oversees 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 individual goals, applicable regulations, and ERC's mission. The position oversees staffing and program schedules, curriculum and lesson-plan implementation, classroom organization and supplies, and documentation and records that support Medicaid billing and regulatory requirements. The Director monitors participant progress, contributes to planning and interdisciplinary meetings, and supports participants with activities of daily living, medication assistance when applicable, mobility, transfers, feeding, toileting, and personal hygiene. The role also manages safety procedures, inspections, drills, incident documentation, reporting, and audit preparation. Local travel and participant transportation may be required. Work takes place in classrooms, community settings, participant activity areas, and occasionally outdoors, 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, including the ability to coach and mentor staff.
Strong organizational and time-management skills and 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.
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 and safely assist with transfers and mobility.
Ability to respond to emergency situations.

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, individual meetings, and annual evaluations.
Assist with interviewing, hiring, onboarding, orientation, and training new staff.
Develop staff schedules, maintain appropriate staffing coverage, and coordinate classroom assignments while minimizing overtime.
Oversee daily program operations, schedules, classroom routines, activities, staff-to-client ratios, and classroom organization and supplies.
Provide direct support and program coverage when needed.
Maintain inventory of classroom and activity supplies, submit purchasing requests, and monitor supply budgets.
Oversee implementation of the ERC Life Skills curriculum and review weekly lesson plans before implementation.
Ensure lesson plans include learning objectives, instructional materials, activities, and supporting resources, and confirm supplies are available.
Observe classroom instruction, coach staff, and evaluate curriculum implementation to recommend improvements to engagement and outcomes.
Monitor documentation for accuracy, completeness, timeliness, and regulatory compliance, including Therap documentation, daily goal documentation, attendance, and required records.
Ensure documentation supports Medicaid billing; conduct quality assurance reviews and implement corrective actions when needed.
Prepare for DHS, Medicaid, licensing, and other regulatory audits and ensure compliance with applicable ERC policies and regulations, HIPAA, and Medicaid standards.
Promote person-centered programming that supports participant goals and independence, and monitor engagement and staff involvement in activities.
Attend Individual Program Plan (IPP), behavioral planning, and interdisciplinary meetings; complete required IPP documentation and provide recommendations on participant progress.
Assist with admissions, tours, and participant 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 required 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 completeness and quality.
Prepare monthly participant goal progress reports, maintain accurate program records and reports, and use data to improve program quality and participant outcomes.
Transport participants using an agency or personal vehicle when necessary.
Attend required meetings and trainings and maintain required certifications and annual training requirements.
Perform other duties as assigned to support ERC's mission.