Program Lead

Community Residences•New Britain, CT

About The Position

The Program Lead creates a nurturing, positive learning environment and develops strategies to help clients cope effectively with the social, emotional, and physical situations of daily living, while supporting independent performance. The role implements each client’s Individual Plan of Care or Follow-Along Plan based on needs identified by the Interdisciplinary Team, documents teaching strategies and behavior plans, and reports progress, needs, and barriers. The Program Lead maintains awareness of treatment plans covering leisure time, community experiences, public transportation, safety skills, personal hygiene, and activities of daily living. The position monitors clients’ medical, physical, and behavioral changes and reports them to the appropriate supervisor or clinical staff. It also involves incident reporting, medication administration after certification, support with appointments and follow-through on medical recommendations, meal planning and preparation, household and vehicle upkeep, financial recordkeeping, community outings, staff training, and maintaining client privacy and confidentiality. The work is active and takes place both inside and outside the home; the role requires lifting and transferring 70–75 pounds and using approved protective hold techniques when needed to maintain safety. The Program Lead is expected to interact professionally with clients, colleagues, families, medical professionals, and community members; comply with agency policies and procedures; and help foster positive neighborhood and community relationships. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., for 40 hours per week.

Requirements

Must be able to perform all required job functions.
Must be able to lift and transfer 70–75 pounds.
Must be able to perform active work both inside and outside the home.
Must be able to use approved protective hold techniques.
Demonstrate organizational ability and communicate effectively with people with developmental disabilities and people at varying ability levels.
Demonstrate some knowledge of educational and behavioral programs.
Show willingness to learn about current issues in the developmental disabilities field.
Have organizational ability to implement programs and services that enhance individuals’ learning.
Be self-motivated, patient, encouraging, optimistic, energetic, communicative, and nurturing.
Have an interest in improving quality of life, household management, and teaching.
Possess a valid Connecticut driver’s license and a good driving record.
Have reliable transportation and be able to use a personal vehicle to transport clients if required.

Nice To Haves

At least two years of experience in Human Services is preferred.
A bachelor’s degree in a related Human Services area, in addition to experience, is preferred.
A high school diploma or GED is listed in the Education section; the posting does not explicitly label it as required or preferred.

Responsibilities

Create a nurturing, positive learning environment and develop strategies that support clients’ coping skills and independent performance in daily living.
Implement Individual Plans of Care or Follow-Along Plans identified by the Interdisciplinary Team; document teaching strategies and behavior plans, and report client progress, needs, and barriers.
Maintain awareness of individual treatment plans, including leisure, community experiences, public transportation, safety skills, personal hygiene, and activities of daily living.
Monitor clients’ medical, physical, and behavioral changes and report them to the Supervisor, RN Program Coordinator, or Program Director.
Prepare incident reports and submit them to the Program Coordinator or Residential Program Manager within 24 hours.
Once medication certified, administer medications at prescribed times in accordance with agency policy and DDS standards; immediately report medication administration or documentation errors to the RN, Program Manager, and Program Coordinator.
Monitor and assist with medical and related appointments, and support follow-through on doctors’ orders and recommendations as directed by the RN.
Participate in meal planning, purchasing, and preparation within budget; ensure clients’ dietary plans are followed.
Maintain the cleanliness, appearance, and upkeep of the house, properties, and vehicle; report repair needs promptly.
Interact professionally with participants, supervisors, coworkers, families, medical professionals, and community members.
Participate in required training, staff meetings, conferences, and other training opportunities; maintain required training.
Maintain accurate, auditable accounting of agency petty cash and client funds as required or requested.
Protect individuals’ privacy and comply with CRI’s confidentiality policy.
Take individuals on community outings and follow health and safety measures in their support plans; use the agency vehicle in accordance with state laws and safety procedures.
Learn and comply with CRI policies and procedures.
Help develop positive neighborhood and community relationships.
Use approved protective hold techniques when needed to maintain the safety of clients, coworkers, and self.