Program Manager, Youth Autism Services

The League For People with Disabilities•Baltimore, MD

22h•Onsite

About The Position

The Program Manager, Youth Autism Services, oversees the daily operations, staffing, scheduling, program implementation, and administrative functions of The League for People with Disabilities’ Youth Autism Services department. The role ensures that services are delivered consistently, safely, and effectively in accordance with participant needs, approved service plans, organizational policies, and applicable Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration requirements. Working closely with the Clinical Director, the Program Manager translates clinical recommendations and organizational goals into daily practices, supervises program staff, monitors participant progress, coordinates family communication, maintains documentation, supports regulatory compliance, and fosters a structured, inclusive, and supportive environment for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder and related developmental disabilities. The position promotes participant independence, self-sufficiency, and quality of life while upholding the organization’s values of Accountability, Independence, Mutual Respect, Participant Focus, and Quality. The Program Manager collaborates with clinical and organizational leaders, families, schools, transportation providers, community organizations, and external professionals as relevant to program operations. The role also supports continuous improvement, staff development, participant safety, accurate recordkeeping, and readiness for audits and regulatory reviews. This is a full-time, exempt position based in Baltimore, Maryland, with an annual salary range of $68,000–$75,000. The schedule is established according to program operating hours, staffing needs, participant schedules, and organizational requirements; occasional schedule flexibility may be needed.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in human services, special education, or a related field is required.
At least three years of experience with individuals with autism spectrum disorder and/or developmental disabilities is required; the posting also describes three years of experience with autism, developmental disabilities, behavioral health needs, or related populations as preferred.
CPR and First Aid certification is required or must be obtained within the timeframe established by organizational policy and applicable program requirements.
Complete and maintain all training required for the position and assigned program responsibilities.
Complete required participant safeguarding, abuse and neglect reporting, confidentiality, and emergency response training.
Meet applicable background screening, fingerprinting, and employment eligibility requirements before performing duties requiring clearance.
Maintain additional credentials or qualifications required by applicable regulations or assigned responsibilities.
Demonstrated knowledge of Autism Waiver services, community supports, documentation, and service coordination.
Experience coordinating schedules, supervising staff, monitoring documentation, and managing daily program operations.
Experience implementing individualized support plans and promoting person-centered services.
Strong organizational, leadership, communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to supervise staff, manage competing priorities, and maintain consistent operations.
Knowledge of autism support strategies, developmental disabilities, positive behavior support, and person-centered practices.
Ability to monitor records, identify compliance concerns, and follow through on corrective actions.
Ability to maintain professional boundaries and handle confidential information appropriately.
Ability to collaborate with families, employees, clinical personnel, and leadership and to exercise sound judgment about when to escalate matters.
Proficiency with electronic documentation systems, Microsoft Office, scheduling tools, and other relevant software.
Commitment to participant dignity, independence, inclusion, safety, and quality of life.

Nice To Haves

At least two years of supervisory or lead experience.
At least two years of supervisory, team leadership, or program coordination experience.
Experience working with children and adolescents with autism and related developmental needs.
Familiarity with Maryland DDA-regulated services, participant rights, incident reporting, and quality assurance.
Experience with TI, ITI, respite, behavioral support, or related services.
Mandt or other organization-approved crisis prevention and intervention training when applicable to assigned duties.

Responsibilities

Oversee daily program operations, including schedules, staffing coverage, participant activities, resources, and program spaces.
Support implementation of recreational, educational, social, life-skills, community-based, and other approved activities.
Supervise, direct, coach, and evaluate assigned employees; coordinate schedules and coverage and address performance concerns with leadership and Human Resources.
Ensure staff complete required onboarding, training, competency assessments, and professional development, and do not work beyond their training or authorized scope.
Ensure programming reflects participant preferences, abilities, communication styles, developmental needs, and documented goals.
Monitor implementation of service plans, behavioral support strategies, and program objectives; escalate changes in participant needs and safety concerns.
Promote participant choice, dignity, self-determination, inclusion, communication, independence, and meaningful participation.
Maintain working knowledge of applicable Maryland DDA regulations, participant rights, service requirements, and organizational procedures.
Ensure operational, attendance, service, progress, training, and other required records are accurate, complete, timely, securely maintained, and available for reviews.
Collaborate on compliance concerns, audits, inspections, quality reviews, and corrective action plans.
Promote a safe and appropriately supervised environment; ensure staff follow safety, emergency, transportation, outing, and individualized support procedures.
Respond to injuries, crises, emergencies, allegations of abuse or neglect, and other safety concerns; ensure timely reporting, documentation, escalation, and follow-up.
Ensure staff use only approved de-escalation and crisis response procedures and do not use unapproved restrictive interventions.
Communicate professionally and promptly with families and authorized representatives; refer clinical questions and treatment decisions to qualified clinical personnel.
Coordinate with schools, transportation providers, community organizations, and external professionals when authorized and relevant.
Maintain operational records and prepare reports, staffing updates, program summaries, and performance information as requested.
Identify staff training needs, conduct program observations, support quality assurance, track corrective actions, and promote continuous improvement.
Collaborate with the Clinical Director, Human Resources, Quality Assurance, other League departments, and interdisciplinary teams.
Attend planning, leadership, interdisciplinary, and case meetings as assigned and escalate significant operational, staffing, compliance, or safety concerns.
Carry out additional duties assigned by the Clinical Director or designated executive leadership that are consistent with the position.