Program Manager

Behavioral Health Allies•Kansas City, KS

About The Position

The Program Manager (PM) is a frontline leader in Behavioral Health Allies’ Community Living division and is responsible for implementing and overseeing services in assigned residential homes. The role is directly accountable for quality of care, staff performance, compliance, safety, and home culture. Program Managers work within the homes, lead DSPs and Shift Supervisors, and build stable, well-trained teams through hands-on leadership, accountability, and follow-through. The position focuses on staff training and retention, service quality, regulatory compliance, and maintaining safe, well-run homes. In partnership with the clinical team, the Program Manager ensures that daily operations, staff practices, and home environments align with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) principles and evidence-based behavior support. Community Living operates 24/7, and the position includes scheduled or required on-call leadership, including nights, weekends, and holidays, with responsibility for maintaining staffing coverage and continuity of care. The Program Manager manages assigned homes in alignment with approved budgets and financial targets, oversees staff timecards and client-specific funds, and safeguards company and client resources. The role reports to the Community Living Operations Manager and supervises 10–30 staff. The starting annual salary is $63,003.20; the final offer depends on education, relevant experience, and overall qualifications.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent professional experience; a minimum of four years of experience is required.
Minimum of two years of supervisory or management experience.
Experience working with challenging behaviors.
Valid driver’s license meeting transportation requirements: Missouri Class E, an out-of-state equivalent, or a CDL with Passenger/School Bus endorsement.
Strong leadership presence and an ownership mentality.
Ability to train, coach, and hold staff accountable.
Working knowledge of DMH, Medicaid, and Community Living standards.
High accountability and follow-through; ability to solve problems and challenge outdated practices.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, 24/7 environment and lead calmly and decisively under pressure.
Organizational and time-management proficiency.
Strong leadership, organizational, and time-management skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
Knowledge of crisis management, safety, and compliance standards.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and operational data management systems.

Nice To Haves

At least two years of experience in residential services, HCBS programs, or supporting individuals with complex behavioral or developmental needs.

Responsibilities

Ensure individuals are treated with dignity, respect, and compassion, and address staff conduct that compromises physical or emotional safety.
Ensure daily routines, supports, and activities reflect individuals’ preferences, goals, and needs.
Verify that Behavior Support Plans (BSPs), individual plans, and clinical programming are implemented with fidelity using ABA principles and evidence-based interventions.
Coach DSPs on person-centered language, choice, autonomy, ABA-based teaching, reinforcement, and skill development.
Monitor behavioral and skill-acquisition data and partner with clinical teams to adjust supports based on individual progress and needs.
Promote meaningful community involvement and inclusion, and maintain positive relationships with families, guardians, and stakeholders.
Oversee comprehensive behavioral, emotional, physical, and social supports, including medical appointments, medication administration, health documentation, and continuity of care.
Monitor individual well-being and escalate concerns promptly.
Support independence and life skills through daily routines, structured expectations, predictable schedules, positive reinforcement, and meaningful engagement.
Maintain compliance with DMH, Medicaid, HCBS, BHA, and internal standards; ensure documentation is timely, accurate, and audit-ready.
Conduct internal audits, fidelity checks, and corrective actions, addressing compliance gaps and implementation drift through coaching and follow-through.
Directly lead, train, and supervise DSPs and Shift Supervisors; participate in onboarding and in-home training; provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and performance management.
Identify training needs and partner with the Operations Manager and HR; support staff retention through engagement, clarity, and accountability.
Maintain staffing ratios and continuity of care, fill open shifts as needed, and personally work shifts when coverage cannot otherwise be secured.
Respond calmly to crises and high-stress situations, lead or assist with crisis response using approved PCM techniques, and ensure incidents are documented and reviewed.
Maintain clean, safe, and sanitary homes; conduct safety and environmental walkthroughs; oversee maintenance, repairs, vehicles, equipment, emergency preparedness, and safety protocols.
Manage homes within approved budgets and financial targets; review and approve timecards; monitor overtime, staffing efficiency, and client-specific budgets.
Audit client funds, spending logs, and receipts; ensure purchases comply with person-centered plans and funding requirements; safeguard company and client resources.
Partner with the Operations Manager and Business Office on budget variances and corrective actions, and identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising care or safety.
Serve as an on-call leader, including nights, weekends, and holidays as scheduled or required; respond to staffing, safety, and operational issues outside standard business hours.
Make real-time decisions to protect safety, service continuity, and compliance, and communicate escalations and resolutions to the Operations Manager.
Complete staff training, supervision, performance evaluations, documentation, billing, and reporting requirements as assigned, and uphold BHA’s mission, values, and standards.