Regional Services Manager - ILS, SLS, CFS

Thrive Support Services•Santa Cruz, CA

21d•$80,000 - $95,000

About The Position

Thrive Support Services is expanding into the San Andreas Regional Center catchment area and seeks a Regional Services Manager in Santa Cruz to lead this effort. This individual will establish and operate a new office in Santa Cruz, initially launching the Independent Living Services (ILS) program, followed by Coordinated Family Support (CFS), and later Supported Living Services (SLS), Personal Assistance Services, and Respite Care. The Regional Services Manager will oversee program start‑up, staff recruitment and training, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and community outreach. This role will also develop referral relationships with San Andreas Regional Center service coordinators and other community partners to ensure steady client intake.

Requirements

Education: Bachelor's degree in social work, rehabilitation, psychology, public administration, or related field
Experience: At least five years of progressively responsible experience in human services, with a minimum of three years supervising managers or staff in programs serving individuals with developmental disabilities.
Knowledge & Skills: Strong knowledge of California Title 17/22 regulations and regional center systems.
Proven ability to develop programs, manage budgets and ensure regulatory compliance.
Excellent leadership skills, including recruiting, training and supervising staff.
Outstanding communication and relationship‑building abilities, with a talent for community outreach and partnership building.
Ability to manage multiple projects, adapt to changing needs and maintain a client‑focused, mission‑driven approach.
Proficiency with office software and electronic documentation systems.
Additional requirements: Valid driver's license; willingness to travel within the San Andreas Regional Center catchment area; ability to pass background and reference checks.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree preferred
Experience working with California regional centers and launching new programs is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Program Launch & Development Start up new programs: Lead all aspects of launching ILS, CFS, SLS, Personal Assistance and Respite services in Santa Cruz.
Develop program policies and procedures, ensure vendor applications and licensing requirements are met, and create systems for service delivery that align with Thrive's mission and California regulations.
Establish and manage the Santa Cruz office: Locate and equip office space; oversee administrative operations and coordinate with Thrive's central office on HR, finance, IT, and compliance matters.
Build referral networks: Develop relationships with San Andreas Regional Center service coordinators, school transition programs, care providers and community organizations to generate client referrals and awareness of Thrive's services.
Quality assurance and compliance: Ensure all programs adhere to Title 17/22 regulations and regional center vendor requirements.
Develop quality assurance processes to monitor service effectiveness, document outcomes, and drive continuous improvement.
Staffing & Supervision Recruit and train staff: Hire Independent Living Instructors, Community Facilitators, Direct Support Professionals, and administrative support.
Provide orientation and ongoing training on documentation, person‑centered planning, and community ‑integration practices.
Supervise program managers: As programs grow, hire Program Managers for each service line (ILS, CFS, SLS, Personal Assistance, Respite).
Provide leadership, mentorship, performance reviews, and professional development opportunities.
Cultivate team culture: Build a cooperative, mission‑driven work environment across all programs.
Encourage collaboration, clear communication, and adherence to Thrive's core values.
Administrative & Organizational Responsibilities Budget and fiscal management: Develop annual budgets for each program in collaboration with Thrive's finance team.
Monitor expenses, ensure fiscal accountability, and adjust resource allocation as programs grow.
Policy development and record keeping: Develop program policies and procedures.
Ensure accurate documentation, timely reporting to the regional center and compliance with state regulations.
Strategic planning: Participate in long‑term planning for Thrive's expansion, identifying additional service opportunities and community needs.
Crisis and incident response: Provide leadership during emergencies or incidents, ensure proper reporting, and implement corrective actions to maintain client safety and service continuity.
Client & Community Engagement Person‑centered services: Ensure programs deliver person‑centered services that promote independence, community integration and self-advocacy.
Support development of individualized service plans and encourage participants' involvement in decision-making.
Community outreach: Represent Thrive at community events, forums and stakeholder meetings; educate families and professionals about available services; and promote positive relationships with community partners.