Senior Manager of Staffed Living and Supported Independent Living

UNITED COUNSELING SERVICE OF BENNINGTON COUNTY INC•Bennington, VT

22d•$56,638 - $60,091

About The Position

For over 65 years, UCS has been providing exceptional and thoughtful care to individuals and families in our community through programs, services, and educational opportunities. Our staff includes positions such as administration, clinicians, nurses, teachers, case managers, psychiatrists, and direct support providers who work within our 15 facilities to support over 3,000 individuals annually. We are proud to be part of Vermont Care Partners, a network of sixteen agencies that provide mental health, substance use disorder, and developmental disability services and supports in every county in Vermont. We are looking for team players to join us in making a difference in the lives of others and building a stronger community. Under the direction of the Assistant Director of Developmental Services (DS), the Senior Program Manager is responsible for the oversight and effective operation of both the Staffed Living and Supported Independent Living programs. This leadership role includes providing strategic guidance, mentorship, and support to Program Coordinators across both service areas. The Senior Program Manager oversees the day-to-day operations of both programs, including supervision of staff, coordination of client services, residential household management, and housing placements. They are responsible for ensuring that all services are delivered in compliance with applicable regulations, policies, and best practices. Additionally, the Senior Program Manager is expected to stay informed on the status and support needs of Public Safety clients within the Staffed Living program, ensuring that services are responsive and appropriate. This position plays a key role in maintaining high standards of care and promoting the independence and well-being of all individuals served.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree preferred, or five years’ experience in similar role or experience assisting in carrying out duties may be substituted for Bachelor’s degree. May be willing to train a self-directed professional.
Supervisory experience required.
Valid Driver’s License
COMPUTER SKILLS REQUIRED: Typing and navigating, email usage, Microsoft office suite, familiarity with electronic health records strongly desired.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities is strongly preferred.
Must become delegated by DS RN to pass medications for specified residents within 6 months of employment.

Responsibilities

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT/SUPERVISION: The Senior Program Manager provides administrative supervision to Program Coordinators and is responsible for monitoring the quality and effectiveness of services delivered across programs. This role ensures compliance with agency policies and procedures and is responsible for completing annual performance evaluations for supervised staff. The Senior Program Manager actively participates in the recruitment and interview process for new hires, in collaboration with Program Coordinators, and identifies training needs to support staff development. They are responsible for coordinating and maintaining documentation related to staff training, and for delivering supervision through individual meetings, group sessions, and role modeling.
In addition to supervisory responsibilities, the Senior Program Manager provides direct support to clients as needed. This includes assisting with activities of daily living such as personal care, medication management and administration, money management, nutrition, community outings, household responsibilities, and the development of interpersonal skills. The Senior Program Manager is also responsible for scheduling and attending appointments with clients when necessary, planning and overseeing recreational activities, and supervising clients both on-site and in the community.
A key aspect of this role is fostering social engagement, ensuring community integration, and creating meaningful opportunities for clients to apply the skills they have learned in real-life settings. The Senior Program Manager serves as both a leader and a hands-on support, maintaining a strong commitment to person-centered care and quality outcomes.
HOUSING SOLUTIONS AND CRISIS SUPPORT: The Senior Program Manager works closely with community members, service providers, and local landlords to address housing-related challenges for individuals served by the Developmental Services programs. In collaboration with Program Coordinators, the Senior Manager helps secure safe and appropriate housing for clients, supports client self-advocacy, and maintains consistent communication with guardians and other key stakeholders.
During times of crisis or housing instability, the Senior Program Manager provides strategic guidance and implements positive intervention strategies to support clients. They are responsible for problem-solving in complex situations, developing creative and individualized solutions, and ensuring that clients have access to the resources and support necessary to maintain stable housing and well-being.
QUALITY ASSURANCE AND COMPLIANCE: The Senior Program Manager will ensure that documentation meet compliance standards. They will develop a tracking system to monitor the completion of required documentation and other organizational tools. They will develop and implement effective tracking systems to monitor the timely completion of required documentation and utilize organizational tools to support accuracy, consistency, and accountability across all reporting processes.
NETWORKING AND CONSULTATION / EDUCATION: The Senior Program Manager serves on agency committees as assigned and represents the division on statewide task forces when appropriate. They support Program Coordinators in the coordination of services as needed and deliver or facilitate staff training as requested and needed. The Senior Program Manager is responsible for implementing required training programs and ensuring staff compliance with training requirements. Additionally, they provide mediation and guidance to address staff concerns, resolving issues in collaboration with Program Coordinators to support a positive and effective work environment.
INFORMATION MANAGEMENT, RECORD KEEPING, AND FISCAL MONITORING: The Senior Program Manager is responsible for completing a variety of clinical and administrative documentation related to billing, management information, and clinical purposes. They prepare reports as requested and regularly review management, outcome, and waiver budgets, advising the Division Director on any necessary adjustments.
This role includes overseeing the timely and accurate completion of documentation by program staff, as well as fulfilling all required daily, weekly, and monthly reporting responsibilities. The Senior Program Manager also monitors client and program records to ensure all files are accurate, complete, and compliant with agency and regulatory standards.
ADDITIONAL DUTIES IN SUPPORT OF ORGANIZATION: The Senior Program Manager will participate in the Developmental Services (DS) Emergency On-Call System, providing after-hours support as needed to ensure continuity of care and crisis response.

Benefits

Competitive pay
Generous paid time off
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Retirement plan with employer match
Employer paid life insurance
Employer paid short term and long-term disability insurance
Employee Assistance Program
Career development opportunities
Free clinical supervision towards licensure
Loan repayment and tuition assistance program
Award winning worksite wellness program
An inclusive workplace supported by an active Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging committee.
Rewarding experience making a difference in the community.
We believe a dynamic and inclusive workforce will strengthen our organization and enhance the services we provide. Therefore, it is our goal to hire a diverse workforce and cultivate a culture where our employees feel accepted and included, hold a valued place within our organization and are equally able to contribute to their fullest extent, assisting in fulfilling our mission of building a stronger community.