Specialized Program Director

Job Description

Job Description

Specialized Program Director

Schedule: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, with occasional weekend availability as needed
Reports To: Chief Operating Officer

Position Overview

The Specialized Program Director provides leadership and operational oversight of the children's residential program, while providing clinical support to adult residential services. This position ensures the delivery of high-quality, person-centered, trauma-informed, and evidence-based services while maintaining compliance with applicable regulations and organizational standards.

The Director provides leadership and support to the Children's Residential Coordinator, who supervises residential staff. The Director fosters a collaborative team environment and works closely with clinical, educational, case management, and administrative teams to ensure services align with individual goals and treatment plans.

The Director also provides clinical support to adult residential programs, including Positive Support Plans, monthly PCP requirements, and clinical supervision for LCSW staff, as applicable.

Essential ResponsibilitiesChildren 's Residential Program Leadership & Oversight

• Provide overall leadership and day-to-day operational oversight of children's residential programs, ensuring safe, effective, and person-centered services.
• Monitor program operations, staffing, client needs, and service delivery to ensure alignment with treatment plans and organizational standards.
• Ensure residential environments promote safety, dignity, respect, independence, and positive outcomes.
• Provide leadership during challenging behavioral situations and ensure appropriate behavioral and safety interventions are implemented.
• Maintain a visible and supportive presence within residential programs.
• Director may carry 1-2 residential homes at any given time.

Staff Supervision, Training & Development

Supervise and support the Children's Residential Coordinator in the effective supervision, coaching, and development of residential staff.

• Conduct regular weekly supervision, provide feedback, and support professional development.
• Complete staff performance evaluations in collaboration with Human Resources.
• Ensure staff receive appropriate training and are equipped to implement evidence-based interventions and individualized support strategies.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, accountable, and growth-oriented team culture.
• Conduct regular team meetings to address program goals, clinical considerations, operational priorities, and challenges.
• Address performance and team concerns proactively in collaboration with Human Resources and organizational leadership.

Program Operations & Strategic Planning

• Ensure programs operate efficiently through ongoing planning, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Lead strategic planning and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
• Monitor program performance and identify opportunities to improve clinical outcomes, service delivery, staffing, and operations.
• Oversee the Children's Residential Coordinator's management of required documentation, tracking logs, CPS reporting, safety drills, and facility maintenance.
• Collaborate with leadership and interdisciplinary teams to address program needs and maintain clinical and operational integrity.
• Ensure effective communication and coordination among residential, clinical, educational, administrative, and case management teams.

Clinical & Educational Collaboration

• Collaborate with clinical teams to ensure services align with individualized treatment goals, behavioral support plans, and other applicable service plans.
• Collaborate with schools and educational teams to support children's academic, behavioral, and developmental needs.
• Attend and participate in IEP meetings and other educational planning meetings.
• Support the implementation and review of evidence-based behavioral health practices and individualized interventions.

Adult Residential Clinical Support

• Provide clinical consultation and support to adult residential programs.
• Assist with the development, implementation, and review of Positive Support Plans.
• Support required monthly PCP meetings and related clinical documentation.
• Provide or support required clinical supervision for LCSW staff in accordance with Maine licensure and organizational requirements.
• Collaborate with adult residential and case management teams to ensure continuity and quality of services.
• Support staff in maintaining appropriate documentation and implementing individualized service plans.

Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, licensing requirements, contractual obligations, and organizational policies.
• Maintain knowledge of applicable Maine behavioral health, residential, and licensing standards.
• Monitor documentation, service delivery, and program practices for compliance and quality.
• Participate in audits, licensing reviews, quality assurance activities, and corrective action processes as needed.
• Identify compliance risks and implement corrective measures in collaboration with organizational leadership.
• Promote accountability, continuous improvement, and high-quality service delivery.

Safety & Behavioral Support

• Maintain a strong focus on the safety and well-being of individuals served and staff.
• Successfully complete required physical intervention and safety training and participate in approved safety interventions or physical holds when necessary, consistent with organizational policies, training, and applicable regulations.
• Ensure staff are appropriately trained in behavioral and safety procedures and understand their responsibilities during crisis situations.

QualificationsEducation & Licensure

• Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, or a related field; BCBA credentials may also be considered.
• Active Maine clinical licensure preferred, including LCSW or LCPC; LMSW-CC may be considered based on applicable clinical supervision requirements.

Experience & Skills

• Demonstrated leadership experience in behavioral health, residential services, children's services, or a related human services setting.
• Proven ability to supervise and develop staff, manage programs, and foster team cohesion.
• Strong understanding of evidence-based behavioral health practices and individualized service delivery.
• Knowledge of documentation standards, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance.
• Strong written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, respond effectively to changing program needs, and make sound decisions in high-pressure situations.
• Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships across departments.

Physical & Job Requirements

• Must be physically capable of performing the essential functions of the position, including successfully completing required physical intervention and safety training.
• Must be able to respond appropriately to behavioral and safety situations involving individuals with challenging behaviors.
• Must be able to work in residential settings and respond to occasional program needs outside regular business hours, including weekends as needed.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $80,000–$90,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off (PTO).
• Career advancement and professional development opportunities.
• Supportive, collaborative work environment.