COMMUNITY LEAD STAFF

OVERVIEW: The Community Program Lead is a direct-service and administrative support position within Community Programs. The Lead maintains an active participant caseload while supporting the day-to-day administrative operations of assigned programs.

Working under the direction of the Vocational Coordinator, the Lead supports program organization, documentation, reporting, tracking, and quality assurance. The Lead assists with maintaining program rosters and trackers, collecting and reviewing data for required reports, monitoring documentation and deadlines, supporting file and record organization, and identifying items requiring follow-up.

The Lead also supports new staff onboarding and training, including orientation to program processes, documentation requirements, systems, workflows, and established service expectations. The role serves as a resource to staff for routine program processes and works closely with the Vocational Coordinator to promote consistent, accurate, and compliant program operations.

Key Responsibilities

Direct Service

• Maintain an active caseload and provide direct billable services to assigned participants.
• Provide individualized vocational services in accordance with participants' Life Plans, Staff Action Plans, employment goals, and authorized services.
• Support participants with job discovery, job development, job performance and employment retention as required.
• Maintain consistent communication with participants, families, employers, and other members of the Circle of Support as appropriate.
• Complete all required service documentation accurately and within established timeframes.
• Monitor assigned participants' progress and communicate concerns, changes, or barriers to the Vocational Coordinator.
• Maintain required productivity and billing expectations.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Maintain and update designated program trackers, rosters, spreadsheets, and other operational records.
• Review and approve program data and identify missing or incomplete information for follow-up with direct support staff.
• Assist with collecting information needed for monthly and quarterly reporting.
• Track deadlines and provide the Coordinator with updates regarding outstanding documentation or administrative requirements.
• Support organization of program files and required records.
• Assist with preparation for internal reviews, audits, and quality-assurance activities.
• Complete other designated administrative projects that support efficient program operations.

Operational Support

• Serve as an experienced resource to staff regarding established program processes and administrative procedures.
• Assist staff with locating forms, understanding established workflows, and completing routine program processes.
• Support onboarding and orientation of new staff as directed by the Coordinator.
• Assist with communicating program reminders, deadlines, and operational updates as directed.
• Participate in team meetings, trainings, and program planning activities.
• Escalate participant, staff, compliance, or operational concerns to the Vocational Services Coordinator.

Additional Responsibilities

• Maintain regular communication with the Vocational Coordinator regarding caseload and administrative responsibilities.
• Remain available to address assigned program needs within the scope of the Lead role.
• Attend required trainings, meetings, and organizational activities.
• Maintain professional relationships with participants, families, employers, staff, and community partners.
• Complete additional direct-service or administrative responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Experience providing employment or vocational services to individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities preferred.
• Supported Employment experience preferred.
• Strong organizational, documentation, and time-management skills.
• Ability to balance direct-service responsibilities with administrative deadlines.
• Must be computer proficient, including use of spreadsheets and electronic documentation systems.
• Valid NYS Driver's License required.
• Must have reliable transportation with proof of insurance and registration.
• Smartphone required.