Program Manager, Youth Autism Services

Job Description: Program Manager, Youth Autism ServicesDepartment: Youth Autism Services (YAS)Position Title: Program Manager, Youth Autism ServicesReports To: Clinical Director, Youth Autism ServicesFLSA Status: Exempt, subject to HR classification reviewEmployment Status: Full-TimeLocation: Baltimore, MarylandSalary Range: $68K - $75K AnnuallyPOSITION SUMMARYThe Program Manager, Youth Autism Services, is responsible for overseeing the daily operations, staffing, scheduling, program implementation, and administrative functions of The League for People with Disabilities' Youth Autism Services department. This position ensures that services are delivered consistently, safely, and effectively in accordance with individual participant needs, approved service plans, organizational policies, and applicable Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) requirements.Working closely with the Clinical Director, the Program Manager translates clinical recommendations and organizational goals into effective daily practices. This includes supervising program staff, monitoring participant progress, coordinating family communication, maintaining accurate documentation, supporting regulatory compliance, and fostering a structured, inclusive, and supportive environment for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder and related developmental disabilities.The ideal candidate is a proactive, compassionate, and organized leader who can manage competing priorities, develop staff, resolve operational challenges, and promote meaningful participation, independence, communication, and quality of life for every participant.The Program Manager plays an essential role in advancing The League's mission of offering individuals the opportunity to gain independence, increase self-sufficiency, and improve their quality of life while upholding the organization's core values of Accountability, Independence, Mutual Respect, Participant Focus, and Quality.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESProgram Operations and Daily ManagementOversee daily Youth Autism Services operations to ensure program activities are organized, adequately staffed, and delivered in accordance with established schedules and program objectives.Coordinate daily assignments, staff coverage, participant schedules, activities, and program resources.Ensure program routines and activities support individual developmental needs, communication preferences, social engagement, adaptive skills, and independence.Monitor program implementation and address operational barriers that may affect service quality, participant safety, or continuity of care.Maintain clear communication with the Clinical Director regarding staffing concerns, participant needs, program performance, and emerging operational issues.Ensure program spaces, equipment, materials, and supplies are maintained in a safe, organized, accessible, and appropriate condition.Support the implementation of recreational, educational, social, life-skills, community-based, and other approved program activities.Assist with developing and implementing program calendars, daily schedules, activity plans, and operational procedures.Participate in departmental planning, leadership meetings, and organizational initiatives as assigned. Staff Supervision and Workforce ManagementProvide day-to-day supervision, direction, and support to assigned Youth Autism Services employees, including instructors, support counselors, direct support professionals, and other designated personnel.Establish clear expectations regarding attendance, punctuality, professional conduct, participant engagement, documentation, and policy compliance.Coordinate staff schedules, assignments, coverage, and approved adjustments to meet program needs.Monitor staffing levels and promptly communicate vacancies, call-outs, performance concerns, and coverage gaps to the appropriate leadership personnel.Ensure employees complete required onboarding, orientation, training, competency assessments, and ongoing professional development before performing duties that require those qualifications.Reinforce training in autism support, positive behavior support, participant rights, confidentiality, emergency procedures, and person-centered practices.Conduct routine staff check-ins, observations, coaching sessions, and performance evaluations in accordance with organizational policy.Recognize strong performance and address performance deficiencies through timely feedback, documentation, and appropriate corrective action in collaboration with Human Resources and leadership.Support recruitment, retention, employee engagement, and the development of a dependable, participant-focused workforce.Ensure staff members do not perform duties beyond their training, competency, credentials, or authorized scope of responsibility. Participant Support and Person-Centered ServicesEnsure daily programming reflects participant preferences, individual abilities, developmental needs, communication styles, and documented goals.Promote meaningful opportunities for participants to develop communication, social interaction, self-advocacy, daily living, community participation, and independent-living skills.Monitor staff implementation of approved individual service plans, behavioral support strategies, and program objectives.Coordinate with the Clinical Director and appropriate interdisciplinary professionals when a participant's needs change or additional clinical guidance is necessary.Encourage participant choice, dignity, self-determination, inclusion, and active participation in activities.Support accessible and individualized approaches for participants who use alternative or augmentative communication, visual supports, sensory accommodations, or other individualized strategies.Monitor participant engagement and identify barriers that may interfere with progress or participation.Coordinate with the Clinical Director and appropriate interdisciplinary professionals when a participant's needs change or additional clinical guidance is necessary.Encourage participant choice, dignity, self-determination, inclusion, and active participation in activities.Support accessible and individualized approaches for participants who use alternative or augmentative communication, visual supports, sensory accommodations, or other individualized strategies.Monitor participant engagement and identify barriers that may interfere with progress or participation.Ensure staff interactions remain respectful, professional, culturally responsive, and consistent with individual support needs.Escalate concerns regarding changes in behavior, health, functioning, participation, or safety to the appropriate clinical or program leadership personnel.DDA and Regulatory ComplianceMaintain working knowledge of applicable Maryland DDA regulations, policies, service requirements, participant rights protections, and organizational procedures relevant to the assigned program.Support compliance with applicable Maryland Department of Health requirements, Medicaid documentation and authorization requirements where relevant, and other governing standards.Ensure required program records, attendance records, service documentation, progress notes, training records, and other operational documents are completed accurately and within established deadlines.Monitor documentation quality and promptly address incomplete, inaccurate, or overdue records.Maintain organized records and assist with preparing the program for audits, inspections, quality reviews, and regulatory monitoring.Collaborate with the Clinical Director, Quality Assurance, Human Resources, and other designated personnel to resolve compliance concerns and implement corrective action plans.Ensure staff understand their responsibilities for participant rights, incident reporting, confidentiality, safeguarding, and adherence to approved service procedures.Communicate regulatory changes, procedural concerns, and potential compliance gaps to the appropriate leadership personnel.Ensure required records are maintained securely and shared only with authorized individuals.Participant Safety and Incident ManagementPromote a safe, supportive, and appropriately supervised environment across all program activities and locations.Ensure staff follow approved emergency procedures, safety protocols, participant supervision requirements, and individualized support plans.Monitor compliance with applicable participant supervision, transportation, community outing, and activity safety procedures.Respond promptly to participant injuries, behavioral crises, emergencies, allegations of abuse or neglect, and other safety concerns in accordance with organizational policy and applicable law.Ensure incidents are reported, documented, and escalated within required timeframes.Collaborate with the Clinical Director and designated leadership on incident follow-up, fact gathering, corrective actions, and prevention strategies.Identify recurring safety concerns and recommend operational improvements to reduce preventable incidents.Ensure staff use approved de-escalation and crisis response procedures consistent with their training and the participant's authorized support plan.Never permit unapproved restrictive interventions or practices that violate participant rights, applicable law, or organizational policy.Maintain awareness of environmental hazards and take appropriate action to protect participants, employees, and visitors.Family Communication and Community PartnershipsMaintain professional, respectful, and timely communication with parents, guardians, caregivers, and authorized representatives, consistent with privacy requirements.Share appropriate updates regarding schedules, program activities, participation, and operational matters.Refer clinical questions, significant behavioral concerns, and treatment-related decisions to the Clinical Director or qualified clinician, as appropriate.Respond to family questions and concerns promptly and coordinate follow-up with the appropriate department or leadership representative.Support family participation in meetings, planning activities, and program feedback opportunities when appropriate.Coordinate with schools, transportation providers, community organizations, and external service professionals when authorized and relevant to program operations.Promote positive working relationships that support continuity of services and consistent participant support.Documentation and Administrative ResponsibilitiesMaintain accurate and timely operational records, including attendance, staffing schedules, program calendars, activity records, incident documentation, and required reports.Monitor staff completion of required service documentation and communicate deficiencies promptly.Support the maintenance of participant records in accordance with organizational procedures, applicable regulations, and confidentiality requirements.Prepare operational reports, staffing updates, program summaries, and performance information for the Clinical Director and executive leadership as requested.Use approved electronic systems and documentation tools to maintain reliable records and support efficient workflows.Coordinate required paperwork, follow-up tasks, and internal communications with Human Resources and other departments.Ensure participant information is handled securely and in accordance with HIPAA where applicable and other applicable privacy requirements.Identify opportunities to streamline administrative processes and improve recordkeeping accuracy. Training, Staff Development, and Program QualityIdentify staff training needs and coordinate required training with the Clinical Director, Human Resources, and designated trainers.Reinforce consistent implementation of approved program procedures and individualized support strategies.Monitor staff competency and readiness before assigning duties requiring specific training or authorization.Support the delivery of refresher training and coaching when performance or documentation concerns arise.Conduct routine program observations to assess staff engagement, participant supervision, implementation of activities, and adherence to established procedures.Participate in quality assurance reviews and help develop practical corrective action plans.Track completion of corrective actions and communicate outstanding concerns to leadership.Promote a workplace culture centered on accountability, teamwork, professional development, and continuous improvement.Collaboration with Clinical and Organizational LeadershipWork collaboratively with the Clinical Director to ensure operational practices align with clinical recommendations and approved participant plans.Attend interdisciplinary meetings and case discussions as assigned.Provide timely operational information to support clinical decision-making, program planning, and participant care coordination.Collaborate with Human Resources on employee relations, onboarding, training records, performance concerns, and staffing matters.Partner with other League departments to coordinate resources, support cross-departmental initiatives, and maintain effective communication.Escalate significant staffing, compliance, participant safety, and operational concerns promptly.Carry out additional duties assigned by the Clinical Director or designated executive leadership that are consistent with the position.QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTSEducationBachelor's or master's degree in human services, special education, or related field required· Minimum three years of experience with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and/or developmental disabilities.· Minimum two years of supervisory or lead experience preferred.· Demonstrated knowledge of Autism Waiver services, community supports, documentation, and service coordination.· Experience with TI, ITI, respite, behavioral support, or related services preferred.ExperienceMinimum of three years of experience working with individuals with autism spectrum disorder, developmental disabilities, behavioral health needs, or related populations preferred.At least two years of supervisory, team leadership, or program coordination experience preferred.Experience coordinating schedules, supervising staff, monitoring documentation, and managing daily program operations.Experience implementing individualized support plans and promoting person-centered services.Familiarity with Maryland DDA-regulated services, participant rights, incident reporting, and quality assurance strongly preferred.Experience working with children and adolescents with autism and related developmental needs strongly preferred.Certifications and TrainingMust complete and maintain all training required for the position and assigned program responsibilities.CPR and First Aid certification required or obtained within the timeframe established by organizational policy and applicable program requirements.Mandt or other organization-approved crisis prevention and intervention training required when applicable to assigned duties.Must complete required participant safeguarding, abuse and neglect reporting, confidentiality, and emergency response training.Must meet any applicable background screening, fingerprinting, and employment eligibility requirements before performing duties for which clearance is required.Must maintain any additional credentials or qualifications required by applicable regulations or assigned responsibilities.Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesStrong organizational, leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.Ability to supervise staff, manage competing priorities, and maintain operational consistency.Knowledge of autism support strategies, developmental disabilities, positive behavior support, and person-centered practices.Ability to monitor records, identify compliance concerns, and follow through on corrective actions.Ability to maintain professional boundaries and handle confidential information appropriately.Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with families, employees, clinical personnel, and leadership.Ability to exercise sound judgment and escalate matters outside the position's authority or qualifications.Proficiency with electronic documentation systems, Microsoft Office, scheduling tools, and other relevant software.Commitment to participant dignity, independence, inclusion, safety, and quality of life.ADA COMPLIANCE AND REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONSThe League for People with Disabilities is committed to equal employment opportunity and an inclusive workplace. This position is intended to comply with applicable provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as amended, and other applicable employment laws.Reasonable accommodations will be considered for qualified individuals with disabilities unless doing so would impose an undue hardship under applicable law. Applicants and employees may request reasonable accommodations during the application process or to perform the essential functions of the position.Essential functions and physical requirements must reflect the actual duties of the position. Qualified individuals will not be excluded solely because of a disability if they can perform the essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENTAbility to work in office, program, school, and community-based settings as required.Ability to use a computer and electronic documentation systems and review records for extended periods, with reasonable accommodation as appropriate.Ability to communicate effectively with participants, families, employees, and professional partners.Ability to conduct program observations, attend meetings, and move between program areas as required.May occasionally be required to respond to urgent operational or participant safety concerns.Any lifting, mobility, physical intervention, or emergency response requirements must be based on the actual essential functions of the role and evaluated in accordance with applicable law.PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS AND SUCCESS MEASURESThe Program Manager's performance will be evaluated using measurable indicators, including:Program Operations: Effective daily scheduling, staffing coverage, activity implementation, and continuity of services.Regulatory Compliance: Timely and accurate records, completion of required training, and readiness for reviews and audits.Staff Performance: Staff attendance, competency, supervision, training completion, and adherence to organizational policies.Participant Experience: Meaningful engagement, individualized support, participant dignity, and progress toward established goals.Safety and Incident Management: Timely reporting, appropriate escalation, follow-up, and implementation of preventive measures.Family Communication: Responsiveness, professionalism, and effective resolution or referral of concerns.Quality Improvement: Completion of assigned corrective actions and demonstrated improvements in program processes.Team Collaboration: Effective communication with the Clinical Director, Human Resources, Quality Assurance, and other departments.WORK SCHEDULEThis is a full-time position. The Program Manager's schedule will be established based on program operating hours, staffing needs, participant schedules, and organizational requirements. Occasional schedule flexibility may be required to support program activities, address staffing shortages, attend meetings, or respond to urgent operational concerns.EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITYThe League for People with Disabilities is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. The organization is committed to providing an inclusive environment that respects individual differences and promotes equal opportunity.