Director of Programs

Description

WHO WE ARE:

Rise & Shine is revolutionizing caregiving for our communities’ most vulnerable populations. By taking a person-centered approach, we are raising the standard of support and empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live their best lives.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

We are looking for a dynamic, compassionate, and solutions-oriented Director of Programs who is passionate about providing exceptional care and developing strong, accountable teams. The ideal candidate is an organized, detail-oriented leader who values operational excellence, clear communication, and continuous improvement. You are comfortable navigating a fast-paced, evolving environment and have the ability to balance empathy with accountability while supporting both staff and the individuals we serve.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director of Programs provides strategic and operational leadership for residential programs serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This position is responsible for overseeing program quality, licensing compliance, staff development, documentation accuracy, and the consistent delivery of person-centered services.

The Director manages and supports Program Managers, Supervisors, and Quality Assurance Coordinators, ensuring residential programs remain safe, organized, appropriately staffed, and compliant with regulatory standards. This role works collaboratively with Executive Leadership, Human Resources, families, county partners, and community stakeholders to promote operational excellence, strengthen program outcomes, and foster a positive and accountable workplace culture.

FLSA Status: Exempt, Salary

Reports to: Executive Leadership

Direct Reports: Program Managers, Supervisors, and Quality Assurance Coordinators

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provide passionate and effective leadership to ensure operational excellence across residential programs:

• Oversee the daily operations of assigned residential programs, ensuring homes are safe, organized, compliant, and focused on person-centered care.
• Mentor, coach, and support Program Managers, Supervisors, and Quality Assurance Coordinators to promote strong leadership, accountability, and consistent program performance.
• Conduct regular one-on-one meetings with program leadership to review audits, schedules, staffing, training needs, documentation, compliance, and client support.
• Ensure all program audits, licensing requirements, support documentation, and records are accurate, complete, and maintained in a timely manner.
• Monitor program performance and proactively identify and address operational risks, staffing concerns, and compliance issues.
• Support the hiring, onboarding, training, and professional development of program leadership and staff.
• Coordinate additional training and resources to address client needs, staff performance, safety, documentation, and compliance expectations.
• Advocate for the individuals supported by ensuring their needs are addressed, personal goals are supported, and services remain person-centered.
• Maintain positive and professional relationships with families, county representatives, vendors, and other community stakeholders.
• Work collaboratively with Human Resources to address employee concerns, performance management, investigations, corrective action, and staff development.
• Implement and support new organizational policies, procedures, systems, and training initiatives to strengthen program operations.
• Review program performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and develop action plans to address recurring challenges.
• Ensure client and family concerns are addressed promptly, professionally, and with appropriate documentation and follow-through.
• Provide leadership and guidance during challenging situations, demonstrating sound judgment, empathy, professionalism, and accountability.
• Maintain open and timely communication with Executive Leadership regarding program performance, staffing needs, compliance concerns, and operational priorities.
• Foster a positive, respectful, and collaborative work environment that encourages teamwork, professional growth, and compassionate accountability.
• Participate in rotating on-call and leadership support responsibilities to maintain continuity of care.
• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned by Executive Leadership.

Requirements

• At least one year of experience working with individuals with disabilities in residential, educational, or vocational settings; or a bachelor's degree in social work, special education, psychology, or a related field.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and staff development skills, with the ability to guide and motivate teams.
• Knowledge of residential program operations, licensing requirements, documentation standards, and person-centered support practices.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities across programs.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with staff, families, leadership, county partners, and community stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to identify challenges, develop solutions, and follow through on commitments.
• Must demonstrate a positive, compassionate, accountable, and solutions-oriented mindset.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, mission-focused environment while maintaining professionalism and sound judgment.
• Must have a valid Oregon driver's license and be insurable through the company's insurance provider.
• Must successfully pass Oregon criminal background screening.
• Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs. and perform physical support tasks, including bending, squatting, and assisting with transfers as needed, in accordance with training and safety guidelines.
• Must be able to walk up and down stairs as required by residential program environments.
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

If you can commit to and live with the following principles, then you are the type of person who will be successful and help our company thrive. If you feel this level of engagement is not right for you or that you’re not willing or able to participate with us at this level, we are not a good fit for you. Our expectation is that you will take the steps necessary to do what you say you are going to do and be accountable for your actions. In other words, live “Above the Line.”We understand that not every person is ready for this level of performance, and we appreciate the honesty of those who decide this is not the right place for them. On the other hand, you would make an ideal candidate to join our company if you are willing to commit to the following Above the Line principles:

• Accountability: See It, Own It, Solve It, Do It
• Become part of the solution
• Respect for others and their feelings
• Act now!
• Ask the question: “What else can I do?”
• Ask the questions: “What coaching do you have for me?” and “What can I do better?”
• Personal ownership and pride
• Reject average
• Show others that you care

Coaching teaches people how to improve their performance. Training teaches people what to do. Culture teaches people how to treat each other. Most of the employees we terminate are fired for a lousy attitude and a cultural miss, not because they forgot the skills that got them hired in the first place.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion and continued eligibility of all background checks required by the Oregon Department of Human Services, Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS).