Program Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Tierra del Sol Foundation is seeking a dedicated and experienced Program Manager to join our team. We are looking for a candidate who demonstrates strong leadership, excellent organizational and communication skills, and a commitment to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities in achieving meaningful, inclusive lives in their communities.

The Program Manager serves as an exemplary Direct Support Professional (DSP) role model, providing leadership and direction to a team of DSP professionals. This position plays a critical role in connecting associate-level services with the organization's broader goals and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, person-centered support.

Under the direction of the Program Director, Senior Directors, and Chief Clinical Officer, the Program Manager oversees program operations, supervises and supports staff, coordinates associate services, monitors progress toward individual goals, and collaborates with families, internal teams, and community partners.

The Program Manager supports associates throughout their service journey, from intake and discovery to the development of meaningful life schedules and transitions into inclusive, community-based lifestyles. This includes creating opportunities for paid employment, adult education, community service, and recreational and cultural activities based on each associate’s interests and goals.

Principal Areas of Responsibility1. Life Planning, Discovery, and Associate Support

• Support associates throughout all phases of services, including intake, discovery, life schedule development, and transitions to other programs or community-based services.
• Lead and support Productive and Personally Meaningful Life (PPML) Plans and person-centered planning, including the PATH planning model.
• Coordinate referrals, interviews, observations, and assessments to determine appropriate service options.
• Monitor associate progress toward individual goals using assessments, observations, and information gathered from Direct Support Professionals.
• Coordinate case management, crisis support, self-advocacy assistance, and communication with families, care providers, and community partners.
• Prepare semiannual and annual progress summaries, transition plans, and exit summaries.
• Support the development and implementation of individualized behavior support plans, as needed.
• Ensure families and care providers receive regular updates regarding associate progress and individual service goals.

2. Documentation Management

• Maintain accurate attendance records, associate files, and required program documentation.
• Monitor PPML Plans and individual person-centered plans to ensure goals and objectives are appropriately documented and reviewed.
• Coordinate outcome management surveys with associates, families, care providers, staff, and Regional Center representatives.
• Review and present outcome data to the Program Director and Chief Clinical Officer.
• Monitor deadlines and communicate documentation requirements and associate-related updates to staff.

3. Quality Assurance, Health, and Safety

• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with employers, volunteer sites, educational institutions, cultural and recreational organizations, families, Regional Center and Department of Rehabilitation representatives, and other community partners.
• Conduct monthly quality assurance checks for community partners and complete satisfaction questionnaires, identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Ensure staff and associates meet community partners’ expectations and program requirements.
• Maintain systems to identify and address health and safety risks at program locations.
• Coordinate safety meetings, in-service training, and monthly emergency drills.
• Monitor associates for signs of illness, injury, or abuse and respond appropriately to medical, behavioral, and other emergencies.
• Support the development and implementation of relevant program curriculum under the direction of the Program Director.

4. Transportation and Community Integration

• Coordinate associate transportation services in collaboration with families and Regional Center Service Coordinators.
• Assist associates in accessing community transportation resources, including Access and Citi-ride.
• Support opportunities for associates to participate in employment, education, community service, and recreational activities.
• Travel throughout Tierra del Sol Foundation’s service areas as needed, including the San Fernando Valley, Santa Clarita Valley, San Gabriel Valley, and Pomona Valley.

5. Staff Training, Supervision, and Professional Development

• Provide leadership, training, coaching, and ongoing support to Direct Support Professionals.
• Model effective instructional strategies, positive behavior support techniques, and best practices consistent with Tierra del Sol’s values.
• Observe staff during volunteer and community activities and provide constructive written feedback regarding instructional strategies and associate support.
• Coordinate initial training and staff observations to support performance evaluations at 60 and 120 days.
• Maintain systems for ongoing staff observations, quality assurance reviews, and data-based performance feedback.
• Ensure annual staff performance evaluations are completed on time.
• Lead and support staff during behavioral and emotional crises in accordance with Tierra del Sol’s positive behavior support strategies and Handle with Care Behavior Management System philosophy.
• Serve as a substitute Direct Support Professional when needed.
• Fulfill the complete duties of a DSP in the assigned program, as outlined in the DSP Universal Job Description and applicable program addenda.

Qualifications

• Experience providing training, instruction, and case management to adults with developmental disabilities is required.
• Experience implementing positive behavior support techniques is required.
• Experience in staff management, supervision, or leadership is essential.
• Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with staff, families, community partners, and other service providers.
• Commitment to person-centered planning, community inclusion, and meaningful outcomes for associates.
• A bachelor’s degree in behavioral science or a related field is preferred.
• Spanish proficiency is preferred.
• Current and valid California driver's license, at least three years of driving experience, and current auto liability insurance.
• Current CPR/First Aid certification.

What We OfferCompetitive Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• 403(b) savings plan

Paid Time Off

• Two weeks of vacation
• Personal time
• Sick time

Employee Engagement

Tierra is committed to ensuring that every staff member feels focused, recognized, and challenged through:

• Weekly check-ins via the Stand Out platform
• Monthly department meetings
• Annual DSP Week celebration
• Annual New Year Kickoff party
• Annual Health Fair

Bonus Opportunities

Bonus opportunities are available for employees who refer others to work for Tierra del Sol Foundation.

Industry-Specific Training and Professional Development

Tierra offers opportunities to build professional skills and advance career development through:

• First Aid/CPR Training
• NADSP E-Badge Academy: An opportunity to advance professional development and showcase accomplishments through an accredited online training program offered by the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals Foundation.
• Open Future Learning: Online training resources recognized by the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals.
• Handle with Care Behavior Management System: Training in verbal and physical intervention techniques focused on helping individuals experiencing a crisis regain control through support from trained personnel.
• Therap Experience: Experience with a web-based application suite designed to support organizations serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

How to Apply

We welcome applications from qualified internal and external candidates who are passionate about leadership, staff development, person-centered services, and helping individuals with developmental disabilities achieve meaningful outcomes.

Join Tierra del Sol Foundation and make a meaningful contribution every day while helping our associates build productive, personally meaningful, and inclusive lives in the community.