Program Director

Job Title: Hybrid Community Services Program Director Department: Community Services Supervisor: Director of Community Services FLSA Status: Exempt Summary Program Directors (PD) manage and support a caseload of community services individuals, providing care and support to adults and minors with developmental disabilities. Due to the nature of the program hours may be flexible and are based upon the needs of the program and needs of the people and employees supported. Supervisory Responsibilities Directly supervises Direct Support Professionals and Employment Specialists assigned to the caseload. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. Basic Qualifications Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. In addition to the requirements below, the employee must be at least 21 years of age, have a nurturing and caring demeanor, and have a genuine interest in supporting the independence of those we serve. Education And/or Experience High school degree or equivalent required Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university is strongly preferred. A minimum of 2 years of experience working in the human services field and a minimum of 2 years of supervisory experience is required. Experience providing direct care service is also strongly preferred. Trainings, Licenses, and Certifications Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) certification required. 40-hour ACRE Certification required. Bello Machre Orientation, Developmental Disabilities Orientation, First Aid, CPR, MANDT, Certified Medication Technician Training, and Supervisory Training (These trainings may be provided upon hire). The employee must have and maintain a valid driver’s license. They may not have more than five points on their license at any time and may not have any alcohol and/or drug related citations on their license. Work Environment Bello Machre provides a safe, friendly, and supportive work environment. The employee must represent the company’s mission to enrich the lives of those we serve through loving care, guidance, and opportunity so that they can live life to its fullest. Our employees share a dedication to their job and a nurturing spirit that is evident in their everyday work. Physical Demands While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, stand, walk, sit, bend, lift, push, pull, and reach with hands and arms. The employee may be required to perform lifts/transfers and must be able to lift at least 50 pounds. The employee must maintain skills necessary to safely and efficiently operate various types of equipment to perform their job, which may include the use of wheelchair vehicle safety systems. Environment While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be in a variety of locations and conditions, including but not limited to the home, various offices, and out in the community. The employee may travel by automobile and may transport those we serve to varying distances and locations. OSHA Employees in this position perform tasks that may involve potential exposure to blood and other bodily fluids. All employees are expected to utilize universal precautions and follow all safety guidelines. All employees are offered the opportunity to obtain the Hepatitis B vaccination at no cost to them, and at any time during their employment. Essential Duties And Responsibilities To perform this job successfully, an employee must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job. Provide outstanding support and services for people with developmental disabilities, enabling them to participate as fully as they wish in all aspects of community life; Support and advocate for them in relation to their freedom of choice and fundamental rights; Support and promote them by providing choice in all aspects of their lives. Assists individuals in the development of friendships and other relationships; Assists individuals to become an active participant in their community and to build natural support networks; Assists individuals to maximize independence. Ensure Person-Centered Plans (including behavior plans and medication plans, if applicable) is up-to-date and accurately reflects each individual on the supported caseload. Ensure employees are well trained and are implementing the plan(s), which encourages each person’s ability to maintain the highest practical physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being. Ensure proper distribution and documentation to all involved parties is completed within the designated time. Maintain the comfort, privacy, and dignity of each person in the delivery of services to them; Interact with each person in a manner that displays warmth and promotes a caring environment. Fully understand all aspects of fundamental rights, including the right to be free from restraints and free of abuse; Responsible for promptly reporting to the appropriate chain-of-command and according to regulations any staff incidents or evidence of abuse or neglect. Ensure proper reporting of incidents are reported, investigated and areas of concern corrected. Ensure the health and well-being of each person supported. Report medical concerns, conditions, and changes in health status in a timely fashion through the chain-of-command. Ensure proper documentation and reporting of incidents are reported, investigated and areas of concern corrected. Maintain accurate and up to date clinical files. Consistently respond to medical emergencies effectively and efficiently. Provide management for each employee under their supervision; Conduct individual supervisory meetings at least bi-weekly, in-service meetings, documenting all meetings appropriately; Provide training, guidance, and support to staff on an on-going basis; Empower and train those being supervised to become effective leaders. Provide clear and concise documentation and follow-up on all employee concerns and disciplinary actions. Ensure staff schedules are accurate and required documentation is provided for personnel files. Maintain accurate documentation, ensure complete injury and incident reports and other organization records are completed, implemented and action taken, as necessary. Ensure appropriate documentation is valid, accurate and in place for receipts for monies spent and that bills are paid timely, for the program and people supported on caseload. Ensure all documentation is timely including documentation related to the Person-Centered Plan (PCP). Communicate and interact positively and effectively with each person, visitors, family members, peers, and supervisors. Attend mandatory meetings, to include in-services, supervisory meetings, and the annual “Person-Centered Plan” meeting for each person served; Organize and conduct any team meetings on a regular basis to coordinate successful functions of the program. Manage caseload schedule to ensure proper coverage at all times; Manage budget hours and overtime while ensuring optimal care and support for the people on the supported caseload. Approve staffing schedules and ensure their accuracy. Utilize Bello Machre’s automated time and attendance system to document and maintain accurate recordkeeping; Communicate with supervisor for any time off needs, change in schedule that may create overtime, and ensure coverage for your shift as appropriate. Ensure a safe environment where individuals are free from abuse and neglect; Assist individuals in obtaining appropriate medical and therapeutic services; Follow and promote safety practices in the vehicle and community in order to work in a safe and productive manner; Report and correct potentially hazardous situations; Participate in all safety-related trainings. Conduct and/or oversee monthly and/or quarterly audits of caseload as assigned; report any needed corrections accurately and timely, ensure proper corrections as needed. Paperwork must be reviewed, signed, and submitted as necessary in a timely manner. Proper signature of audited material must be maintained in a timely fashion (petty cash review, mileage logs, training control sheets). Respond to all phone calls and emails within 24 hours; Ensure that all deadlines are met in a reasonable manner; maintain a clean and organized work area and documentation. Act as a Direct Support Professional/Employment Specialist in the event a need arises (i.e., essential vacancy on the assigned caseload, during an on-call rotation or during an emergency situation which cannot be resolved by other staffing techniques). Partner and collaborate with local DORS offices to receive ongoing referrals for Employment Services. Complete all documentation necessary in a timely manner to ensure no interruptions with services and funding occur. Other duties as assigned. Specific Job Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies: General Job Knowledge Demonstrates strong understanding of job description; Possesses and demonstrates the knowledge and skills needed to perform the essential duties of the position; Possesses skill and proficiency in carrying out their assignments; Holds self accountable for assigned responsibilities and sees them through to completion in a timely manner; Skilled at planning, organizing, and prioritizing their workload. Judgment / Reasoning / Problem-Solving Demonstrates the ability to resolve problems and to resolve conflict effectively; Demonstrates sound judgment when making decisions; Understands potentially problematic or hazardous situations and acts within reason; Adept at analyzing facts, problem-solving, and making decisions. Communication / Professionalism / Other Expresses self calmly and clearly, both verbally and in writing; Demonstrates effective listening skills with people at all levels of the organization; Accepts constructive criticism and supervision; Communicates effectively with supervisor, peers, individuals, families, and other with whom they come into contact; Demonstrates ability to communicate concerns and suggestions appropriately. Teamwork / Interpersonal Relationships Displays a positive attitude when interacting with others; Supports company and personal goals; Utilizes the chain of command appropriately; Demonstrates the ability to work cooperatively as a part of a team Initiates activities and a willingness to take on additional responsibilities. Identifies and completes tasks without being asked, Addresses concerns with direct supervisor constructively and in a timely fashion. Attendance / Reliability Attends work as scheduled and on time; Plans any absences well in advance and assists with securing coverage as needed; For emergencies contacts direct supervisor within a reasonable amount of time. Autonomy Empowers individuals by assisting and supporting them in developing strategies, making informed choices, following through on responsibilities, and taking risks; Involves individuals in the support process and provides opportunities for self-advocacy by encouraging them to speak on their own behalf and providing information on peer support and self-advocacy groups. Community Living Skills & Support Ability to teach skills, provide supports, and build on each individual’s strengths and capabilities; Recognizes and respects each individual’s needs / preferences for equipment and / or therapy and assists them in recruiting and training service providers. Communication Expresses ideas and thoughts verbally; expresses ideas and thoughts in written form; exhibits good listening and comprehension; keeps others adequately informed; selects and uses appropriate communication methods. Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; participates in meetings.Writes clearly and informatively; edits work for spelling and grammar; varies writing style to meet needs; presents numerical data effectively; able to read and interpret written information. Relationships with Family Ability to handle concerns shared by a family member in a timely manner; Notifies the family, if applicable, within a timely fashion of any incident/injury that has occurred with their family member; Acts in a professional manner when interacting with family members. Supervision and Feedback Meets with each employee on a regular basis for supervisory meetings (generally, once every other week); Identifies performance expectations; Gives timely feedback; Helps each employee see the potential for developing their skills and eliminates barriers to success; Takes timely and appropriate disciplinary or performance counseling action with employees; Displays fairness towards all employees. Empowers employees by providing the tools and knowledge that are necessary to be successful in their position; Delegates to employees, based on each employee’s skills and potential. Strategy/Fiscal Responsibility Actively works to minimize overtime; Obtains appropriate approvals for overtime as needed; Accurately reviews payroll and provides information for payroll in a timely manner. General Meet deadlines; Returns phone calls, emails, etc. in a timely manner; Handles emergency situations promptly and in a calm and effective manner; Displays an openness towards new ideas; Accepts constructive criticism and supervision; Addresses employee concerns in a constructive and timely manner; Encourages employees to problem-solve; Maintains open channels of communication. Receipt And Acknowledgment Receipt of the job description does not imply or create a promise of employment, or an employment contract of any kind, and that my employment is at-will. That this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities; and that other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time or without notice. I understand that it is my responsibility to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodations. I understand that it is my duty to inform my supervisor if I am unable to perform these functions at any time. Acceptable job performance includes completion of the job responsibilities as well as compliance with Bello Machre’s policies, procedures, rules, and regulations. I have read and understand this job description. Company Description Bello Machre – We provide a lifetime commitment of loving care, opportunity, and guidance to people with developmental disabilities in Maryland. Our name is pronounced Bĕllō Mah-cree and means Home Of My Heart . Working for Bello Machre is more than a job. We value our employees’ time and training experience. All required training for employees is provided free of charge, and time spent in training is paid. Benefits Meaningful and purpose-driven work Working for one of Baltimore's 2025 Top Workplaces Supportive company culture 100% Paid Health Insurance 403B Retirement Plan with company match Paid Time Off (PTO) Company Phone or cell phone stipend Flexible Spending Accounts: Health and Childcare Tuition Reimbursement Paid Training Long-term Disability Insurance Short-term Disability Insurance $250 wellness reimbursement #J-18808-Ljbffr