ASSISTANT PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Job Description

Job Description

Assistant Program Coordinator

Residential Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities Services

Position Summary

The Assistant Program Coordinator plays a vital role in supporting individuals with intellectual, developmental, and behavioral health needs within a residential setting. This position provides direct care and oversight to ensure individuals receive compassionate, person-centered support that promotes independence, dignity, and quality of life.

Working closely with the Program Coordinator and interdisciplinary team, the Assistant Program Coordinator helps maintain a safe and therapeutic living environment while ensuring compliance with organizational policies, state and federal regulations, and ethical standards. In addition to providing direct support, this role assists with program operations, documentation, staff development, scheduling, and quality assurance activities.

The ideal candidate is a caring, dependable professional who is passionate about supporting individuals in achieving their personal goals while serving as a mentor and resource for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs).

Key ResponsibilitiesDirect Support & Client Care

• Provide assistance with activities of daily living, including personal hygiene, grooming, meal preparation, housekeeping, and mobility needs.
• Support individuals in developing independent living skills and achieving personal goals.
• Encourage community participation, relationship building, social engagement, and recreational activities.
• Maintain a safe, supportive, and therapeutic environment that promotes well-being and personal growth.
• Supervise and guide individuals in building life skills, confidence, and self-advocacy.
• Monitor individual health, safety, and behavioral needs and respond appropriately to changing circumstances.
• Utilize approved crisis intervention techniques when necessary.
• Report suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, or mistreatment in accordance with organizational policies and regulatory requirements.
• Protect the confidentiality, rights, and dignity of all individuals served.

Documentation & Compliance

• Complete accurate, timely, and compliant documentation of services, activities, incidents, and progress notes.
• Conduct daily reviews of required documentation, including:
  • Progress Summary Reports (PSRs)
  • Medication Administration Records (MARs)
  • General Event Reports (GERs)
  • Individual Support Plans (ISPs)
  • T-Logs and other required records
• Complete daily checklists and assigned administrative tasks.
• Ensure documentation meets organizational, contractual, and regulatory standards.
• Participate in audits and support compliance with DDDS regulations and other governing requirements.

Program Operations & Coordination

• Maintain regular communication with the Program Coordinator and interdisciplinary Core Team.
• Assist with coordinating medical appointments, follow-up care, medication needs, and healthcare services.
• Support staff scheduling and ensure adequate staffing coverage and ratios.
• Participate in Life Service Planning (LSP) meetings, staff meetings, house meetings, and other required team meetings.
• Collaborate with team members to address quality assurance and improvement initiatives, including OQI and PM46 reports.
• Assist in implementing person-centered plans and service delivery strategies.

Leadership & Staff Development

• Provide day-to-day support, mentoring, and guidance to Direct Support Professionals.
• Assist with onboarding and on-site training of staff.
• Promote adherence to organizational policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Identify and address compliance concerns and communicate issues to leadership.
• Foster a positive team culture focused on accountability, quality services, and person-centered care.

QualificationsRequired Qualifications

• Valid Delaware Driver’s License with an acceptable three-year Motor Vehicle Record.
• Current CPR and First Aid Certification.
• Ability to obtain and maintain all required certifications, trainings, and competencies.
• Ability to successfully pass criminal background checks, reference checks, and drug screening requirements.

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Previous experience supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, behavioral health needs, or related populations preferred.
• Experience in residential services, direct support, healthcare, or human services is highly desirable.

Core CompetenciesCommunication

Demonstrates strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with individuals served, families, staff, healthcare providers, and community partners.

Documentation & Compliance

Maintains accurate documentation and consistently follows organizational, regulatory, and accreditation requirements.

Interpersonal Skills

Builds positive, respectful, and professional relationships with individuals served, coworkers, and stakeholders.

Problem Solving & Critical Thinking

Uses sound judgment to address concerns, manage crises, and make informed decisions in a residential care environment.

Organization & Time Management

Successfully prioritizes multiple responsibilities while ensuring timely completion of assigned duties.

Leadership & Staff Support

Serves as a role model and mentor by providing coaching, guidance, and support to Direct Support Professionals.

Accountability & Independence

Works effectively with minimal supervision while demonstrating ownership of responsibilities and outcomes.

Person-Centered Care

Promotes choice, independence, dignity, and self-determination through strengths-based and individualized support.

Adaptability & Resilience

Maintains professionalism and effectiveness in dynamic, challenging, and fast-paced environments.

Ethics & Confidentiality

Adheres to ethical standards, HIPAA requirements, and confidentiality practices while maintaining the highest level of professionalism.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

The Assistant Program Coordinator must be able to:

• Lift, move, and transfer up to 50 pounds or more as needed.
• Sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, twist, reach, and climb stairs throughout the workday.
• Drive organizational or personal vehicles to transport individuals and attend meetings or appointments.
• Work in residential homes, community settings, and office environments.
• Operate standard office equipment, including computers, telephones, printers, copiers, scanners, and related technology.
• Respond appropriately to emergency situations and crisis events.

Compliance & Professional Expectations

All employees are expected to:

• Maintain compliance with OSHA, Fire Safety, HIPAA, Right-to-Know, and all applicable regulatory requirements.
• Follow organizational policies, procedures, and professional standards.
• Attend and complete all required trainings, certifications, and meetings.
• Exercise sound judgment, professionalism, and ethical decision-making at all times.
• Contribute to a positive, team-oriented culture focused on quality services and continuous improvement.

Why Join Our Team?

At our organization, we believe every individual deserves the opportunity to live a meaningful, fulfilling life. As an Assistant Program Coordinator, you will make a lasting impact by empowering individuals to achieve greater independence while helping build a supportive and inclusive community. If you are compassionate, dependable, and committed to person-centered care, we encourage you to apply and grow with us.