Director of Community Living (Residential), Full-Time, Exempt

Job Description

Job Description

Director of Residential Services

Department: Residential
Status: Full-Time | Salaried | Exempt
Reports To: Vice President of Residential
Location: Multiple Locations

Position Summary

The Director of Residential Services provides operational leadership and oversight for assigned residential programs serving individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. This role is responsible for ensuring high-quality care and programs, regulatory compliance, staff development, and positive outcomes for clients and their families.

The Director partners closely with Program Managers and agency leadership to support safe, person-centered services while advancing UCP Heartland’s mission and commitment to exceptional care and to be the Provider of Choice.

Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and support Residential Program Managers to ensure effective supervision of residential teams.
• Foster a culture of accountability, professionalism, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Provide performance management, staff development, and ongoing coaching to leadership staff.
• Promote employee engagement and retention through consistent communication and support.

Program Operations

• Oversee daily operations across assigned residential programs to ensure quality services and client satisfaction.
• Ensure staffing patterns, scheduling, and client-to-staff ratios meet organizational and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor operational efficiency, overtime management, and documentation compliance.
• Maintain knowledge of industry best practices and service delivery standards.

Client & Guardian Relations

• Build positive relationships with clients, guardians, and stakeholders through timely and effective communication.
• Address concerns promptly and professionally while escalating significant issues as appropriate.
• Support client admissions, assessments, transitions, and ongoing service planning.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with Missouri state regulations, federal requirements, Medicaid standards, DMH guidelines, SB-40 expectations, HIPAA requirements, and agency policies.
• Oversee implementation of policies and procedures that support client health, safety, privacy, and quality of care.
• Ensure all required documentation, reporting, and program records are accurate and completed on time.

Financial & Administrative Oversight

• Prepare and monitor individualized client budgets in collaboration with DMH requirements.
• Oversee responsible use of client and program resources while maintaining fiscal accountability.
• Complete program evaluations, outcome reporting, and other required administrative documentation.

Staffing & Training

• Participate in hiring, onboarding, supervision, training, and corrective action processes.
• Ensure staff maintain required certifications and training compliance, including CPR/First Aid, medication administration, and behavior support training.
• Support staffing coverage needs during emergencies, inclement weather, or critical staffing shortages.

On-Call & Emergency Support

• Participate in the agency’s on-call rotation and ensure Program Manager accountability related to on-call responsibilities.
• Provide leadership support during emergencies and assist with direct coverage when necessary to ensure client safety and continuity of care.

QualificationsRequired

• Bachelor’s degree in special education, Psychology, Social Work, Rehabilitation, Human Services, or a related Human Services field from an Accredited College or University; or at least 5+ years of related work experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, as appropriate.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience supporting individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities.
• Minimum of two (2) years administrative AND supervisory experience with skills in personal management, fiscal management, conflict resolution, business planning and staff training.
• Effective written and oral communication skills, as well as the ability to relate to a diverse group of individuals.
• Proficiency with computers, software applications, and documentation systems.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Core Competencies

• Values Differences
• Collaboration
• Effective Communication
• Accountability
• Integrity & Trust
• Customer Focus

Physical & Work Requirements

• Ability to provide physical assistance to clients when needed, including lifting or transferring with appropriate equipment and techniques.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, or emergency coverage as needed.
• Ability to travel between multiple program locations.

Why Join UCP Heartland?

At UCP Heartland, we are committed to empowering individuals with disabilities to live meaningful, connected lives in their communities. Our team members play a vital role in delivering compassionate, person-centered support while building an inclusive and supportive workplace culture.