Program Director

At Mountain Shadows, our mission is dedicated to providing a secure family environment that fosters enriching relationships, independence, and growth to individuals within the community.

Basic Function:

Under the supervision of the Director of Ancillary Services, the Program Director leads New Beginnings Therapeutic Day Program operations and ensures the delivery of high-quality, person-centered services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and behavioral health needs in compliance with applicable state and federal regulations, organizational policies, and program guidelines.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Participant Programming/Activity Services

• Manages and administers the New Beginnings Therapeutic Day Program in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, licensing requirements, organizational policies, and program standards.
• Monitors the quality of services provided to participants to ensure compliance with Title 17, Title 22, and other applicable regulations and requirements.
• Oversees, monitors, and coordinates daily program operations, including the safety, maintenance, and regulatory compliance of the physical plant.
• Plans, manages, coordinates, and supervises staff to ensure effective program development, organized operations, and successful participant outcomes.
• Ensures that required participant-to-staff ratios are always maintained.
• Ensures the continuous supervision and safety of participants throughout program operations.
• Protects participant rights and ensures that all staff receive training on, understand, and uphold the personal rights of program participants.
• Plans and schedules community-based activities and outings for participants during program hours.
• Dispenses participant medications, as necessary.

Staff Supervision and Training

• Trains and coaches staff in Pro-Act crisis intervention, prevention, and de-escalation techniques, ensuring staff demonstrate competency and follow organizational policies and safety procedures.
• Supervises employees assigned to the program, including providing coaching, counseling, and corrective action as needed.
• Investigates employee incidents, injury reports, and workplace safety concerns and ensures compliance with company safety policies and procedures.
• Conducts site checks in the community, as necessary.
• Conducts employee evaluations, coordinates staff development, and facilitates monthly in-service meetings and other training as needed.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Maintains and builds the participant census in the program; attends marketing events to promote services.
• Conducts intake assessments of potential program participants and semiannual and annual assessments of enrolled participants.
• Analyzes program data to evaluate participant progress toward IPP goals and objectives.
• Facilitates Individual Program Plan (IPP) meetings with participants and the interdisciplinary team.
• Writes participant service plans and semiannual, quarterly, and monthly reviews; distributes copies, as appropriate, to the Regional Center, family members, the participant, and other interdisciplinary team members; and maintains participants' electronic records in the Therap system.
• Collaborates with BCBAs to support individualized treatment plans and behavioral programming.
• Communicates professionally and effectively with participants, families, employees, peers, San Diego Regional Center case managers, licensing entities, community partners, and other outside agencies and organizations to support participant engagement, service coordination, and collaborative working relationships.
• Responds promptly and effectively to special incidents, employee-relations matters, emergencies, and other urgent program issues; completes required follow-up and documentation in accordance with applicable procedures.
• Provides crisis management support and communicates concerns and recommendations to the interdisciplinary team, as appropriate.
• Reviews and approves employee timecards to ensure the accurate recording of hours worked.
• Completes and documents a minimum of 30 clock hours of continuing education every 24 months, as required by licensing regulations.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or a related human services field required.
• Minimum of two years of experience managing a human-services delivery system; experience in a licensed adult day program is preferred.
• Must have at least two years of experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and significant behavioral support needs.
• Experience providing staff training in crisis intervention techniques, preferably using the Pro-Act model, is preferred.
• Minimum of two years of progressive supervisory and management experience required.

Licensing Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must possess a valid California Driver's License for a minimum of three years and maintain an acceptable driving record.

Required Skills & Abilities

• Proficiency in speaking, reading, writing, and comprehending English.
• Ability to complete and submit required mandated-reporting forms, including SOC 341, accurately and within required timelines.
• Ability to work independently and perform assigned responsibilities effectively with little to no direct supervision.
• Proficient in the use of computers, web-based applications, electronic health record systems, email, and text messaging for work-related communication.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain CPR and First Aid certification.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift 50 plus pounds independently.
• Ability to push wheelchairs and assist individuals with mobility needs.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and move throughout the workday.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Employment is contingent upon:

• Successful drug and alcohol screening.
• Acceptable driving record and license verification.
• Background check in accordance with state regulations.

Work Environment

The regular work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Additional hours may be required to manage and administer the program in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.


Management may assign additional duties or modify the responsibilities of this position at any time, subject to CCLD approval when required.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Mountain Shadows Ancillary Services is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity/expression), age, marital status, status as a protected veteran, status as a qualified individual with disability or any other protected class.