LifeSkills Program Director

Job Description

Job Description

Department: Adult Day Treatment (Life Skills)

Reports To: Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Supervises: Life Skills Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), Teachers, and other assigned staff

Position Summary

The Life Skills Program Director is responsible for the overall leadership, daily operations, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance of ERC's Life Skills Adult Day Treatment Program. This position provides direct supervision to program staff while ensuring high-quality, person-centered services that promote independence, skill development, community inclusion, and meaningful engagement for individuals served.

The Director collaborates closely with Care Coordination, Waiver Department, Transportation, Development, families, and community partners to ensure services are delivered in accordance with each individual's goals, applicable regulations, and ERC's mission.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership & Staff Supervision

• Provide direct supervision, coaching, mentoring, and performance management for Life Skills staff.
• Conduct regular staff observations, one-on-one meetings, and annual performance evaluations.
• Assist with interviewing, hiring, onboarding, orientation, and training of new staff.
• Develop staff schedules and ensure appropriate staffing coverage while minimizing overtime.
• Foster a positive culture of accountability, professionalism, teamwork, and person-centered supports.

Program Operations

• Oversee daily operation of the Life Skills program.
• Ensure adherence to daily schedules, classroom routines, and program activities.
• Monitor staff-to-client ratios to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Provide direct support and program coverage when needed.
• Coordinate classroom assignments and staffing.
• Ensure classrooms remain organized, safe, and adequately supplied.
• Maintain inventory of classroom and activity supplies.
• Submit purchasing requests and monitor supply budgets.

Curriculum & Program Development

• Oversee implementation of the ERC Life Skills curriculum.
• Review weekly lesson plans submitted by instructional staff prior to implementation.
• Ensure lesson plans include learning objectives, instructional materials, activities, and supporting resources.
• Verify necessary supplies are available prior to scheduled lessons.
• Observe classroom instruction and provide coaching to improve teaching effectiveness.
• Evaluate curriculum implementation and recommend improvements to enhance participant engagement and outcomes.

Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Monitor documentation for accuracy, completeness, timeliness, and regulatory compliance.
• Review Therap documentation, daily goal documentation, attendance, and required records.
• Ensure documentation supports Medicaid billing requirements.
• Conduct routine quality assurance reviews and implement corrective actions when deficiencies are identified.
• Prepare for DHS, Medicaid, licensing, and other regulatory audits.
• Ensure compliance with ERC policies, DHS regulations, HIPAA requirements, Medicaid standards, and all applicable federal and state regulations.

Client Services

• Promote meaningful, person-centered programming that supports each individual's goals and independence.
• Monitor participant engagement and encourage active staff involvement during all activities.
• Attend Individual Program Plan (IPP), behavioral planning, and interdisciplinary meetings.
• Complete required IPP documentation and provide recommendations regarding participant progress.
• Assist with admissions, tours, and transition planning for prospective participants.
• Support participants with activities of daily living, medication assistance (when applicable), mobility, transfers, feeding, toileting, and personal hygiene while maintaining dignity and respect.

Safety & Risk Management

• Ensure a safe, clean, and welcoming program environment.
• Conduct monthly safety inspections and required emergency drills.
• Report incidents and accidents and complete required documentation.
• Ensure staff understand emergency procedures and safety protocols.

Documentation & Reporting

• Enter and verify daily attendance
• Review T-Logs and daily documentation for completion and quality.
• Prepare monthly participant goal progress reports.
• Maintain accurate program records and reports.
• Utilize data to improve program quality and participant outcomes.

Other Responsibilities

• Transport participants using agency or personal vehicle when necessary.
• Attend required meetings and trainings.
• Maintain required certifications and annual training requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support ERC's mission.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; Associate's degree in Human Services, Education, Psychology, Social Work, Healthcare, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience working with individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
• Minimum of one (1) year of supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
• Knowledge of person-centered practices.
• Experience with Medicaid-funded services preferred.
• Experience with Therap or similar electronic documentation systems preferred.

• Excellent communication, leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• Ability to coach and mentor staff.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of HIPAA and confidentiality requirements.
• Ability to analyze documentation for quality and compliance.
• Commitment to person-centered supports and continuous quality improvement.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, reaching, and assisting participants.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to safely assist with transfers and mobility.
• Ability to respond to emergency situations.

Travel

Local travel may be required for community outings, meetings, participant transportation, and trainings.

Additional Requirements

• Successful completion of all required background checks.
• Valid Arkansas driver's license with acceptable driving record.
• Reliable transportation.
• Must meet all DHS training requirements.
• CPR/First Aid certification (or ability to obtain).
• Ability to successfully pass drug screening.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in classrooms, community settings, participant activity areas, and occasionally outdoors. The position requires frequent interaction with individuals with developmental disabilities and may involve responding to behavioral or medical situations.

Other Duties

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Duties may change as organizational needs evolve.

Salary Range $50,000 - $55,000

THIS IS A SAFETY-SENSITIVE POSITION UNDER THE ARKANSAS MEDICAL MARIJUANA AMENDMENT.

AAP/EEO STATEMENT:

The Elizabeth Richardson Center (ERC) is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and to compliance with all Federal, State, and local laws that prohibit discrimination based on sex, race, creed, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, ancestry, family status, medical condition, family care leave, genetic predisposition or status as a covered veteran and other protected characteristic under applicable law.

ERC embraces the concepts of a diverse workforce, and applies this to all phases of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, employment, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, reduction of workforce and termination, rates of pay, or other forms of compensation, selection for training, the use of all facilities, and participation in all company-sponsored employee activities. Provisions in applicable laws providing for bona fide occupational qualifications, business necessity, or age limitations will be adhered to by the company where appropriate.

ERC will take affirmative action as called for by applicable laws and Executive Orders to ensure that minority group individuals, females, disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, other protected veterans, Armed Forces service medal veterans, and qualified disabled persons are introduced into our workforce and considered for promotional opportunities.