PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

Ensure that Individualized Residential Alternatives (IRAs) serve the needs of the individuals while providing a warm, nurturing environment in which to live. Ensure that all residential programs are maintained in accordance with OPWDD regulations and agency policies.

I. SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES –

a. Collaborate in identifying potential candidates for admission, screening and placement of the people supported.
b. Serve as a liaison with families, providing support and assistance throughout the screening and placement process.
c. c. Provide leadership and oversight to Program Coordinators, Maintenance, Residential Management, Direct Support Professionals, and the QIDP.
d. Supervises and ensures all records maintained by houses comply with OPWDD regulations and SCO Policy and Procedures, are completed promptly, and maintain high standards. Leads in-services for Pre-Services and Annual Trainings. Ensures all programmatic books EHR (Individuals, Financials, Accufund, MAR, Medical Books, fire drill, MyEvlov, emergency preparedness plans, and any plans involving the individual circle of supports) are in order and up to date.
e. Invoice oversight and direction to residential management by ensuring all purchases and invoices are processed in Coupa and all financial aspects, such as billing and petty cash, are submitted on time.
f. Interview and hire staff; conduct observations and evaluations within agency guidelines.
g. Build relationships with the community to provide vocational, recreational, athletic, and community inclusion opportunities for the individuals served.
h. Maintain the programs within budgetary guidelines.
i. Ensure that a comprehensive treatment plan is developed for each individual, that staff are adequately trained to implement the treatment plan, and that all requisite documentation and data are collected, analyzed, and formulated.
j. Collaborate with the Quality Improvement/Staff Development Department to ensure the programs operate within regulatory and agency standards.
k. Oversee administrative and clerical staff duties, including maintenance of complete and up-to-date confidential resident files, personnel files, and regulatory documentation.
l. Oversee the maintenance of the physical plant and grounds to ensure the facility is maintained to optimal standards.
m. Oversee the fiscal operation of the program, including individuals’ personal funds, within regulatory and agency policies and procedures.
n. Ensure provision of ongoing staff development and training; encourage professional growth for staff.
o. Develop long-range plans for residents, including future planning, transition planning, and move to less restrictive environments.
p. Participate in developing new programs, including responding to Requests for Proposals, site selection, liaising with the regional office of OPWDD, screening and selecting individuals, and details of bringing the projects to certification.
q. Provide back-up to the Program Director of Residential Services/IRA, including on-call responsibilities, as required, and requested.
r. Responsible for reporting all incidents utilizing the chain of command and appropriate oversight agencies, including the Justice Center and OPWDD, as per policy and procedure.
s. Responsible for oversight of program incident reports ensuring accuracy, timely submission, and development of protective measures needed to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals served post-incidents. Will serve as a representative of the department at Incident Review Committees.
t. Serve on various departmental committees as requested (e.g., Human Rights and Safety Committees). May serve as chairperson in the absence of the Director.
u. In the absence of program management, will assume all managerial responsibilities as needed for assigned programs.

II. QUALIFICATIONS – Required, bachelor’s degree in human services (master’s preferred); strong management, organizational, and interpersonal skills; strong oral and written communication skills; knowledge of OPWDD regulations; minimum of 3 years’ experience in OPWDD-funded program with minimum of 2 years in residential services. Computer-literate.

III. RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHERS – Interact with state agencies and other providers in a variety of forums; maintain relationships with families and correspondents; provide supervision and mentoring to those supervised in a positive and supportive manner.

In addition, employees need to possess the following characteristics:

• Be team players.
• Have a strong sensitivity to cultural differences present among staff and clients within the organization.
• Possess a strong belief in people’s ability to grow and change; forge a mutually respectful partnership with persons served and their families.
• Ability to set limits, maintain the helping role of the practitioner, and intervene appropriately.

IV. WORKING CONDITIONS – 35 hours/week, flexible schedule. Must be available to respond to emergencies and conduct random and ongoing spot checks of programs.

V. SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY – Responsible for all aspects of the IRA programs, including the physical plant, financial records, interdisciplinary treatment team, and recertification of programs, as well as hiring and directly supervising the Program Coordinators and Management staff; responsible for payroll, purchasing, and billing procedures, in addition to the preparation and monitoring of the budget process. Also responsible for responding to Requests for Proposals and the system of development of new projects