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ViaQuest

Adult Day Program Manager

Akron, OH · On-site

$45K/yr

Program Manager A Great Opportunity / $45,000 per year / FT Monday Through Friday At ViaQuest Day & Employment Services we provide services and support to individuals with developmental disabilities ...

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$183K

How much do adult day program director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for adult day program director in the United States is $109,055.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,000.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Adult Day Program Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Adult Day Program Director, you need a background in healthcare, social work, or a related field, typically with a bachelor's degree and experience in program management. Familiarity with regulatory compliance, budgeting software, and client management systems is often required. Strong leadership, compassionate communication, and organizational skills help you motivate staff and build trusting relationships with participants and families. These abilities are essential for ensuring high-quality care, program effectiveness, and the overall well-being of adults in your program.

What does an Adult Day Program Director do?

An Adult Day Program Director oversees the daily operations of adult day care centers, which provide social, recreational, and health-related services to adults, often seniors or individuals with disabilities. Their responsibilities include staff management, program development, compliance with regulations, budgeting, and ensuring high-quality care for participants. They also coordinate with families, healthcare professionals, and community organizations to support clients' well-being and safety.

What is the difference between Adult Day Program Director vs Adult Day Services Coordinator?

AspectAdult Day Program DirectorAdult Day Services Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in social work, healthcare administration, or related field; certifications in CPR and first aidOften requires similar educational background; certifications in CPR and first aid also common
Work EnvironmentLeads the overall program, manages staff, and oversees operations in adult day service centersAssists with daily activities, coordinates client services, and supports program staff
Employer & Industry UsageFound in healthcare, senior care, and community service organizationsCommonly employed in adult day care centers, senior centers, and healthcare agencies

The Adult Day Program Director focuses on managing the entire program, staff, and operations, ensuring quality care and compliance. In contrast, the Adult Day Services Coordinator typically handles daily client activities and supports staff. Both roles require similar credentials and work in related environments, but the director has broader responsibilities for program oversight.

What are the main challenges an Adult Day Program Director faces in managing staff and ensuring quality care?

As an Adult Day Program Director, one of the main challenges is balancing administrative duties with the direct oversight of staff and program participants. Directors must ensure that staff are well-trained, motivated, and compliant with regulatory standards, all while fostering a supportive environment for clients. Coordinating schedules, addressing staffing shortages, and adapting to the complex needs of adults with varying physical and cognitive abilities are common hurdles. Effective communication, strong leadership, and ongoing professional development are essential to overcome these challenges and maintain high-quality care.
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Adult Day Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Adult Day Program Director job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, and 60% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $109,055 per year, or $52.4 per hour.
Direct Support Instructor (Adult Day Program) - Fremont

Direct Support Instructor (Adult Day Program) - Fremont

Friends of Children with Special Needs

Fremont, CA • On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Position Title: Direct Support Instructor (Adult Day Program)
Location: Fremont, CA
Employment Type: Full-Time
Pay Range: $20 - $24 / hourly (depending on experience)
Working Schedule: Mondays - Fridays (8:45 AM - 2:45 PM)
JOB SUMMARY:
Friends of Children with Special Needs (FCSN) is a Bay Area non-profit organization founded in 1996 and focused on helping individuals with special needs and their families find love, hope, respect, and support through integrated community involvement. Our FCSN Adult Day Program is seeking an energetic, patient, detail-oriented, and reliable Direct Support Instructor. The position is responsible for providing training and supervision to adults with developmental challenges.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Under the supervision of the Program Coordinator, the essential functions of the Adult Day Program (ADP) Instructor are to 1) provide support, supervision, personal care assistance to meet ADP participants' preferences, interests, needs, functioning skills; 2) conduct classes to promote participants' health, independence and overall skills; and 3) transport participants for community outings, field trips and volunteer work. This position involves implementing Person-Centered Thinking (PCT) activities, promoting participants' overall skills and personal growth, ensuring their well-being and safety, and fostering a positive and inclusive environment.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Provide training, personal care assistance and support to participant in maximizing their self- care tasks, independence, optimal health, vocational skills, emotional stability, and community integration.
  • Provide close supervision, assistance and engagement to ensure participants' safety, well-being and needs are met.
  • Develop innovative curriculum, conduct training/classes, and organize activities tailored to participants' diverse needs, skills and interests.
  • Motivate and actively engage participants in classes, training, and activities.
  • Provide vocational training to increase participants' job skills for future job opportunities.
  • Transport participants for community volunteer sites, outings, field trips and as needed trips.
  • Assist participants in exploring community resources, planning and attending community outings.
  • Implement positive behavioral prevention strategies and intervention techniques.
  • Assist participants to self-administer prescribed medication or over-counter med, assisting participants in achieving their ISP objectives.
  • Effectively and respectfully communicate with participants, families, team members and supervisors.
  • Document participants' daily progress, behaviors, participation, activities, objective tracking and incidents.
  • Complete semi-annual, annual PCT ISP reports and annual videos for assigned caseload in a timely manner and engage participants in achieving their ISP objectives.
  • Follow established safety protocols and emergency procedures, intervening as necessary.
  • Engage in precautionary practices to mitigate health, safety and any other risks to participants' well-being.
  • Perform first aid, CPR, and other emergency services (e.g. evacuations) as appropriate to the needs of participants.
  • Participate in team meetings and contribute to the development of care plans.
  • Attend staff meetings and training (All the staff training and meetings are mandatory).
  • Communicate proactively with supervisors regarding participants' well-being, needs, incidents, concerns, etc.
  • Be a supportive team player, support coworkers and promote team morale.
  • Respect participants' rights, dignity, privacy. Timely report observations or evidence of violations of any of the personal rights and dependent adult and elder abuse.
  • Comply with HIPAA law and confidentiality.
  • Participate in FCSN special events fundraisers.

REQUIREMENTS:
1. Education: A high school diploma is required; a higher education degree is preferred.
2. Experience: Have at least one year of experience working with the developmentally disabled or being an enthusiastic, quick learner with an impeccable work ethic.
3. Professional Skills
  • Good oral and written communications skills in English.
  • Good behavioral management skills.
  • Ability to teach, conduct training and classes, arrange activities, and work effectively and independently.
  • Sufficient skills in using Microsoft Office applications, email, and data entry
  • Ability to adapt to the changing needs of participants and respond to unexpected situations.
  • Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to multi-task to meet deadlines.
  • Proficient critical thinking skills in decision making situations, good organizational and record keeping skills, and good independent judgment.

4. Environmental Conditions
  • Must be open to assignments
  • Able and willing to perform tasks that may involve lifting (25 lbs), bending, and assisting with personal caregiver and mobility needs.
  • Must have a reliable vehicle with full car insurance (proof of vehicle insurance), clean DMV record and willing to transport participants in personal vehicle for participants' traveling needs.
  • Extensive amount of time driving and transporting clients in the community, standing and walking.
  • Use electronic devices for documentation and notes.

5. Personality Traits:
  • Patient, caring, empathetic, with a genuine commitment to enhancing the quality of life and mental health for program participants
  • Take initiative, energetic, reliable, multi-tasks, a quick learner as a direct support professional (dsp)
  • Have a creative, innovative, open, and positive mindset and a 'Can Do' attitude.
  • Have great interpersonal skills, collaborate with diverse people, and maintain a positive, uplifting, and optimistic work environment.

COMPANY-WIDE HIRING REQUIREMENTS:
  • Must pass DOJ fingerprint-based background clearance prior to onboarding
  • Must pass a health screening and TB test prior to onboarding
  • Must possess a valid driver's license and have a clean driving record
  • Obtain valid CPR and First Aid Certificate within one month of employment (employer-covered)

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:
  • Health Insurance (Medical/Dental/Vision)
  • Life/AD&D Insurance
  • Lifestyle Spending Account (LSA) for Wellness & Fitness
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Sick Leave (PSL)
  • 401(k) & company matching
  • Holiday Paid Days
  • Sign-on Bonus
  • Referral Bonus Program

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