Employment Program Manager Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Lead a Team. Build Careers. Change Lives.

At ECHO (Every Citizen Has Opportunities, Inc.), we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to achieve their highest level of personal, social, and economic success. For more than 50 years, ECHO has empowered adults with disabilities through employment, day support, transportation, and community-based services.

We're looking for an experienced and passionate Program Manager to lead our Group Supported Employment (GSE) and Individual Supported Employment (ISE) programs while helping expand our innovative ECHO Work Academy. This is a leadership role for someone who enjoys building high-performing teams, developing community partnerships, driving operational excellence, and making a lasting impact in the lives of individuals with disabilities.

If you're an energetic leader who thrives on coaching others, solving challenges, and creating meaningful employment opportunities, we'd love to hear from you.

What You'll Do

As Program Manager, you'll oversee the day-to-day operations of ECHO's employment programs while ensuring outstanding participant outcomes, regulatory compliance, and exceptional customer service.

Program Leadership

• Lead ECHO's Group and Individual Supported Employment programs.
• Supervise and mentor Program Coordinators, Employment Support Specialists, Job Coaches, and other program staff.
• Build a collaborative, accountable, and positive team culture.
• Conduct hiring, onboarding, coaching, performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, and employee development.
• Develop staffing plans and monitor productivity, scheduling, and utilization.

Participant Success

• Ensure high-quality services that promote meaningful employment and independence.
• Oversee participant intakes, assessments, case management, Individual Support Plans (ISPs), and discharges.
• Collaborate with participants, families, support coordinators, employers, and funding agencies to deliver person-centered services.
• Provide crisis intervention and problem-solving when necessary.

Community & Employer Partnerships

• Build and maintain strong relationships with local employers and community partners.
• Collaborate with ECHO's Development team to expand employment opportunities.
• Represent ECHO at community meetings, professional organizations, and stakeholder events.
• Serve as the primary liaison with DARS and other funding partners.

Compliance & Quality

• Ensure compliance with:
• Virginia DBHDS regulations
• Medicaid Waiver requirements
• CARF Accreditation Standards
• County and state funding requirements
• Oversee documentation accuracy and timely submission.
• Resolve WaMS billing denials.
• Ensure incident reporting, investigations, and follow-up activities are completed appropriately.
• Partner with Quality Improvement, Human Resources, Finance, Fleet Services, and other departments to continuously improve services.

Operational Management

• Manage program budgets and staffing resources.
• Monitor utilization with a goal of maintaining 90%+ participant utilization.
• Review program performance metrics and identify opportunities for growth and improvement.
• Participate in strategic planning and new program development.

ECHO Work Academy

Help shape the future of vocational training by:

• Developing and growing the ECHO Work Academy.
• Identifying new in-house business opportunities.
• Ensuring high-quality fulfillment for Inclusive Solutions customers.
• Creating meaningful vocational experiences that prepare participants for competitive employment.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Services or a related field plus at least one year of supervisory experience working directly with individuals with developmental disabilities

OR

• Five years of directly related experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities, including supervisory responsibilities.

Additionally, candidates should have experience with:

• Employee supervision and performance management
• Hiring, coaching, and staff development
• Regulatory compliance
• Medicaid Waiver services
• Community partnerships
• Customer service
• Program operations
• Budget and resource management
• Building collaborative relationships

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in Supported Employment or Vocational Rehabilitation
• Knowledge of Virginia DBHDS regulations
• Experience with CARF accreditation
• Experience using WaMS
• Experience working with DARS and CSBs
• Behavior management experience
• Medication Administration oversight
• Business development or employer engagement experience

The Ideal Candidate

We're looking for someone who is:

• A leader who inspires others
• Organized and highly accountable
• Comfortable making decisions in a fast-paced environment
• Passionate about disability employment and inclusion
• Skilled at balancing compassion with accountability
• An effective communicator and relationship builder
• Results-oriented with strong operational skills
• Adaptable and innovative

Why Join ECHO?

At ECHO, your work directly impacts the lives of individuals with disabilities every day.

You'll join a mission-driven organization where innovation, collaboration, and compassion are valued just as much as operational excellence.

Our Core Values guide everything we do:

• Enthusiasm
• Trust
• Integrity
• Compassion
• Respect
• Innovation
• Courage

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid Time Off
• Paid holidays
• Professional development opportunities
• Supportive leadership team
• Mission-driven culture
• Opportunities for advancement

Apply Today

If you're passionate about creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities and leading a team that makes a difference every day, we'd love to hear from you.

Join ECHO and help empower every individual to reach their highest potential.