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Family Program Director Jobs in Worcester, MA (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Program Director

Waltham, MA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

PACT-Y is a DMH funded, intensive, self-contained community-based program serving youth, young adults, and their families. The Assistant Program Director will need to have extensive experience ...

Assistant Program Director

Waltham, MA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

PACT-Y is a DMH funded, intensive, self-contained community-based program serving youth, young adults, and their families. The Assistant Program Director will need to have extensive experience ...

PACT-Y is a DMH funded, intensive, self-contained community-based program serving youth, young adults, and their families. The Assistant Program Director will need to have extensive experience ...

Collaborate with youth, families, clinicians, community partners, and agency leadership. * Respond effectively to critical incidents, challenging situations, and emerging program needs. * Participate ...

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Family Program Director information

What does a family program director do?

A Family Program Director is responsible for planning, implementing, and overseeing programs and services that support families within a community or organization. They assess the needs of families, develop relevant activities or resources, and coordinate with staff, volunteers, and external partners to deliver effective support. Their role often includes managing budgets, evaluating program outcomes, and ensuring that services are accessible and inclusive. Family Program Directors may work in settings such as community centers, non-profits, schools, or healthcare organizations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a family program director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Family Program Director, you need expertise in program management, counseling, and a relevant degree in social work, psychology, or a related field. Familiarity with case management software, budgeting tools, and often a license in social work or counseling are typically required. Outstanding communication, leadership, and organizational skills help build trust with families and effectively coordinate staff and resources. These abilities are crucial for designing impactful family support programs that meet community needs and ensure program success.

What are some common challenges faced by family program directors, and how can they be addressed?

Family Program Directors often encounter challenges such as balancing the diverse needs of families, managing limited resources, and coordinating with multiple stakeholders like staff, volunteers, and community partners. To address these challenges, it's important to maintain open communication, implement effective organizational systems, and prioritize ongoing staff training. Building strong relationships within the community and advocating for additional resources can also help enhance program effectiveness and sustainability.

What is the difference between Family Program Director vs Family Support Specialist?

AspectFamily Program DirectorFamily Support Specialist
CredentialsRelevant degrees (e.g., social work, counseling), certifications often preferredSimilar credentials, often with certifications in social services or counseling
Work EnvironmentLeads programs, manages staff, oversees operations in community or agency settingsProvides direct support to families, works closely with clients in community or office settings
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, social service agencies, community organizationsNonprofits, healthcare, social service agencies
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership roles in family servicesSeeking direct support roles for families

The Family Program Director typically oversees family services programs, managing staff and operations, while the Family Support Specialist provides direct assistance and support to families. Both roles require relevant credentials and work within similar environments, but their responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What cities near Worcester, MA are hiring for Family Program Director jobs?

Cities near Worcester, MA with the most Family Program Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Family Program Director job openings in Worcester, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

$60K - $65K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Show your passion by empowering youth and families when joining the Wayside team!
Wayside is one of Massachusetts' most respected youth and family-serving agencies, supporting more than 6,000 youth and families annually across Central, Eastern, and Northeastern regions.
We invest in our employees' wellness with comprehensive benefits, including tuition and training reimbursement, a PTO package with 3 wellness days, 9 paid holidays, and up to 3 weeks of vacation in the first year. Enjoy a learning environment with free training, CEUs, and more, along with exceptional medical benefits, financial health supports, and career development opportunities.
Apply today and earn a $2,000.00 sign-on bonus (pro-rated for part-time)!
Program Director - Residential Services
Campus - Framingham
The Program Director will be responsible for all aspects of the overall operations for a Male Residential Unit on Wayside's Residential Campus, including the provision of quality client care, staff development, ongoing training and performance, licensing compliance, financial management, quality management, and the development of strong collateral connections with the funding sources. The Program Director is expected to act professionally and in a manner that is consistent with Wayside's core service values: resiliency, excellence, and diversity.
Salary Range: $60,000-$65,000/year upon experience + sign-on bonus (half paid after 6 months of employment and half paid after 1 year of employment/pro-rated for part-time).
What You Will Do:
  • The Program Director is responsible for supervision Direct Care Supervisors and Staff and conduct performance evaluations in a timely fashion and always hold staff accountable for performance.
  • Responsible for attending to risk management and compliance issues, including following through on documentation and notifications according to policy.
  • Oversee the responsibilities of case management for all staff.
  • Responsible for the staffing and other expense management within budgeted expectations and ensuring that the program always meets all required ratios.
  • Will attend to any facility or safety issues within the program and complete monthly inspection reports.
  • Will become a TCI instructor and provide trainings around behavior support and trauma informed techniques.
  • This person will be part of the administrator on-call system. Will adhere to all agency and program policies as outlined in Operations Manual.

Competencies/Traits of Our Superstars:
  • Demonstrates ability to meet deadlines.
  • Demonstrates high quality writing skills as evidenced by good documentation.
  • Demonstrates the ability to teach, mentor, and coach others (i.e. able to provide constructive feedback to employees, provide thoughtful and consistent supervision)
  • Demonstrates leadership skills in meetings (i.e. redirecting appropriately, maintaining a strong presence, etc.)
  • Demonstrates dependability and persistence (i.e. excellent follow through on assigned tasks)
  • Demonstrates ability to work with others (i.e. strong teamwork, can collaborate and coordinate care with other staff), and to work independently (i.e. can self-direct on projects, able to work in solitude, can propose project solutions).
  • Demonstrates ability to be understanding and compassionate (i.e. ability to connect with peers and provide a supportive relationship)
  • Demonstrates belief in the Agency mission and values
  • Demonstrates strong knowledge of residential programming
  • Demonstrates strong knowledge of DCF systems and acute services
  • Demonstrates the ability to assess and manage risk (i.e. comfortable handling unpredictable situations, must be effective at directing others in a crisis)
  • Demonstrates strong crisis management skills.
  • Demonstrates knowledge of all licensing regulations and Agency policies
  • Demonstrates the ability to professionally develop others (i.e. direct reports have been promoted within the agency, have leadership roles, and can guide staff to achieve optimal results etc.)
  • Demonstrates fiscal management skills by managing staff and program expenses (i.e. ability to manage census and overall program expenses)
  • Demonstrates the ability to prioritize needs
  • Demonstrates the ability to prioritize between programs and reallocate resources when necessary.

Minimum Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in human services or related field preferred, but not required.
  • Minimum five years experience in the field and three years in a supervisory capacity.
  • Must have knowledge of DCF Residential Programs and experience working in and supervising staff in residential programs, knowledge of budget and fiscal management, strong commitment to diversity, equity & inclusion, strong communication and leadership skills to conduct trainings and facilitate meetings.
  • This person should have traits of flexibility, strong follow through, crisis management skills, excellent people skills and high energy.

We Will Train You In: Motivational Interviewing, Attachment, Regulation and Competency Model (ARC) and Courageous Conversations.