Federal Program Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Program Director (IDD Services)
Location: Indianapolis
Reports To: Executive Director
Employment Type: Full-Time
On-Call Responsibilities: Rotating evenings and weekends
Make a Difference Every Day
Are you a compassionate leader with a passion for supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities? We are seeking an experienced Program Director to oversee residential and community-based services while ensuring individuals receive high-quality, person-centered supports that promote independence, dignity, and inclusion.
This leadership role combines staff supervision, program management, advocacy, regulatory compliance, and direct involvement in service planning. The ideal candidate is organized, proactive, and committed to helping individuals achieve their personal goals while fostering a positive and supportive team environment.
Position Summary
The Program Director is responsible for overseeing services provided to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This position provides leadership to direct care staff, develops and monitors person-centered habilitation plans, ensures compliance with state and federal regulations, coordinates service delivery, and advocates for individuals served by the organization.
The Program Director serves as a liaison with families, guardians, case managers, healthcare professionals, regulatory agencies, and community partners while promoting quality outcomes and organizational excellence.
Essential Responsibilities
Provide supervision, coaching, training, and leadership to direct care staff. Conduct employee interviews, onboarding, scheduling, performance evaluations, corrective actions, and other personnel-related activities.
Develop, implement, monitor, and update individualized habilitation plans based on assessed needs, personal goals, and person-centered planning principles.
Conduct assessments and participate in goal-setting activities designed to increase independence, community participation, and quality of life.
Ensure services are delivered in accordance with state and federal regulations, agency policies, licensing requirements, and quality assurance standards.
Maintain accurate records, review documentation, prepare reports, and ensure staff complete required documentation within established timelines.
Coordinate and facilitate quarterly review meetings, interdisciplinary team meetings, staff meetings, and individual planning meetings.
Advocate for individuals receiving services by promoting personal choice, self-determination, community inclusion, and access to appropriate resources.
Work collaboratively with families, guardians, physicians, therapists, case managers, social workers, and other service providers.
Assist with resource identification, intervention planning, problem-solving, and service coordination.
Monitor program effectiveness and implement improvements that support positive outcomes for individuals receiving services.
Participate in outreach activities and public education efforts within the community.
Interview prospective individuals referred for services and assist with service planning and admissions processes.
Coordinate staffing needs to ensure adequate coverage for assigned programs and shifts.
Participate in a rotating on-call schedule, including evenings and weekends, and respond promptly to staff and program-related concerns.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Psychology, Social Work, Special Education, or a closely related field required for Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional (QIDP) eligibility.
Minimum of two years of experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Previous supervisory or management experience preferred.
Candidates without a related bachelor's degree may be considered with three to five years of experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities and qualifications that meet the requirements of a QMRP Designee position.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
CPR certification required or ability to obtain upon hire.
Must successfully pass criminal background and OIG screenings.
Must be free from communicable diseases and meet agency health requirements.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent leadership, supervision, and team development abilities.
Ability to work independently and make sound decisions with minimal supervision.
Knowledge of intellectual and developmental disability services, person-centered planning, and community resources.
Strong organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
Ability to work effectively with individuals receiving services, family members, guardians, staff, medical professionals, social service agencies, and regulatory representatives.
Demonstrated ability to train and support staff in delivering quality services.
Experience using assistive devices and adaptive equipment, including wheelchairs and Hoyer lifts, is preferred.
A genuine commitment to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and helping them achieve their personal goals.
Physical Requirements
The position requires the ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, squat, stretch, reach, push, pull, and lift up to 50 pounds independently. The employee must be able to assist with transfers and movement of up to 350 pounds with appropriate assistance and equipment.
Work Environment
This position is performed in both office and community settings and requires regular travel between service locations. Daily interaction with individuals receiving services, employees, families, guardians, healthcare providers, and community partners is expected.
Why Join Our Team?
At our organization, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact every day while leading a dedicated team of professionals. We are committed to providing person-centered services that help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities live fulfilling, independent lives. If you are a motivated leader who values compassion, accountability, and excellence, we encourage you to apply.
Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds who share our mission of supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.