1

Residential Program Director Jobs in Crete, IL (NOW HIRING)

Provides direct service to members in a residential setting, assesses service needs, and makes ... Robust employee assistance program (EAP) * Mileage reimbursement * Cell phone reimbursement (up to ...

Recreation Supervisor

Lansing, IL · On-site

$36K - $52K/yr

... and residential programs. Sertoma Star Services' roots trace back to the merger of two dynamic ... Conduct vehicle inspections before use. * Assist Program Director with program development and ...

Recreation Supervisor

Lansing, IL · On-site

$36K - $52K/yr

... and residential programs. Sertoma Star Services' roots trace back to the merger of two dynamic ... Conduct vehicle inspections before use. * Assist Program Director with program development and ...

Showing results 41-60

Residential Program Director information

See Crete, IL salary details

$33K

$68.8K

$109.2K

How much do residential program director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for residential program director in Crete, IL is $68,779.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,800.00 and $85,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a residential program director?

A Residential Program Director is a professional responsible for overseeing the daily operations and management of residential programs, such as group homes, treatment centers, or assisted living facilities. They ensure that all residents receive appropriate care and support, supervise staff, manage budgets, and maintain compliance with regulatory standards. Their role often includes developing program policies, coordinating services, and engaging with families and community partners to provide a safe and supportive living environment. Residential Program Directors play a key leadership role in ensuring that programs meet their mission and the needs of the people they serve.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a residential program director?

To thrive as a Residential Program Director, you need experience in program management, a background in social work or human services, and often a relevant degree or licensure. Familiarity with case management software, regulatory compliance systems, and budgeting tools is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and excellent communication skills help in managing staff and addressing residents’ needs effectively. These competencies ensure programs run smoothly, meet regulatory standards, and foster a supportive environment for both staff and residents.

What are some common challenges faced by residential program directors, and how can applicants prepare to address them?

Residential Program Directors often navigate challenges such as balancing administrative duties with direct staff support, managing crisis situations, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are essential to handle staff scheduling, resident needs, and reporting requirements. Applicants can prepare by gaining experience in team leadership, learning regulatory guidelines relevant to residential care, and developing strategies for conflict resolution and stress management.

What is the difference between Residential Program Director vs Residential Case Manager?

AspectResidential Program DirectorResidential Case Manager
CredentialsRelevant degrees (e.g., social work, psychology), certifications in program managementRelevant degrees, certifications in case management or social work
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple programs, manages staff, strategic planningDirect client interaction, case planning, support services
Employer & Industry UsageFound in residential treatment centers, group homes, community programsCommon in similar settings, focusing on individual client needs

The Residential Program Director typically manages entire programs and staff, focusing on operational oversight, while the Residential Case Manager works directly with clients to develop and implement care plans. Both roles require relevant credentials and are integral to residential care settings, but differ mainly in scope and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Residential Program jobs in Crete, IL?

The most popular types of Residential Program jobs in Crete, IL are:

What cities near Crete, IL are hiring for Residential Program Director jobs?

Cities near Crete, IL with the most Residential Program Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Residential Program Director job openings in Crete, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,779 per year, or $33.1 per hour.

Director, Non-Public SPED Programs & Services

Chicago Public Schools

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 325,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 45,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. Aligned with our transformed philosophy, we are steadfastly focused on ensuring that the District provides resources equitably to support every student, every school, and every community. Six core values guide the work we do every day for our students - student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning. Each role in the district supports our vision that every student deserves a rigorous, joyful, and equitable learning experience.
The mission of the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) is to provide high-quality and specially designed instructional support and services for all students with disabilities within their least restrictive environment. We work collaboratively with several units, specifically schools and Networks to improve the academic achievement of all diverse learners by ensuring diverse learners receive meaningful and relevant access to grade-level core instruction within their neighborhood school, school of choice, or the school closest to their residence.
Job Summary:
Reporting to the Chief of the Office for Students with Disabilities, the Director of Non-Public Special Education Programs and Services plays a critical district leadership role. This position provides strategic oversight, compliance enforcement, and operational direction to a department supporting over students placed Therapeutic Day Schools, Public-to-Public Cooperatives, and Residential Programs. Managing a projected annual budget covering tuition, transportation, and extenuating reimbursements), this role is responsible for driving immediate systemic improvements. This includes establishing and implementing a uniform operational framework, enhancing instructional oversight through site walkthroughs, minimizing over-referral patterns, managing specialized funding streams, and expanding clear reintegration pathways to champion every student's "Rightful Presence" within their home school communities. This is a full-time, exempt position that will be paid for time worked on a salary basis.
The Director of Non-Public Special Education Program & Services will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:
  • Supervise, develop, and manage the performance of the Non-Public SPED Programs & Services team, including but not limited to Special Education Coordinators (SECs), Case Managers, and support staff; cultivate high-performing teams and build systemic capacity to achieve Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) mandates and district-wide strategic goals
  • Design, establish, and oversee a formalized system-wide school walkthrough framework to monitor specialized instructional practices, analyze complex performance data, and drive student-centered, rigorous IEP facilitation across all separate day placements
  • Serve as the owner of student data integrity and regulatory compliance across multiple district and state enterprise platforms (including ASPEN, SSM, and KAMPS); ensure absolute precision in enrollment, calendar configurations, and attendance tracking systems
  • Direct and optimize secondary transition metrics and programming; establish accountability structures for student compliance regarding Learn Plan Succeed initiatives, financial aid completion, transcript management, graduation pathways, and state/district assessments
  • Standardize and govern the central intake pipeline, separate day referral mechanisms, and school assignment protocols; partner strategically with student transportation executive leadership to resolve complex specialized routing and operational challenges
  • Act as the primary District diplomat and liaison between residential facilities, non-public day schools, families, advocacy groups, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), and traditional neighborhood schools to defend and guarantee Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)
  • Exercise strict oversight over annual funding allocations and tuition rates; spearhead large-scale contract reforms to transition legacy vendors from enrollment-based billing models to performance- and attendance-verified invoicing frameworks
  • Govern the execution of mandatory state documentation (including ISBE 34-37 Forms) and maintain rigorous oversight of critical compliance reporting regarding manifestation determinations, student restraints, and expulsions to mitigate district risk
  • Define and implement data-driven, systematic criteria to safely transition students back into less restrictive environments; champion transparent communication and build trust with families, community advocates, and school executive leaders
  • Execute other senior-level duties as assigned by executive leadership to support overarching district initiatives and special education advancements
  • Other duties and workstreams as assigned

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Director of Non-Public Special Education Programs & Services must possess the following qualifications:
Education Required:
  • Master's degree from an accredited college or university required
  • Valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with a LBS1, LBS2, ECSE, School Counseling, Deaf/Hard of Hearing, and/or Blind/Visually Impaired required
  • General Administrative Endorsement or equivalent out-of-state administrative license is strongly preferred

Experience Required:
  • Minimum of seven (7) years of professional experience in special education required
  • Minimum of three (3) years of experience in a dedicated administrative, supervisory, or district-level leadership role managing multi-disciplinary teams and leading cross-functional initiatives required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Knowledge of comprehensive technical expertise regarding state and federal special education mandates (IDEA, ADA) and Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) protocols regulating specialized day schools, urgent placements, and residential program funding (specifically ISBE Form 34-37 and ICG processes)
  • Ability to cultivate agreement, manage intricate stakeholder relationships, and mediate sensitive conflicts involving families, external partners, and legal representatives
  • Strong communication skills (speaking - including presentations - listening, and writing)
  • Demonstrate high levels of instructional expertise, integrity, honesty, credibility, and the courage to make difficult yet necessary decisions
  • Effective strategic planning capabilities, including the ability to establish long-term vision and goals, and align/manage activities toward goal fulfillment
  • Ability to create system-wide Standard Operating Procedures and author comprehensive technical documentation or operational handbooks
  • Strong leadership and team building skills, e.g. ability to develop high-performing teams united around a clear vision for serving schools and achieving student success
  • Knowledge of operations, budget/finance, management and organizational development
  • Ability to define problems, analyze data, and outline valid conclusions and action steps

Benefits:
Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice
CPS is committed to providing comprehensive health coverage to our employees and their eligible dependents. You'll have access to a variety of choices to best fit your needs:
Medical Plan Options
Pharmacy
Dental
Vision
Behavioral Health & EAP
Employee Wellness Program
Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow
We understand the importance of financial stability, which is why CPS offers strong retirement and savings options:
Basic Life Insurance
Life and Disability Insurance
Pension Plans
Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b))
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
Spot Pet Insurance
Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life
CPS values the well-being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies:
Paid Leave
Sick Leave
Vacation Days
Parental Leaves
Short-Term Disability
Religious Holidays
Leaves
Reference the Chicago Public Schools: A Comprehensive Benefits Overview or the benefits handbook for comprehensive details.
Conditions of Employment
As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:
  • Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part-time positions, however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.