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Residential Program Director Jobs in Washington, DC

Community options

Residential Program Manager

Columbia, MD · On-site

$62K - $69K/yr

We are actively seeking an experienced Residential Program Manager in Greater Baltimore, MD who will be responsible for the supervision and oversight of our Direct Support Professionals and our ...

Community Options

Residential Program Manager

Columbia, MD

$62K - $69K/yr

We are actively seeking an experienced Residential Program Manager in Greater Baltimore, MD who will be responsible for the supervision and oversight of our Direct Support Professionals and our ...

CRi

Program Director, Mental Health

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$75K - $79K/yr

Residential homes and apartments * Typical office environment Supervision Exercised: * Directly supervises all program staff. Supervision Received: * Under the direct supervision of the Director of ...

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Residential Program Director information

See Washington, DC salary details

$39.1K

$81.3K

$129.1K

How much do residential program director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for residential program director in Washington, DC is $81,290.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $101,300.00 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 Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Residential Program jobs in Washington, DC are:

Residential Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Residential Program Director job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Internship, 85% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $81,290 per year, or $39.1 per hour.

Group Home Program Coordinator

Aj Residence Llc

Woodbridge, VA • On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description


Position Summary
AJ Residence is a family-centered provider supporting children, youth, and adults with developmental disabilities in Northern Virginia and Richmond. The organization offers residential homes and day support programs that promote independence, dignity, and community integration for the individuals and families we serve.
The Residential Program Coordinator joins the management team of AJ Residence's Northern Virginia residential homes. The Residential Program Coordinator keeps the homes running day to day: the person who makes sure that appointments happen, documentation is complete, medications are properly documented, homes are clean and well supplied, and individuals experience meaningful days in their homes and in the community.
This role requires a certain way of thinking. Each individual we serve must be known and supported as an individual, with their own health needs, preferences and goals. The Residential Program Coordinator is expected to pay attention to the whole person: to notice what is changing in someone's health or mood, to connect what happens at a medical appointment with what staff see at home, and to advocate for each individual with providers, families, and support coordinators. Compassion for this population is a requirement of the role.
Appointment Coordination
The Residential Program Coordinator is responsible for coordinating medical, dental, therapy, and other appointments for the individuals in both homes. This covers scheduling, prompt calendar entry, preparation, transportation, attendance, and follow-up on outcomes and referrals, with results communicated to the management team and carried into daily care. This function is a primary measure of performance in this role.

Documentation, Medication, and Incident Oversight
The Residential Program Coordinator reviews daily documentation and medication administration records for accuracy and completeness, reports medication concerns to the Program Director, who holds clinical authority as a Registered Nurse, and ensures records, medication counts, and storage meet DBHDS requirements. The role maintains organized individual records, supports personnel records in coordination with the management team, and tracks incident reports from occurrence through resolution.

Homes, Daily Life, and Staff Coordination
The Residential Program Coordinator conducts regular walkthroughs of both homes to check cleanliness, supplies, and individuals' grooming and daily routines, and plans community outings suited to what each person enjoys and can participate in safely. The role guides Direct Support Professionals in their daily work, coordinates coverage when callouts occur, and keeps the management team informed. The position includes a rotating weekend on-call schedule shared with the management team.

Qualifications
  1. A minimum of two years of direct experience serving individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities is required. 
  2. An associate degree is required; a bachelor's degree in human services, psychology, health administration, or a related field is a plus. 
  3. The right candidate demonstrates genuine compassion for this population, sound judgment, strong organization, reliable follow-through, and a desire to grow professionally in the developmental disabilities field. 
  4. Familiarity with DBHDS regulations, Medicaid waiver services, and electronic documentation systems is preferred. A valid driver's license and reliable transportation are required.
How to Apply
Submit a resume with a short note, three to five sentences, on why this role and what your two years with this population looked like. Applications with the note are reviewed first.