Reaching Beyond

The role of a Program Director at a Developmental Disabilities (DDD) group home in Arizona is crucial for ensuring the well-being and quality of life of members with developmental disabilities.

Overall, the Manager play a vital role in creating a supportive, nurturing environment that promotes independence and enhances the quality of life for individuals in the group home.

Program Director's expected to work 60 hours per week with at least 4 day/evening shifts.

Here are the key responsibilities and functions of a Manager and Program Director in this setting:

1. Program Development and Implementation

• Design and oversee individualized support plans that cater to the unique needs of each member.
• Develop programs that promote skill development, social interaction, and community involvement.

2. Staff Management and Training

• Work as a Direct Care Professional, as needed.
• Recruit, train, and supervise staff to ensure they are equipped to meet the needs of members.
• Ensure shifts are always covered in the home for proper staffing ratio.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Responsible for positive staff morale.
• Keep employees’ training and certification requirements up to date.
• Verify and approve staff timesheets and confirm punch requests daily to ensure accurate timecards.
• Manage staff callouts.
• Act as a role model for the staff.
• Keep schedules posted in the home so all staff can reference.

• Provide recommendations to suspend or terminate staff as needed.

3. Compliance and Quality Assurance

• Ensure that the group home meets all state and federal regulations regarding care for individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Implement quality assurance measures to continually assess and improve service delivery.
• Hold all staff accountable to the Reaching Beyond Handbook
• Ensure all member doctor appointments are scheduled and keep documentation as required by DDD
• Medication management
• Maintain confidentiality and secure handling of all digital and physical records in compliance with HIPAA and DDD guidelines.
• Facilitate routine emergency drills and ensure staff are trained in crisis protocols.

4. Budget Management

• Oversee the budget for the group home, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to meet program needs.
• Keep groceries and supplies stocked on a weekly basis
• Send receipts for all purchases to admin monthly
• Manage members ’allowance.

5. Family and Community Engagement

• Foster relationships with families, advocating for the needs and preferences of members.
• Engage with the local community to promote inclusion and support for members, including partnerships with local organizations.
• Create and implement a monthly activity calendar for all group homes.
• Coordinate and ensure members are attending daily programs (DTA/School)

• Coordinate home visits with parents/guardians and adjust schedules accordingly

6. Crisis Management

• Develop and implement crisis intervention strategies and provide support to staff during challenging situations.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of members during emergencies.
• Available on-call 24 hours per day, 7 days per week to assist with emergency situations and/or shift coverage.

7. Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of members’ progress, incidents, and program effectiveness.
• Prepare reports for stakeholders, including funding agencies and regulatory bodies.
• Ensure all incident reports are submitted in accordance with DDD timing policy and keep a record of all incident reports in a folder
• Responsible for end-of-month PCSP reports being completed and sent to DDD in a timely manner
• Ensure member program goals are being implemented and tracked within group homes.

8. Advocacy and Policy Development

• Advocate for the rights and needs of members
• Stay updated on legislation and best practices in the field of developmental disabilities.

9. Collaboration with Multidisciplinary Teams

• Attends and participates in scheduled meetings PCSP, TRAINING, ETC.
• Work closely with healthcare professionals, social workers, and other service providers to coordinate care and support for members.
• Communicates, build relationships with, and interfaces with various groups and individuals (i.e. Supervisors, subordinates, DDD, nurses, physicians, consultants, neighbors, families of members, etc.)
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss member progress and adjust care plans as needed.

10. Cultural Competence and Communication

• Ensure that programming is sensitive to the diverse backgrounds and cultural needs of members.
• Clear communication with all DDD, Staff, Management team, and members and families. This includes communication via text, email, meetings, phone, etc..

11. Member, Home, and Vehicle

• Responsible for member satisfaction with the home and staff
• Keep members safe and taken care of at all times
• Keep home clean and organized
• Provide and oversee transportation services to and from homes including usage and maintenance of vehicles. Verifies vehicle logs are being completed with every use. Coordinate vehicle maintenance as needed and communicate with Program Director
• Complete intake forms and admission paperwork for all new members and services

• Ensure Behavior Treatment Plans are written within first90 days of members move in and reviewed annually

12. Other duties as assigned