Program Director - Adult Day Program

Published: 6/14/2022

Job Description

About the Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced, motivated, and compassionate Program Director to lead an established community-based adult day program serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Our program has been operating for over a year and currently serves approximately 40 participants. We are looking for a strong operational leader who can build a high-performing team, enhance program quality, maintain regulatory compliance, and help position the organization for continued growth.

This is a hands-on leadership position for someone who enjoys developing employees, solving operational challenges, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of adults with developmental disabilities.

This is strictly a daytime, nonresidential program.

No overnight or residential operations.

Key Responsibilities

Program Operations & Leadership

Direct and oversee all daily operations of the adult day program.
Ensure a safe, structured, engaging, and person-centered environment.
Develop effective operating procedures, staff schedules, and daily activity plans.
Monitor participant attendance, staffing coverage, and program performance.
Identify operational improvements and implement sustainable solutions.

Staff Recruitment, Development & Supervision

Lead recruitment, interviewing, onboarding, and retention of qualified program staff.
Supervise program managers, direct support professionals, instructors, and other personnel.
Establish clear performance expectations and accountability.
Provide ongoing training, coaching, performance evaluations, and corrective guidance.
Build a positive workplace culture focused on teamwork, professionalism, and participant dignity.

Participant Services & Program Quality

Oversee individualized service plans, participant goals, and progress documentation.
Ensure meaningful activities that promote independence, life skills, social development, vocational readiness, and community integration.
Collaborate with participants, families, caregivers, and Regional Center service coordinators.
Support appropriate behavioral intervention strategies and positive behavior supports.
Evaluate program effectiveness and implement continuous quality improvements.

Regulatory Compliance & Safety

Maintain compliance with applicable California Title 17 and Title 22 requirements, Regional Center standards, and the approved program design.
Ensure required staffing ratios, training, certifications, and documentation are maintained.
Oversee incident reporting, emergency preparedness, and corrective action processes.
Maintain organized participant and employee records.
Prepare for regulatory reviews, monitoring visits, and audits.

Business Operations & Growth

Monitor program enrollment, attendance, staffing costs, and operating expenses.
Collaborate with ownership on budgeting, resource allocation, and operational planning.
Develop productive relationships with Regional Center representatives and community partners.
Support appropriate participant referrals and enrollment growth.
Establish measurable performance indicators and provide regular operational reports.

Required Qualifications

Minimum 3 years of experience working with individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities preferred.
Minimum 2 years of supervisory or management experience in a human services setting.
Demonstrated ability to recruit, train, supervise, and retain employees.
Working knowledge of California Regional Center services, person-centered planning, and applicable regulatory requirements.
Strong organizational, communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
Ability to manage staffing, scheduling, documentation, and daily program operations.
Ability to satisfy applicable background clearance, training, and program-specific qualification requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

Previous experience as a Program Director, Assistant Program Director, Program Manager, or Day Program Administrator.
Experience operating a Regional Center-vendored adult day program.
Familiarity with Regional Center of Orange County (RCOC) requirements and processes.
Experience with staff development, behavior management programs, community integration, and quality improvement.
Proven success strengthening an established program and improving team performance.