PROGRAM MANAGER, NEWTON, MA

We are seeking a full-time program manager for one of our houses in Newton, MA. This beautiful home is in a great community, with a wonderful, high-energy group of ten adult residents with developmental disabilities. Our residents, two live-in staff, and families are all deeply committed to a mission of supported, independent living.

With program coordination experience in youth development, special education or human services, the ideal candidate will additionally bring at least 2-3 years of direct service experience with individuals with developmental disabilities. Organized, proactive and bringing strong judgment, s/he/they ideally has managed and mentored a small program team. This role is best suited to a positive, autonomous, flexible manager who can connect personally with residents and families, and create an environment for each resident to: thrive; become more independent; build self-esteem; engage in the community; and reach his or her potential.

General Job Duties:
Reporting to the clinical director, the program manager is responsible for the direct management and supervision of house staff (live-ins, weekend and coverage staff), focusing on the support of residents, their day-to-day needs and celebrating their successes. Specific duties include:

  • Oversee general safety for residents and the physical operations of the house;

  • Supervise (and prompt as needed) personal-care tasks and in some cases medication reminders;

  • Guide social and emotional development -- as well as physical health -- with engaging activities, habits and programming.

  • Develop or maintain strategies and routines that foster residents’ independence;

  • Assist and guide food shopping, meal planning/preparation, focusing on healthy foods and lifestyle;

  • Track and oversee resident transportation, social/fitness activity planning and money management both in the house and out in the community;

  • Lead, mentor and supervise staff, leveraging strengths, ideas and strategies of others to improve quality of service and residents’ engagement;

  • Communicate professionally and inclusively with residents' families and other support professionals;

  • Identify emotional stressors for residents and create an environment that prevents, reduces and resolves issues in a supportive, safe and skill-building manner.

With a goal of increasing residents’ independence over time, responsibilities may change; that said, at this time, there is the need to create options for social and community outings.

Hours:
The program manager’s typical hours are from 12pm-8pm, Monday through Friday; some flexibility is required. At times, the program manager is needed at various appointments (medical, vocational, etc.) that may not fall within the 12pm-8pm timeframe. On-call responsibilities are also required.

COVID-19 Information:
Our homes have COVID-19 policies and protocols in place to help reduce the risk and exposure to staff and residents. In the event of staff or residents experiencing COVID-like symptoms, we provide masks and other PPE equipment for the safety of residents and staff.

Interested individuals should email a cover letter and resume to info@specializedhousing.org. Three professional references and a CORI check are required for this position.