Program Manager - Developmental Disabilities Services

About the role

The Program Manager for Developmental Disabilities Services owns the operational oversight that maintains the residential program's delivery of consistent, high-quality services. This position coordinates case management and staff leadership to actively support skill development and community engagement for residents living in the facility. The role requires ownership of end-to-end service delivery, ensuring that daily operations align with organizational standards and regulatory requirements. The hire will manage the lifecycle of client programming, from initial documentation to the ongoing maintenance of personalized care pathways. Success in this role is defined by the ability to sustain a culture that respects client strengths, preferences, and independence through direct supervision and leadership. The manager ensures that all program staff are effectively hired, trained, scheduled, evaluated, disciplined, and supervised to meet service goals. This position is responsible for enabling travel to work and client appointments by leveraging reliable transportation and a valid driver's license to fulfill job duties. Ultimately, the role drives continuity, compliance, and high-touch support that empowers residents to achieve their personal goals within the community.

Key facts

What you'll do

Day-to-day functions and service delivery are managed and overseen for the residential program to ensure seamless execution of support plans. High-quality programming that supports skill development and community connections for residents is maintained through rigorous operational standards and proactive oversight. Services are tailored to align with personal goals and community engagement opportunities, requiring the analysis of individual needs and coordination of appropriate resources. Program staff are hired, trained, scheduled, evaluated, disciplined, and supervised using structured processes that promote consistency and accountability. A culture that respects client strengths, preferences, and independence is sustained through intentional supervision, feedback, and leadership practices that motivate staff. Client programming documentation is created, updated, and reviewed to support continuity, compliance, and personalized care pathways that meet regulatory and ethical standards. Travel to work and client appointments is enabled by reliable transportation and a valid driver's license, which are essential for fulfilling the logistical demands of the role. The position requires the analysis of workflows, implementation of improvements, and the use of data to support decision-making that enhances service quality. Continuous improvement initiatives are led by the manager to optimize processes, resolve bottlenecks, and ensure the residential program remains responsive to resident needs.

Requirements

A Bachelor's degree in a related field is mandatory for the position and must be submitted as part of the application materials. Three years of experience working with intellectually disabled or brain-injured adults is mandatory and must be verifiable through professional references or documentation. Supervision and leadership of program staff are required capabilities that include directing daily activities, providing mentorship, and conducting performance reviews. The capacity to establish supportive relationships with individuals with developmental disabilities or brain injury is required to foster trust, safety, and engagement. A valid driver's license is required for the position and must be valid for the foreseeable duration of employment. Reliable personal transportation is necessary for work duties and client transport, including the ability to respond to off-site appointments and emergencies. Candidates must demonstrate attention to detail and clear communication during all aspects of the application and interview process. A commitment to regulatory compliance and person-centered planning is essential to ensure that all services meet legal, ethical, and organizational standards. The ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining professionalism and empathy is a non-negotiable requirement for success in this role.

Nice to have

Only items specified as preferred in the source are included, with no additions or assumptions.

Practical notes

A valid driver's license and dependable vehicle are essential for position responsibilities, as outlined in the requirements and key facts sections. Typical interview steps

Operations interviews usually include a process scenario, an analytics question, and behavioral rounds. Candidates may be asked to improve a workflow or plan an event. Attention to detail and clear communication are tested throughout. Interviewers often ask how you would fix a process that is failing. Walking through diagnosis, a plan, and measurement is the winning structure.

Good to know

Person-centered planning and regulatory compliance commonly shape roles in this field. Documentation tools, scheduling systems, and communication platforms support daily workflows. Community integration and skill-building form a central focus of direct support activities, requiring active collaboration with residents and interdisciplinary teams.

Questions to ask

Good questions to ask the employer in the interview: what does success look like in the first six months, how is the team structured, what is the current biggest challenge, and how are decisions made. Asking about growth paths and the review process is also well received. Employers expect questions, and good ones show preparation and a deep interest in the mission of the organization.

Career growth

Operations careers grow from coordinator to manager, director, and chief operating officer roles. Some people specialize in supply chain, facilities, or program management, allowing for diversification of skills and impact within the sector. Success depends on reliability and on improving the systems you own, which ensures that services are delivered efficiently and effectively. Operations careers reward reliability and continuous improvement, creating pathways for advancement through demonstrated performance and leadership. Operators who quantify the impact of their fixes move into leadership fastest, as data-driven improvements showcase their ability to manage complexity and drive results in a residential services environment.