Program Director – Respite & Social Services

Job Title: Program Director – Respite & Social Recreation Services

Department: Operations
Classification / Level: Exempt
Reports To: Chief Operating Officer

Position Scope

The Program Director – Respite & Social Recreation Services provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and program development for all respite care, social recreation, community inclusion, and supportive services programs serving individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). This position ensures exceptional participant outcomes, regulatory compliance, financial sustainability, staff development, and family satisfaction while advancing the organization's mission of person-centered care and community integration.

The Program Director serves as a key member of the leadership team and is responsible for designing, implementing, and evaluating services that promote independence, inclusion, safety, and quality of life for participants and their families.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Program Leadership

• Direct all respite, social recreation, community inclusion, and related support programs.

• Develop and implement strategic plans that align with organizational goals and community needs.

• Ensure all services are person-centered, outcome-driven, and compliant with applicable regulations.

• Establish program goals, performance indicators, and quality improvement initiatives.

• Monitor participant outcomes and utilization trends to optimize services.

Operational Management

• Oversee day-to-day program operations across multiple sites and community-based settings.

• Develop policies, procedures, and best practices for service delivery.

• Maintain program readiness for audits, licensing reviews, and accreditation processes.

• Manage participant enrollment, capacity planning, and service delivery efficiency.

• Ensure appropriate staffing ratios and supervision structures.

Financial Management

• Develop and manage annual operating budgets.

• Monitor program revenue, expenses, and profitability.

• Identify opportunities for growth, grants, contracts, and new funding sources.

• Ensure accurate billing, documentation, and reimbursement practices.

• Prepare financial reports and operational dashboards for executive leadership.

Staff Leadership and Development

• Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate program managers, supervisors, and direct support staff.

• Foster a positive culture focused on accountability, inclusion, and professional growth.

• Develop succession plans and leadership development initiatives.

• Ensure compliance with training requirements and certifications.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with:

  • Medicaid Waiver requirements

  • State developmental disability regulations

  • Licensing standards

  • Accreditation standards

  • Health and safety protocols

• Lead incident management and corrective action processes.

• Oversee risk mitigation and participant safety initiatives.

Family & Community Relations

• Build strong relationships with participants, families, guardians, and referral sources.

• Represent the organization with state agencies, advocacy groups, school districts, and community partners.

• Promote community inclusion and expand recreational opportunities for participants.

• Address concerns and ensure high levels of stakeholder satisfaction.

Strategic Growth

• Identify opportunities to expand respite and social services programs.

• Lead new program launches and service enhancements.

• Conduct community needs assessments and market analyses.

• Develop partnerships that improve service access and outcomes.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, Healthcare Administration, Special Education, Public Administration, or a related field.

Preferred

• Master's degree in:

  • Social Work (MSW)

  • Healthcare Administration (MHA)

  • Public Administration (MPA)

  • Business Administration (MBA)

  • Special Education

Experience

Required

• Seven (7) to ten (10) years of progressive leadership experience in IDD, behavioral health, social services, community-based services, or healthcare.

• Minimum seven (7) years of management experience.

• Experience managing budgets, compliance, and multidisciplinary teams.

Preferred

• Experience overseeing respite, day services, social recreation, or community inclusion programs.

• Multi-site management experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Deep knowledge of IDD service delivery systems.

• Strong understanding of HCBS and Medicaid Waiver programs.

• Budgeting and financial management expertise.

• Regulatory compliance and quality assurance knowledge.

• Leadership and talent development skills.

• Strategic planning and business development capability.

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

• Data analysis and performance management experience.

• Proficiency with Electronic Health Records (EHR), scheduling, and reporting systems.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Performance may be evaluated based on, but is not limited to, the following:

• Participant satisfaction scores

• Family satisfaction scores

• Program occupancy/utilization rates

• Staff retention and engagement

• Budget performance

• Incident reduction metrics

• Compliance audit results

• Revenue growth

• Community participation outcomes

• Program expansion initiatives

Join Our Team

At Inland Respite, we are committed to enriching the lives of individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) through compassionate, person-centered care and innovative community-based services. If you are a strategic, collaborative, and mission-driven leader who is passionate about developing high-performing teams, driving operational excellence, and creating meaningful opportunities for those we serve, we invite you to join our team and help make a lasting impact on the individuals, families, and communities we proudly serve.