Program Director - IDD/DDA
The Program Director leads all DDA-funded programs at Healthy Living Option Inc., ensuring person-centered, safe, and fully compliant supports for every person served. The role holds operational, clinical-programmatic…
Role details
- Department
- Agency Program
- Location
- Catonsville, MD
- Schedule
- Full-time
- Pay
- $90,000.00 - $100,000.00
About the role
The Program Director leads all DDA-funded programs at Healthy Living Option Inc., ensuring person-centered, safe, and fully compliant supports for every person served. The role holds operational, clinical-programmatic, and regulatory accountability across residential and community-based services, and supervises the Program Coordinator team.
Location: Maryland service sites; travel between residences and community settings
Schedule: Business hours plus rotating on-call and emergency response
Key Roles and Responsibilities
Program leadership and operations
Direct day-to-day operations of all residential and community-based DDA programs, including site oversight and resource allocation.
Ensure every person's Person-Centered Plan (PCP) is implemented as written, with outcomes tracked and documented.
Approve new admissions, transitions, and discharges; coordinate move-ins and service changes with families and teams.
Conduct regular unannounced site visits to residences and community settings to monitor quality of life, safety, and environment.
Regulatory compliance and quality assurance
Maintain compliance with COMAR 10.22, DDA policies, OHCQ licensing standards, and the CMS HCBS Settings Rule.
Lead preparation for OHCQ surveys, DDA audits, and Medicaid reviews; develop and monitor corrective action plans.
Oversee incident reporting and investigations under the DDA Policy on Reportable Incidents and Investigations (PORII), meeting all reporting timelines.
Direct the QA program with the QA Specialist: record audits, trend analysis, and quality improvement plans.
Ensure medication administration meets Board of Nursing and Delegating Nurse requirements.
Person-centered planning and stakeholder coordination
Serve as the primary liaison with Coordinators of Community Services (CCS), DDA Regional Offices, families, and guardians.
Participate in PCP meetings and ensure provider input, service plans, and documentation are submitted on time.
Resolve complaints and grievances promptly and protect the rights, dignity, and choice of people supported.
Staff supervision and development
Hire, supervise, and evaluate Program Coordinators and supervisory staff; partner with HR on recruitment and retention.
Ensure all staff complete DDA-required training (CPR/First Aid, CMT, behavior supports, person-centered thinking) before and during employment.
Build staffing schedules that meet each person's authorized support levels and approved ratios.
Provide coaching, corrective action, and recognition to sustain a person-centered culture.
Fiscal and administrative oversight
Monitor program budgets, staffing costs, and occupancy; flag variances to the CEO.
Ensure service documentation supports accurate LTSSMaryland billing and authorizations.
Develop and update program policies, procedures, and emergency plans.
Provide on-call leadership and respond to emergencies, critical incidents, and staffing crises.
Requirements
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in human services, social work, psychology, special education, nursing, or a related field.
Master's degree in a human services field or health administration preferred.
At least 5 years of experience serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including 3 years in a supervisory or management role.
Working knowledge of Maryland DDA services, COMAR 10.22, PCP processes, and LTSSMaryland.
Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and an acceptable driving record.
Ability to pass state and federal criminal background checks (CJIS) and drug screening.
Current CPR/First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain it before start.
Certified Medication Technician (CMT)
Experience leading OHCQ surveys and DDA audits with successful outcomes.
Experience managing residential programs across multiple sites.
Strong grasp of person-centered practices, HCBS rights, and positive behavior supports.
Ability to lead teams, resolve conflict, and make sound decisions under pressure.
Clear written and verbal communication with families, regulators, CCS, and staff.
Organized and detail-oriented, with skill in documentation review and audit readiness.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, electronic health records, and LTSSMaryland.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
Work occurs in an office, residential homes, and community settings.
Regular driving between sites and occasional evening, weekend, or holiday response.
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds and to stand, walk, and climb stairs during site visits.
Ability to respond calmly to emergencies and behavioral crises.
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
- Work Location: In person