DIRECTOR OF GROUP LIVING

About the Role

The Director of Group Living is a member of the Site Management Team, oversees residential services and living units, and serves as the Program Director in their absence. This role is primarily responsible for managing all available resources to provide students with the highest level of care and ensuring the Rite of Passage program is implemented in accordance with ROP policies and procedures, as well as Federal, State, and Local licensing requirements. The Director of Group Living reports to the Program Director and supervises Unit Managers and direct-care staff.

Responsibilities

Operations

• Implements, manages, and monitors Group Living Operations.
• Oversees the daily schedule, logistics (Plan of the Week), and shift staffing.
• Ensures compliance with the Operations Manual.
• Coordinates extra-curricular and community service activities.
• Maintains program norms (Positive Skill Development Group Meetings, Team Meetings, Dress and Appearance, MPEs, etc.).
• Fosters a positive operational culture.
• Leads Thinking For A Change and Rams Club meetings, agendas, and activities.
• Ensures the safety, health, and welfare of staff and students.
• Maintains facility and grounds appearance.
• Investigates and responds appropriately to incidents of:
  • Physical Restraints
  • Abuse Allegations
  • Sexual Misconduct
  • Student Rights Violations
  • Mishaps
• Represents the Group Living Department in:
  • Site Management Meetings
  • EXCOM Meetings and Activities
  • Site Group Living Meetings (as Chairperson)
  • Shift Change Meetings and Turnover

Finance

• Manages and allocates the site budget for Group Living Department staffing, logistics, supplies, etc.
• Oversees stipends related to sporting activities, training, clothing, etc.

Human Relations

• Provides leadership and management to the Group Living Department, including:
  • Hiring, firing, discipline, and corrective action
  • Training and continuous development of staff (Pre-Service, Ops, OJT, and In-Service)
  • Employee evaluations
  • Reviewing and approving time and attendance for supervised staff
  • Investigating allegations of violations related to Equal Employment Opportunity, harassment, safety, discrimination, policy violations, conduct, ethics, and ROP norms and culture
• Ensures proper staffing levels are maintained within established Position Control Roster standards.
• Manages selection, staffing, and retention initiatives.
• Promotes positive communication and interactions between Group Living and other departments.

Customer and Community Relations

• Establishes and promotes positive relationships with:
  • Placing Agencies
  • Admissions
  • Licensing
  • Community
  • Other ROP Sites
• Actively supports and contributes to:
  • Site Newsletter
  • RAM’s Newsletter
  • On- and off-site community-related activities

Regulatory Compliance

• Assists the Program Director with:
  • Program Statement
  • Outside correspondence and inquiries
  • External and internal auditing functions

Additional Duties

• Serves as a member of the Executive Committees and participates in goal and initiative creation, implementation, management, and achievement.
• Provides encouragement, guidance, and resources to staff and students.
• Models and ensures all program norms are upheld.
• Acts as a positive role model and mentor for staff and students.
• Treats others with respect, confronts negative behavior, and supports confrontation.
• Performs other duties as assigned, including:
  • Assisting with Pre-Service Training
  • Participating in at least 50% of daily physical activities required of students
  • Attending site, region, and/or company community events
  • Assisting with time and attendance in the Stromberg system
  • Assisting with student transportation
  • Participating as a member of the EXCOM committee and Immediate Action Team
  • Participating in the rotation of the Administrator on Duty assignment

Requirements

• BA/BS in a related field (Master’s Degree preferred). Substitute degree requirement with experience if actively pursuing a related degree.
• Four years of related experience in residential facility management.
• For sites operating in Maryland, compliance with COMAR 14.31.06.06 is required.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple people and projects.
• Good interpersonal skills, including the ability to interview potential employees.
• Working knowledge of the Positive Operational Culture program.
• Must meet requirements to be an eligible ROP driver, possess a current State Driver’s License, and have an acceptable driving record for the past three years.
• Strong knowledge of overall company operations and policies and procedures.
• Ability to pass a criminal background clearance check, drug screen, physical, and TB test.
• Ability to work with little or no supervision.
• Ability to utilize resources to complete assigned projects.
• Ability to prepare written reports and correspondence.
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
• Able to work in excess of 40 hours per week with a varied schedule.
• Must maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Excellent organization and time management skills.
• Ability to build and maintain positive internal and external relationships.
• Ability to provide exemplary customer service to all employees and outside constituents.
• Must be flexible and able to handle multiple priorities, with the ability to adjust to high pressure and rapidly changing business conditions.
• Proficient in the use of computers and associated software.

Work Conditions and Physical Requirements

This position may require the following physical demands, subject to reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities:

• Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally.
• Light work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force frequently.
• Medium work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds frequently.
• Heavy work: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds frequently.
• Very heavy work: Exerting in excess of 100 pounds occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds constantly.
• Physical requirements include:
  • Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, and grasping.
  • Seeing, hearing, talking, and tactile sense.
  • Repetitive motions and maintaining visual acuity (color, depth perception, and field of vision).