Position Summary:
As a key member of the agency’s leadership team, the Early Intervention Program Director provides strategic and operational leadership for their assigned Early Intervention (EI) Program. This role oversees a multi-disciplinary team of licensed Early Intervention Specialists to ensure delivery of high-quality, family-centered services consistent with agency standards, state regulations, and best clinical practices.
Key Responsibilities:
Program Leadership & Administration
- Provide overall direction, supervision, and administration of the Early Intervention Program, including program development, implementation, and evaluation.
- Ensure program compliance with all state funding and certification regulations, contractual requirements, and quality assurance standards.
- Maintain adherence to the agency’s mission, philosophy, and policies.
- Oversee budget development, monitoring, and fiscal accountability on a monthly and annual basis.
- Prepare and submit accurate reports, data, and documentation as required by the agency and state partners.
- Perform additional duties as assigned to support program quality and operational goals.
Staff Supervision & Development
- Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate all program employees and consultants.
- Facilitate regular staff meetings and individual supervisory sessions.
- Support staff professional growth through ongoing feedback, mentoring, and development opportunities.
- Promote a positive, collaborative, and inclusive work environment that supports teamwork and staff retention.
Clinical & Program Oversight
- Ensure that all services and curricula are family-centered, developmentally appropriate, and aligned with best clinical and educational practices.
- Oversee intake, eligibility, IFSP development and implementation, and transition planning processes in collaboration with supervisors and team leaders.
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- Monitor and maintain compliance with Early Intervention Operational Standards and professional practice guidelines.
Quality Assurance & Compliance
- Implement systems for continuous quality improvement, data collection, and outcome measurement.
- Conduct regular program reviews and ensure timely corrective actions as needed.
- Maintain accurate and confidential program and personnel records in compliance with agency and regulatory standards.
Community & Agency Collaboration
- Represent the program and agency in community outreach, education, and public relations activities.
- Develop and maintain partnerships with referral sources, community agencies, and service providers.
- Participate as a member of the agency’s management team, contributing to strategic planning, operational improvements, and cross-program collaboration.
Professional Development
- Participate in ongoing training and professional development to maintain certification and enhance leadership and clinical skills.
- Stay current on best practices, emerging trends, and state regulations related to Early Intervention services.
Core Competencies:
- Leadership & Supervision: Inspires, guides, and supports staff to achieve individual and team excellence.
- Clinical Expertise: Demonstrates deep understanding of child development, family systems, and EI best practices.
- Communication: Communicates clearly, effectively, and empathetically with staff, families, and community partners.
- Problem-Solving: Analyzes challenges, identifies solutions, and implements effective action plans.
- Organizational Skills: Balances multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
- Collaboration: Promotes teamwork, shared accountability, and cross-departmental cooperation.
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- Ethical Practice: Upholds professional standards of confidentiality, integrity, and cultural responsiveness.
Working Conditions & Physical Requirements:
- This position requires frequent travel to agency sites, homes, and community settings, as well as regular attendance at meetings, trainings, and outreach events.
- Requires prolonged periods of driving, computer, tablet, and phone use for communication, documentation, and remote supervision.
- The Program Director must be able to enter and work within a variety of home and community environments, including those with potential physical or environmental challenges such as stairs, limited accessibility, pets, and varying temperature conditions.
- The role may involve periods of sitting, standing, walking, bending, and reaching during site visits, home visits, or training sessions.
- May require occasional lifting, pushing, or pulling of up to 40 pounds, such as program materials, adaptive equipment, or office supplies.
- Must be able to respond quickly and effectively in the field as needed to support staff or families, including navigating unpredictable or non-traditional environments.
- Workload and travel demands may fluctuate, requiring flexibility and adaptability to program and community needs.
- Must be able to participate in professional development activities and maintain professional licensure and/or certification as required by Early Intervention standards.
Required Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in one of the professional disciplines listed in Section V of the MA Early Intervention Operational Standards or Bachelor’s degree with more than five (5) years of Early Intervention experience.
- Certified Early Intervention Specialist and/or Certified Early Intervention Director.
- Minimum of five (5) years of Early Intervention experience, including at least two (2) years in an administrative or supervisory capacity.
- Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams).
- CPR/First Aid Certified (or ability to obtain certification within designated timeframe).
- Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and willingness to travel extensively.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience managing a multi-site Early Intervention program or related human services program.
- Demonstrated experience in budgeting, compliance, and program evaluation.
- Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) or case management systems.
- Bilingual or multilingual proficiency.
