Program Lead
Community Integration & Vocational Services
Location: Lake County, California
Employment Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Program Manager
About Ability Road
Ability Road is dedicated to empowering adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities to participate fully in their communities through meaningful employment, community integration, skill development, self-advocacy, and person-centered services. Our team is committed to providing ethical, high-quality support that promotes independence, dignity, and inclusion.
We are seeking an experienced, organized, and mission-driven Program Lead to provide leadership, coordination, and quality oversight within our Community Integration and Vocational Services programs.
Position Summary
The Program Lead serves as a working leader who supports program operations, participant success, service quality, staff development, and regulatory compliance. This position provides day-to-day guidance to Skills Instructors, assists with participant programming and documentation, supports person-centered planning, and collaborates closely with the Program Manager to ensure exceptional services are delivered.
The ideal candidate is a strong communicator, organized problem-solver, positive role model, and advocate for individuals with disabilities.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Leadership & Staff Support
- Model Ability Road's mission, values, ethical standards, and professional expectations.
- Utilize knowledge of human behavior, learning styles, motivation techniques, behavior support strategies, and person-centered practices to mentor staff, address participant needs, and support successful skill development and community integration outcomes.
- Provide guidance, coaching, and support to Skills Instructors.
- Assist with staff training and ongoing development.
- Monitor staff adherence to documentation standards, schedules, and program procedures.
- Report performance concerns, training needs, and operational issues to the Program Manager.
- Promote a culture of professionalism, accountability, teamwork, and participant-centered services.
Participant Services
- Support participants in community integration, vocational development, and skill-building activities.
- Ensure services are individualized, person-centered, and aligned with participant goals.
- Assist participants in developing self-advocacy, social, employment, and independent living skills.
- Evaluate participant needs, strengths, interests, goals, barriers, and support requirements.
- Collaborate with participants, families, caregivers, service coordinators, and other stakeholders.
Program Documentation & Compliance
- Monitor and coordinate completion of required participant documentation, including:
- Initial assessments
- Goals and objectives
- Quarterly reports
- Semi-annual reviews
- Annual reviews
- Exit reports
- Progress notes
- Person-centered planning documentation
- Ensure documentation is accurate, timely, and compliant with agency and regulatory requirements.
- Assist with quality assurance reviews and audits.
- Maintain confidential participant records in accordance with HIPAA, California privacy laws, and agency policies.
Program Development & Coordination
- Develop and coordinate meaningful skill-building activities and community-based learning opportunities.
- Collaborate with leadership to create programming that supports participant growth and engagement.
- Ensure activity materials, resources, and schedules are prepared and implemented effectively.
- Coordinate with other program leaders to support participant needs and program objectives.
- Assist with transitions between services and programs as participants achieve goals or service needs change.
Vocational Development Support
- Assist participants in developing employment readiness skills, including:
- Resume development
- Interview preparation
- Workplace communication
- Professional behavior
- Community employment exploration
- Collaborate with leadership regarding Paid Internship Program (PIP) opportunities and employment goals.
Communication & Administrative Responsibilities
- Maintain timely communication with supervisors, staff, participants, and stakeholders.
- Track attendance, participation, and program-related data.
- Complete daily reporting and required electronic documentation.
- Attend required meetings, trainings, and professional development activities.
- Participate in on-call responsibilities as assigned.
Other Duties
- Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned to support organizational objectives.
Minimum Qualifications
Required
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Minimum two years of experience supporting individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, behavioral health needs, vocational services, community integration, or related human services programs.
- Demonstrated leadership, mentoring, or supervisory experience.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency with computers, electronic documentation systems, Microsoft Office, and email.
- Valid California Driver License.
- Minimum three years of driving experience.
- Reliable transportation available for work-related travel.
- Current automobile insurance meeting California minimum requirements.
- Ability to obtain and maintain CPR and First Aid certification.
- Ability to pass required background clearances and pre-employment screenings.
Preferred
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, Rehabilitation, Special Education, or a related field.
- Experience with Regional Center services and person-centered planning.
- Experience developing goals, progress reports, and program documentation.
- Experience providing staff coaching or program leadership.
Required Clearances
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of:
- Criminal background clearance
- DMV record review
- Drug screening (if applicable under agency policy)
- TB clearance/testing
- Verification of employment eligibility
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Successful candidates will demonstrate:
- Knowledge of person-centered practices.
- Understanding of community integration and supported employment principles.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Ability to prioritize multiple deadlines.
- Effective problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
- Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Commitment to diversity, inclusion, dignity, and respect.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to drive regularly throughout the community.
- Frequent standing, walking, sitting, bending, and stair climbing.
- Ability to safely assist participants with mobility, balance, and transfers as needed.
- Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds independently.
- Ability to work in both indoor and outdoor environments.
- Ability to use computers, tablets, and other office equipment.
- Exposure to seasonal weather conditions during community-based activities.
Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and California law.
Compensation & Benefits
Starting Pay: $20.00-$22.00 per hour, depending on qualifications, experience, and demonstrated competencies. Candidates with directly related education, advanced certifications, leadership experience, or specialized expertise in developmental disabilities services may be considered for compensation above the starting range, commensurate with education and/or experience.
Ability Road offers a competitive benefits package that may include:
- CalSavers
- Paid sick leave
- Paid time off
- Training and professional development opportunities
- Mileage reimbursement (when applicable)
- Employee Assistance Program (if available)
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Ability Road is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, age, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.
