LIVING SERVICES PROGRAM MANAGER (ILS / SLS)
Salary: $90,000 – $108,000 Annually
Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Work Setting: Hybrid – Office, Client Homes, and Community Settings
Industry: Developmental Disabilities / Human Services
Travel: Regular local field travel required
POSITION SUMMARY
A well-established human services organization serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities is confidentially seeking an experienced Living Services Program Manager to provide leadership, supervision, and operational oversight for its Independent Living Services (ILS) and Supported Living Services (SLS) programs.
This leadership position is responsible for the quality, compliance, staffing, operational, and financial performance of both service lines while developing a unified team that provides high-quality, person-centered services.
The Program Manager will ensure services promote independence, safety, dignity, and community integration while maintaining compliance with Title 17 regulations, the Lanterman Act, Regional Center requirements, and organizational policies.
Key responsibilities include staff leadership and development, service delivery, scheduling, documentation and quality assurance, Regional Center billing, budget monitoring, interdisciplinary coordination, and program growth.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Program Leadership and Operations
- Lead day-to-day operations of the organization's ILS and SLS programs as an integrated department.
- Maintain consistent service standards and coordinated service delivery across both programs.
- Ensure compliance with organizational policies, Regional Center vendorization requirements, and applicable state and federal regulations.
- Develop, implement, and oversee individualized client training programs and supports in accordance with Individual Service Plans (ISPs) and person-centered planning principles.
- Coordinate staffing and client services according to required service ratios and vendorization requirements.
- Oversee client instruction and support in areas including money management, nutrition, cooking, shopping, emergency procedures, community awareness, mobility, household management, health education, crisis intervention, and housing.
- Conduct client home and community visits to evaluate service quality, client safety, staff performance, and progress toward client goals.
- Develop and maintain training materials and curriculum related to independent living skills, safety, community integration, and supported living.
- Oversee emergency and unplanned staffing coverage for SLS clients to ensure continuity of services.
Staff Leadership and Development
- Recruit, interview, hire, orient, train, supervise, evaluate, and develop ILS and SLS employees.
- Provide leadership to case management, instructional, community support, and direct support staff.
- Conduct staff meetings, individual supervision sessions, competency-based training, quality assurance reviews, and performance evaluations.
- Establish consistent performance expectations, accountability standards, and coaching practices.
- Develop employees through training, mentoring, performance management, and cross-training.
- Ensure compliance with workplace safety requirements and organizational procedures.
Compliance, Documentation, and Quality Assurance
- Monitor compliance with Title 17, the Lanterman Act, HIPAA, Cal/OSHA requirements, mandated reporting laws, Regional Center requirements, and organizational policies.
- Compile and review Individual Service Plans (ISPs).
- Prepare and oversee semi-annual and other required client progress reports.
- Ensure timely and accurate completion of case notes, service hours, progress reports, ISPs, and client records.
- Conduct routine quality assurance reviews of client files and program documentation.
- Ensure suspected abuse, neglect, unusual incidents, injuries, and safety concerns are appropriately reported.
- Ensure Special Incident Reports (SIRs) are completed within required timeframes.
Fiscal and Administrative Responsibilities
- Oversee payroll coordination and Regional Center billing processes for ILS and SLS programs.
- Ensure accurate and timely submission of program hours and supporting documentation.
- Monitor program budgets, staffing costs, service utilization, and financial performance.
- Identify budget and operational variances and implement or recommend corrective action.
- Prepare operational, quality assurance, and budget reports for executive leadership.
Coordination, Advocacy, and Program Growth
- Coordinate services with Regional Centers, healthcare providers, families, schools, employers, community agencies, natural supports, and interdisciplinary team members.
- Participate in Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) meetings and advocate for person-centered services.
- Build and maintain productive relationships with Regional Centers and community partners.
- Develop community partnerships and support the continued growth of ILS and SLS programs.
- Support program development and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
- Perform additional leadership responsibilities and special projects as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Psychology, Social Work, Education, or a related field required.
- Master's degree in a human services-related field preferred.
- An equivalent combination of education and directly related experience may be considered.
Experience
- Three or more years of experience working with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities preferred.
- Two or more years of administrative, management, or supervisory experience preferred.
- Experience may include staff supervision, program oversight, budgeting, training, service design, program evaluation, or goal setting.
- Experience with Supported Living Services (SLS), Independent Living Services (ILS), behavioral support, developmental disabilities, special education, or California Regional Center services strongly preferred.
- Experience overseeing multiple programs, service lines, or teams preferred.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Knowledge of Independent Living Services and Supported Living Services.
- Knowledge of Title 17 regulations, California Regional Center systems, vendorization requirements, and person-centered service delivery.
- Strong staff leadership, supervision, coaching, and development skills.
- Ability to oversee multiple programs and manage competing operational priorities.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to communicate professionally with clients, families, employees, Regional Centers, and community partners.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
- Ability to respond effectively during emergencies, behavioral incidents, and crisis situations.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to documentation, quality, and regulatory compliance.
- Ability to maintain confidential client and employee information.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, email, electronic documentation, scheduling, payroll, and billing systems.
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
- Valid California driver's license and acceptable driving record.
- Reliable vehicle available for work-related travel.
- Current vehicle registration and automobile insurance.
- Current CPR and First Aid certification required or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of applicable pre-employment requirements, which may include:
- DOJ and FBI Live Scan fingerprint/background clearance.
- TB clearance documentation.
- Employment eligibility verification.
- Mandated reporter acknowledgment.
- Driving record and vehicle documentation when applicable.
PHYSICAL AND WORK REQUIREMENTS
This position regularly works in office, residential, and community-based environments and requires travel between service locations.
The position may require standing, walking, bending, reaching, and assisting with client mobility. The employee may occasionally be required to lift or move up to 50 pounds with or without assistance.
Reasonable accommodations may be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law.
MANDATED REPORTER
This position is a mandated reporter and must comply with applicable California laws and regulations regarding suspected abuse, neglect, and reportable incidents involving dependent adults.
CONFIDENTIAL SEARCH
This is a confidential recruitment. The identity of the hiring organization will be shared with qualified candidates at the appropriate stage of the interview process.
We respectfully request that applicants maintain confidentiality regarding the opportunity and any information provided during the recruitment process.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The hiring organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants and employees without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $90,000.00 - $108,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Do you have auto insurance with 100,000 / 300,000 bodily injury and liability coverage?
- If your current auto insurance policy does not meet this minimum coverage requirement, are you willing to increase your coverage to comply with this requirement?
- How many years of experience do you have working in management for Independent Living Services (ILS) or Supported Living Services (SLS) programs or environments?
- How many years of experience do you have working with adults with developmental disabilities?
- Would you be willing to be fingerprinted through the DOJ/FBI?
License/Certification:
- California Driver License? (Required)
Work Location: In person
