Position Profile
Director of Community Living Services
National Children’s Center
National Children’s Center is partnering with Dragonfly Central to find a highly qualified Director of Community Living Services. NCC has a 65-year history of providing exceptional service to our community and is experiencing an exciting time of growth. The Director Community Living Services position is a critical member of the Community Support Services Team, executing all aspects of the residential program, in support of creating dynamic, person-centered, independent living for the people we support. This is an exceptional opportunity for a candidate who is interested in helping elevate the infrastructure of NCC’s residential program in a vibrant and rapidly growing non-profit as it continues evolve in scope and continuously provide remarkable opportunities for people of differing abilities.
The Organization
National Children’s Center (NCC), Inc., is one of the largest non-governmental providers of services to infants, children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. National Children’s Center was founded in 1958 and serves hundreds of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities – including people who have cerebral palsy, autism, and Down’s syndrome through early childhood education and early intervention, school programs, community residences and supports, day services and supports including individualized day supports, work readiness training, supported employment, and vocational training. For more information about NCC, see nccinc.org .
The Position
The Director of Community Living Services is a key leadership role at the National Children’s Center (NCC) that oversees the operation and management of residential programs for adults with intellectual disabilities in the District of Columbia and Maryland. This role ensures that residents receive high-quality care and support, promoting their independence, well-being, and community integration. The Director of Community Living Services works primarily in the NCC corporate office, with occasional travel to residential homes, NCC worksites and community events. The role may require flexibility in working hours to meet the needs of the organization and its clients.
Roles and Responsibilities
The Director of Community Living Services reports to the Executive Director of Community Support Services. The Director is expected to develop and implement person-centered residential service programs that meet the needs of intellectually disabled adults, and will:
- Manage the new admission process by developing a recruitment plan that supports the identification of candidates for NCC’s residential program
- Lead and train the team to support programmatic initiatives, goals, daily routines, and the unique needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities; manage team performance through effective communication, training, performance management, staff meetings, and employee recognition
- Recommend new approaches, policies, and procedures to effect continual improvements in efficiency of department and services performed; assist with the development of current and future programs including residential supports, personalized supports, supported employment, and person-centered planning
- Conduct regular audits and reviews of program operations, identifying areas for improvement and service enhancements, as well as action plans
- Prepare required statistical, financial and service reports as needed; develop and implement corrective action plans as needed to address deficiencies
- Develop and update Individual Support Plans (ISP)/Person-Centered Plans (PCP) with an interdisciplinary team to include any concerns, observations, and behavioral developments; ensure individuals are supported per their ISP/PCP including medication management, meal planning, and behavior management. Monitor and evaluate the quality of care provided to residents, ensuring it meets their physical, emotional, and social needs
- Monitor the health and medical needs of individuals and immediately report any concerns; coordinate with other service providers, medical professionals, and family members to ensure comprehensive care
- Manage relationships with the families and guardians of the individuals in our care
- Advocate for the rights and needs of residents within the organization and the broader community; facilitate residents' participation in community activities and programs to enhance their social integration and life skills.
- Ensure program documentation and billable records are completed accurately and timely
- Monitor the finances of individuals, ensuring purchases are approved and accounted for with documentation
- Serve as organizational lead on audits, inspections, and investigations; ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, standards, and best practices
- Oversee the day-to-day operations of residential facilities, ensuring a safe and supportive environment; manage staff schedules and ensure shifts are adequately staffed
- Actively engage with Quality Assurance to ensure appropriate quality measures are in place for monitoring and continuous improvement of service delivery
- Manage budgets, resources, and staffing to optimize program effectiveness.
- Oversee recruitment, training, and supervision of residential staff, including direct support professionals and administrative personnel; conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing feedback and professional development opportunities
- Foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture that values teamwork, respect, and continuous improvement
- Stay current with industry trends, best practices, and regulatory changes to maintain high standards of care.
Experience and Attributes
- Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in a supervisory or management role in a residential or human services setting
- Strong knowledge of intellectual disabilities and best practices in residential care
- Complete all state and agency required training per state guidelines
- Team oriented with excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills
- Experience with problem solving against multiple priorities
- Ability to establish a comfortable and supportive relationship with individuals receiving supports
- Ability to exercise good judgment and remain calm in crisis situations
- Excellent time management skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a dynamic environment
- Commitment to advocating for and supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities
The salary for this position is $110K - $115K per year. NCC offers a competitive benefits package. The typical work schedule is Monday through Friday during NCC’s office hours with occasional night and weekend meeting or events. This position has on-call responsibilities to address emergencies or critical issues that may arise. Successful candidates must possess a driver’s license and reliable transportation. A satisfactory background check and motor vehicle check is required before being hired.
Application Process
National Children’s Center is partnering with Dragonfly Central to find the ideal candidate for the Director of Community Living Services position. To apply, email a cover letter that details your fit with the position’s requirements and a chronological resume to CLS@dragonflycentral.org . For all other inquiries, contact Ginna Goodenow at ginna@dragonflycentral.org .
NCC is an equal opportunity employer. NCC provides equal opportunity to all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, ethnicity, sex/gender, national origin, age, marital status, military/veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.