Program Director - SPOE

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

This is a leadership position. As such, the Program Director ensures the smooth operations and completion of work product of the office. Work to maintain a positive relationship and office environment for all. Coaching and leading the office through program changes. Relaying information timely from ESL corporate office and funders.

The Director works with the Senior Leadership of Easterseals to direct the EarlySteps program. The Director implements all Easterseals guidelines and policies with the purpose of ensuring compliance with all state and federal government regulations, as well as maintaining alignment with the mission of the EarlySteps program. The Director monitors the effectiveness of the program, adjusting as needed. The Director handles personnel decisions, including hiring, position assignment, training, and evaluations. They review resumes, and may interview prospective candidates for employment. Since the Director’s role and the staff are contingent upon a contractually funded budget, they must work within budgetary constraints to meet the requirements of the program. Additionally, they serve as the face of the program to the external community as the need arises. As such, the Director attends professional or community events in an effort to build and maintain positive relationships.

• Responsible for the oversight of EarlySteps Programs and Services
• Maintain EarlySteps Program Services Manuals and assist Managers with compliance activities.
• Guide EarlySteps Program Managers to ensure high-quality performance
• Supervise interactions with the State of Louisiana’s Department of Health
• Attend and participate in EarlySteps meetings at the State level as well as participation on committees, workgroups, etc.
• Assist with RFP’s
• Provide strategic planning, program development, personnel management, and overall operational administration, including coordination of ongoing activities, to meet the established goals and objectives of the program.
• Recruit, train, and manage assigned employees in a manner consistent with organizational policies and values. Conduct regular employee performance appraisals and maintain an employee feedback process to enhance work processes and employee understanding.
• Ensure implementation of all Easterseals policies and procedures.
• Prepare for and oversee all applicable licensing inspections, ensure compliance; and develop and implement a plan of correction if necessary.
• Comply with all federal and state employment laws, contracts, and reporting requirements.
• Ensure that program goals and objectives are met and provide service delivery in a manner consistent with all funding objectives.
• Develop and implement a quality enhancement plan using outcome-based measurement by evaluating the data from various reports to make sure Easterseals Louisiana is meeting the guidelines of EarlySteps.
• Ensure that comprehensive intake and assessment procedures are in place. Maintain timeliness of evaluation intervals and correspondence at required levels.
• Promote the professional and personal development of the employees. Model expected behaviors and serve in a mentoring role to employees.
• Provide for effective monitoring and financial management of the program. Seek and recommend potential opportunities for cost containment and analyze variance from budget plans or anticipated trends. Contribute toward the successful implementation of the annual operating plan and assist with financial analysis and formulation of recommendations to achieve goals and objectives.
• Develop and maintain communication systems both within the staff offices and with clients and providers that ensure effective flow of information. Develop promotional materials for internal and/or external publicity consistent with Easterseals standards.
• Develop community collaborations, linkages, and partners to address systemic issues that impact participants served by the programs of the center. Develop and maintain effective relationships within the community networks.
• Leasing of the office facility that is appropriate for the staff.
• Assure that computer systems and application software are maintained and current with technology and reporting requirements of state and referral agencies.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

I. PROVISION OF SERVICES:

• Knowledgeable of contract requirements and population specifics
• Oversight of daily operations
• Maintenance of compliance
• Ensure all clients and significant others are treated with respect and dignity; and to ensure that their rights are preserved
• Assess, as appropriate, client service provision in terms of performance criteria that reflect sound, achievable practices
• Monitor Intake Coordinator folders to review supervisor notes ensuring clients are staffed on a random and as-needed basis each month.

II. CLIENT FILE MAINTENANCE

• Review randomly selected client files each week using an ESL review checklist to ensure all documents are filed, up-to-date, and accurate.

III. PROJECT MANAGEMENT:

• Communication - Coordinates weekly staff meetings to keep all staff informed, ensure open lines of communication and determine training needs and scheduling. Exhibit appropriate use of grammar and spelling in written communication, exhibit appropriate use of grammar in oral communication, and ensure oral and written communication is professional.
• Performance Management - Work with staff and leadership in evaluating program effectiveness and compliance with state/contract requirements and program goals.
• Planning – Establish effective objectives, and priorities, and implement plans; anticipate obstacles and consider alternatives.
• Coordination – Able to multi-task in work to coordinate efforts with programs to ensure consistency and adequate follow-up.
• Action Orientation – Ability to take initiative rather than passively accepting; take action and attempt to influence events to achieve goals.
• Work Commitment – Willingly expend extra effort and time to get a job done; identify with organizational goals, exhibit excellent time management abilities.
• Building Relationships – Able to establish rapport with Easterseals administrative and other program staff.
• Team Playing – Work cooperatively with staff and other Easterseals employees.
• Mission Advocacy – Able to identify with project and Easterseals objectives. Adequately, constructively, and directly communicate these objectives to the team and participants.

Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in one of the following: early childhood education, child development, OT, PT, SLP, psychology, social work, or other Human Service related field is preferred
• A minimum of three (3) years experience in an administrative/supervisory position required
• Prior experience working with target population (Developmentally Disabled, etc.)
• Employment contingent upon satisfactory criminal background clearances and drug screen

Qualitative Requirements:

• Ability to exercise sound judgment in making decisions and implement accordingly.
• The SPOE Director must be well organized and possess a high level of problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to create, modify, and implement programs, personnel policies, and procedures, taking the lead role of quality improvement initiatives.
• Knowledge of appropriate assessment, counseling, education, and guidance tools and techniques.
• They must be able to communicate effectively with people of all demographics, have excellent writing skills, and ability to communicate information effectively to a variety of individuals.
• Strong interpersonal skills are crucial, requiring sensitivity to both personality issues and corporate efficiency.
• Knowledge of all local, state, and federal laws and regulations that govern the program's areas of interest is required.
• Because the program is dependent on a budget, the director must be meticulous in all notes and documentation.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, where applicable.
• Ability and willingness to travel, as required.

V. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS with or without reasonable accommodation:

• The employee is regularly required to operate a computer, type and/or retrieve documentation into web-based applications, file and retrieve written documents, and communicate with others on the phone and in person.
• The employee is frequently required to walk, sit, use hands, and lift and/or move lightweight items.
• Able to move independently within the facility and community.

VI. WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is performed in a normal working office setting that is environmentally controlled.