Director of Community and Family Support Services

The Director of Community and Family Support Services is responsible for administrative supervision, management, and development of Community and Vocational Service programs. This includes overseeing performance evaluations, guiding the hiring and training processes, and ensuring compliance with various regulations. Additionally, the director will manage family reimbursement services and provide leadership in community habilitation and vocational services, all while maintaining high standards of service quality.

Candidates for the Director of Community and Family Support Services position should possess at least a Bachelor's degree in Human Services or a related field, with a preference for a Master's degree. A minimum of 7 years of experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities, along with 5 years in a leadership role, is required. Knowledge of OPWDD, DOL, and ACCES-VR regulations is crucial, coupled with strong discretion and emotional intelligence.

For the Director of Community and Family Support Services position, a strong background in working with developmental disabilities is essential. Ideal candidates should have over 7 years of direct experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership capacity, showcasing their ability to manage teams and programs effectively. Experience in compliance with relevant regulations is also important.

The Director of Community and Family Support Services engages closely with employees by overseeing performance evaluations, providing ongoing training, and supporting retention efforts. They are involved in counseling employees and making decisions related to hiring and terminations, ensuring a positive work environment that encourages professional growth and adherence to quality service standards.

The role offers a competitive benefits package including a Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision), Retirement Plans (401k, IRA), Life Insurance options, and generous Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays). Additional benefits include Short Term & Long Term Disability support and opportunities for continuous Training & Development.

In answering this question, highlight your previous roles in managing or developing community service programs, particularly those related to individuals with developmental disabilities. Use specific examples to illustrate your impact and the outcomes you achieved.

Discuss your methodical approach to research and implement regulations from OPWDD, DOL, and ACCES-VR. Provide examples of training you've conducted or compliance checks you've instituted, demonstrating your proactive stance on adherence to rules.

Share your philosophy on performance evaluations, focusing on regular feedback, goal-setting, and development. Mention any systems or methods you’ve used to make these evaluations effective and how they have fostered team growth.

Describe your conflict resolution style, using an example to showcase how you've successfully mediated an issue among team members. Emphasize your communication skills and ability to maintain a positive work environment.

Talk about your experience in networking with community groups, school districts, and state agencies. Provide examples of how these partnerships have benefited service programs and enhanced community engagement.

Choose an initiative where you played a key role, detailing the actions you took, the challenges faced, and the ultimate positive impact it had on the team or the community. This will show your ability to innovate and lead.

Explain your organizational strategies, perhaps using tools or frameworks you've adopted to keep things on track. Mention how effective prioritization aligns with the overall goals of the organization.

Share your beliefs about the importance of continuous learning and development. Provide examples of training programs you’ve created or led that successfully enhanced staff skills and service quality.

Discuss the metrics you use to evaluate program success, focusing on both qualitative and quantitative data. Highlight your understanding of person-centered care and how it drives your evaluation criteria.

Describe your strategies for motivating and re-engaging staff, whether through open communication, professional development opportunities, or creating a supportive community culture. Emphasize the importance of addressing concerns directly and fostering an inclusive atmosphere.