Program Director - job 1 of 3

As a Program Director at Dungarvin, your responsibilities encompass overseeing the coordination and management of programs aimed at supporting individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. You'll engage in personnel management, ensuring that your team receives training and guidance. You will also monitor all aspects of the program, from individual goal development to service quality assurance, all while providing direct care when needed.

To apply for the Program Director role at Dungarvin, a Bachelor’s degree in a human services field is strongly preferred. Additionally, candidates should have at least one year of direct experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities, alongside two years of management experience. Experience in budget implementation and program development is desirable, coupled with good decision-making and communication skills.

A typical day for a Program Director at Dungarvin involves a mix of administrative duties such as staff training and program oversight, as well as interactions with clients and their families. You’ll monitor the program’s progress, lead team meetings, and ensure that services meet licensing and quality standards—all while adapting your schedule to meet the needs of the program, which may involve evenings or weekends.

Dungarvin offers an array of benefits for the Program Director role, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, a 401(k) plan with employer matching, and opportunities for professional growth and development. Additional perks comprise employee discounts, a flexible spending account, and access to early pay through Tapcheck, making the financial aspect of your employment as rewarding as the role itself.

Dungarvin emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion as integral to its organizational strength. As a Program Director, you will be part of a culture that fosters respect and collaboration, ensuring that both employees and clients feel valued. Dungarvin is committed to creating a supportive environment where everyone can thrive, reinforcing the belief that diverse teams lead to better outcomes for those we serve.

As a Program Director, essential leadership qualities include strong communication skills, empathy, decision-making capabilities, and the ability to inspire and motivate your team. It's crucial to promote a positive environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas and concerns.

In answering this question, consider discussing a particular initiative where you significantly impacted participants' lives. Highlight the challenges you faced, the steps you took for program development, and the positive outcomes achieved, showcasing your commitment and strategic approach.

Handling conflicts requires patience and a clear understanding of the situation. Explain your approach, which may include active listening, mediating discussions between the parties involved, and working collaboratively to come to a resolution that promotes teamwork and client care.

Ensuring quality services involves regular assessments, feedback loops with both clients and staff, and continuous training. You could outline your processes for monitoring services and making adjustments based on evaluations to maintain high standards.

Discuss your methodologies for team-building, like setting team goals, offering recognition and rewards, and facilitating open communication. Highlight how these strategies lead to a collaborative, motivated workforce focused on client care.

In your response, detail any past experiences managing budgets, including tracking expenses, understanding funding sources, and making adjustments to stay within budget while still meeting the needs of clients.

Person-centered practices are key to ensuring that services are truly tailored to each individual’s needs and preferences. Explain how these practices lead to better client satisfaction and outcomes, demonstrating your commitment to individualized care.

Address your comprehensive approach to training, which should encompass orientation sessions, mentorship throughout initial working phases, and ongoing professional development. Emphasize the importance of creating a supportive learning environment.

In answering, conduct prior research on Dungarvin's programs to provide specific suggestions. Be open about how you would leverage your insights and experiences to enhance service delivery and client satisfaction.

Discuss specific metrics or KPIs you would use to assess both program effectiveness and team performance, including client satisfaction surveys, staff retention rates, or success stories from participants in your programs.