The Senior Area Director (Sr AD) is a
field-based role responsible for ensuring safe, compliant, and highquality service delivery across assigned programs (e.g., group homes, host homes, day programs). This position requires
regular travel within the assigned markets to provide on-site leadership and oversight. The SAD oversees operational execution, staffing performance, client outcomes, quality, compliance, and survey readiness in collaboration with key departments.
Under the direction of the Regional Vice President (RVP), the Sr AD leads regional initiatives aligned with organizational goals while maintaining a reduced caseload to focus on leadership responsibilities. The position also supports census growth, client onboarding, and case management, serving as a regional resource and mentor to Area Directors to promote consistency and collaboration
Essential Functions:- Support strategic planning, growth, marketing/community relationships, and external stakeholder engagement in assigned markets, in partnership with the appropriate leaders/departments.
- Support the development and execution of multi-region strategies aligned with corporate objectives; translate strategy into measurable goals, timelines, and accountability.
- Provide direct supervision, coaching, and performance oversight of Day Program Managers across assigned regions, ensuring programs operate in compliance with regulatory requirements, meet quality and safety standards, and achieve expected operational and participant outcomes.
- Environmental and program assessments: Conduct routine site visits (residential settings and day services, as applicable) to all assigned sites at a minimum of a monthly basis to verify environmental conditions, life safety compliance, and adherence to policies and procedures; drive corrective actions as needed.
- Manage and maintain Individual Program Plans (IPP) / active treatment plans for individuals served; ensure plans are current, accurate, and revised as required.
- Ensure services are delivered in alignment with each individual's Person-Directed Plan (PDP), goals, and support needs; collaborate with Residential Coordinators to drive consistent implementation.
- Onboarding: recruit/interview/onboard new hires. Ensure they are properly trained, oriented, and equipped to meet company standards and provide quality care. Monitor and enforce timely completion of all required annual and ad-hoc company training to maintain regulatory and organizational compliance.
- Staffing & workforce management: Manage schedules/coverage, reduce overtime, and ensure timekeeping and payroll inputs are accurate and timely. Additionally, ensure all employees maintain required credentials for their job duties (e.g., valid driver's license, CPR certification, and other role-specific certifications).
- Cross departmental collaboration: Collaborates with cross-functional teams to drive area census growth and retention by ensuring seamless client onboarding and effective case management, fostering alignment across departments to deliver exceptional client experiences and operational excellence.
- Coordinate and document interdisciplinary team (IDT) meetings as required; ensure documentation is completed, filed, and communicated to operational teams.
- Regulatory compliance and surveys: maintain survey/audit readiness; participate in surveys/inspections, respond promptly to deficiencies, and develop/implement plans of correction in collaboration with Quality Assurance.
- Assist in conducting employee investigations in coordination with the regional HR team, gathering relevant information and ensuring adherence to company policies and legal requirements.
- Monitor data sheets, progress toward goals, and changes in condition; identify regression/progression and recommend plan adjustments and clinical interventions as appropriate.
- Facilitate overall care coordination by collaborating with service coordinators, healthcare providers, behavioral health partners, and other internal and external stakeholders to ensure integrated, person-centered support.
- Manage rights restriction requests and renewals, ensuring proper documentation, approvals, and compliance with applicable regulations and internal policy.
- Review and approve trust fund requests to ensure accuracy and adherence to company policies.
- Monitor and ensure timely updates to personal inventory records in compliance with state regulatory requirements.
- Support temporary and permanent move processes for individuals (clinical planning, documentation, coordination with stakeholders) to ensure smooth transitions and continuity of services.
- Support incident follow-up from a clinical/program perspective; review incident trends impacting care plans and recommend corrective actions/training as needed.
- Support staff training and coaching related to individual plans, active treatment, rights restrictions, and behavior/medical supports; validate understanding and follow-through.
- Review service utilization for over/under-utilization and recommend adjustments as needed; support reporting/metrics as required.
- Ensure compliance with applicable program principles, documentation requirements, and regulatory standards.
- Perform other duties as assigned by senior leadership.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in human services or healthcare related field required (per program requirements); master's degree in a related field is preferred.
- A minimum of at least 1 year of experience working directly with persons with intellectual disability or other developmental disabilities.
- Minimum 3-5 years of progressive leadership or supervisory experience required with demonstrated ability to manage staffing/scheduling, performance management, compliance, and stakeholder communication.
- Hands-on experience with person-centered planning, Individual Program Plans, or PersonDirected Plans is preferred
- Experience supporting or participating in regulatory surveys, audits, or inspections
- Strong leadership and coaching skills with the ability to manage field-based teams
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Competency using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) or similar platforms
