Program Director – Residential Services

Location: On-site with travel around the Twin Cities
Salary: $75,000–$90,000 annually

BrightPath is seeking a Program Director (Designated Manager) to lead our Community Residential Settings (CRS) and Crisis Respite programs. This role provides operational leadership, supports program teams, ensures licensing compliance, and helps deliver high-quality, person-centered care for adults with disabilities and mental health needs.

If you thrive in a mission-driven environment and enjoy coaching teams, managing programs, and improving client outcomes, we’d love to meet you.

What You’ll Do

Team Leadership & Staff Management

• Supervise and coach Designated Coordinators, Lead Staff, and Behavior Technicians

• Lead hiring, onboarding, training, and performance evaluations

• Ensure programs are properly staffed and within budget

• Maintain accurate documentation and quality standards

• Facilitate communication between leadership and program teams

• Serve as on-call support Monday–Friday, 8am–4pm

Client Services & Program Quality

• Screen referrals, host tours, and develop service contracts

• Lead client intakes, admissions, assessments, and service plan development

• Attend client team meetings and ensure ongoing documentation compliance

• Conduct site audits, incident reviews, and develop corrective action plans

• Participate in internal/external investigations involving vulnerable adults

• Oversee daily client programming, behavioral tracking, and outcomes

• Communicate with guardians, case managers, and community partners

• Participate in after-hours and weekend on-call rotation

Program Development & Compliance

• Ensure programs operate according to BrightPath’s mission and state regulations

• Create program proposals, reports, and quality improvement materials

• Update policies and procedures based on legislative or DHS changes

• Build strong relationships with counties, regions, and community partners

• Conduct program evaluations and support continuous quality improvement

• Support 245D-required staff training and compliance tracking

Financial Management

• Manage site budgets, staffing patterns, and P&L performance

• Create and submit rate exception requests

• Monitor financial metrics and ensure fiscal integrity of each site

Skills & Abilities

• Strong leadership and communication skills

• Excellent organization, time management, and decision-making

• Crisis management and problem-solving abilities

• Experience supporting individuals with high needs or challenging behaviors

• Ability to work in fast-paced, changing environments

Required Qualifications (245D Designated Manager)

Must meet Minnesota 245D Designated Manager requirements, including:

• 3+ years of supervisory experience in disability or behavioral health services (5+ preferred)

• AND one of the following:

  1. Bachelor’s in Human Services/Social Work/Psychology + 1 year direct care experience

  2. Associate degree in a related field + 2 years direct care experience

  3. Diploma in a related field + 3 years direct care experience

  4. 50 hours of human services training + 4 years direct care experience under qualified supervision

Must also meet additional 245D education/training standards.

Working Conditions

• Office and community-based work

• Driving between residential sites (Twin Cities area)

• Occasional lifting up to 50 lbs

• Ability to work after hours during emergencies

Why You’ll Love Working at BrightPath

• Make a direct impact in the lives of adults with disabilities

• Lead and mentor a high-performing team

• Opportunities for professional growth

• Supportive, mission-driven culture

Benefits

• ICHRA health arrangement (some compatible with HSA/FSA)

• Dental & vision (Mutual of Omaha)

• 401(k) with 3.5% company match

• Paid time off + paid holidays

• Employee Assistance Program

• Training and professional development

• Employee recognition programs

• Team-building events

• Flexible scheduling when available

Apply Today

Join a team committed to empowering individuals to live with dignity, independence, and joy. Help us light the path to a brighter future.

BrightPath LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

BrightPath is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce. We provide a positive and supportive work environment that encourages professional growth and development. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Join us and be part of a team that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities.