Program Director - Passage

At Southside Unlimited, we are committed to supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities in achieving meaningful outcomes through high-quality, person-centered services. We are currently seeking a Program Director to provide leadership and oversight for our Southside Unlimited program. This role is responsible for upholding professional standards, guiding case management practices, supporting ongoing behavioral education, and ensuring strong program organization aligned with participant outcomes. The Program Director will play a key role in fostering a culture of respect, accountability, and continuous improvement across the program.

The Program Director oversees Passage Offices in Sacramento, Elk Grove, Auburn and Woodland, with their main office being located in Sacramento.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Agency Organization
   
   
   
   1. Under the direction and supervision of the COO, the Program Director shall do the following administrative tasks:
      
      
      
      1. Maintain a current understanding of Southside Unlimited policies and procedures and work with the COO to review and update policies as needed.
      
      
      2. Under direction with the Executive Director and COO, be familiar with California Labor Law and Labor Department.
      
      
      
      
   
   
   
   

• Assist the Executive Director, COO, and CFO with long-range planning and organizational projects as requested.

1. Provide oversight and collaborate with Operations Manager and Financial Director,

1. Establish and maintain systems that support effective and timely program operations.


2. Be familiar with rules and regulations of the city, county, and state agencies as they relate to the program.


3. Prepare reports for and attend Board of Director meeting.


4. Provides ongoing administrative management and support to each Program.


5. Alert COO to site problems which may not comply with Program Design and take action immediately.


6. Other tasks assigned by the COO/CEO/CSO as needed.

1. Programmatic Organization
   
   
   
   1. Provide weekly supervision of Managers/Supervisors.
   
   
   2. Interview and hire staff with Managers/Supervisors.
   
   
   3. Update job descriptions, interview materials, and employee review forms.
   
   
   4. Timely completion of Managers’/Supervisors’ performance appraisals.
   
   
   5. Staff Training to ensure the proficiency and establish ongoing education for staff to provide positive outcomes for participants. i.e. in areas of behavior intervention, self-advocacy, job skills developments, ProACT, etc.
   
   
   6. Lend support in participant crisis situations as required.
   
   
   7. Support and provide clinical BCBA hours to participants, if applicable.
   
   
   8. Design, evaluate, and revision of the programs to meet changing participant needs.
   
   
   9. Provide regular and timely feedback to COO regarding staff performance issues, participant performance issues, department recommendations, etc.
   
   
   10. Receive and screen referrals for potential participant placements into program.
   
   
   11. Provide oversight of staff supervision assignments in accordance with the agency's deployment plan.
   
   
   12. In conjunction with Managers/Supervisors, develop paid and volunteer jobs and ensure that participant needs are met at job placement sites.
   
   
   13. Meet weekly with COO to give updates on program development and quality assurance issues.
   
   
   14. Maintain ongoing communications with staff and participants regarding whether program objectives are being met.
   
   
   15. With Mangers/Supervisors, audit participant charts, I.D. Notes, P.C.P. I.R. and I.S.P. processes to ensure that timely documentation occurs and that participant needs are being met.
   
   
   
   

1. Training and Staff Development Responsibilities
   
   
   
   1. Support and train Passage Training Series
   
   
   2. Must be a certified Professional Assault Crisis Training (Pro-ACT) Trainer and maintain certification
   
   
   3. General training about Intellectual Disabilities
   
   
   4. Mandated Abuse Training
   
   
   5. Person Centered Thinking
   
   
   6. First Aid/CPR
   
   
   7. Other training as needed
   
   
   
   

1. Quality Assurance, Evaluation and Long-Range Planning

1. 
   
   
   
   1. Keep abreast of current trends and “Best Practices” in the Development Disabilities Field
   
   
   
   

1. Ensure that staff practices coincide with the policies and procedures of the agency.


2. In conjunction with COO, engage in strategic planning/long-range planning on a yearly basis

1. Community Networking

1. 
   
   
   
   1. Act as program liaison to Regional Center staff, planning team members, volunteer/paid jobsites, program staff, participant advocacy groups, and the public at large.
   
   
   
   

1. Professional Training and Development
   
   
   
   1. Attend First Aid Seminars as required
   
   
   2. Attend agency staff retreats.
   
   
   3. Attend professional training conferences as requested by COO (occasional required training activities may be scheduled during weekend time.)
   
   
   4. Keep current on training that is available to enhance skills needed to perform the job and make timely training requests to COO.
   
   
   
   

1. Desired Personality Traits for Department Director Applicants

1. 
   
   
   
   1. Familiarity with Developmental Services Field and a personal commitment to concepts of person-centered thinking, advocacy, supported work, integrated life, positive behavior support, and a meaningful life. 
   
   
   2. Charismatic personality/ability to elicit staff respect.
   
   
   3. Ability to be tactful and use good judgment when intervening in a variety of situations.
   
   
   4. Ability to work independently and be self-motivated.
   
   
   5. Ability to be organized, prioritize tasks, and respond to job duties in a timely manner.
   
   
   6. Ability to be a creative problem-solver.
   
   
   7. Demonstration of a good sense of humor.
   
   
   
   

1. Applicant Requirements
   
   
   
   1. A. degree in Behavioral Sciences or related field with four (4) years of supervisory experience in a human services or related field required.
   
   
   2. Master's degree in psychology, special education, behavior analysis, or a related field preferred; BCBA certification highly desirable.
   
   
   3. Previous job experience with individuals with behavioral challenges and/or individuals with autism spectrum required.
   
   
   4. Effective verbal and written communication skills required.
   
   
   5. Familiarity with the Interdisciplinary Team Process.
   
   
   6. Possession of a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and a clean DMV required.
   
   
   7. Possession of a reliable car.
   
   
   8. All applicants must be free from substance abuse