Residential Program Lead

Core Responsibilities:

The primary responsibility of the Residential Program Lead is to provide leadership, oversight, and direct support within Ascendigo’s residential programming. This role ensures that residents (learners) are supported in achieving their individualized goals while experiencing a safe, structured, and family-like home environment. The Program Lead is accountable for the day-to-day operations of assigned residences, supervision of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), and implementation of individualized plans in collaboration with Clinical Leads, Program Director, and family/guardians. The Program Lead serves as the on-site leader, coach, and role model for both residents and staff.

Tasks:

·        Oversee day-to-day operations of assigned residential home(s), ensuring compliance with Individualized Plans, Behavior Plans, and agency policies.

·        Supervise, schedule, train, and mentor DSP staff to ensure consistency, accountability, and quality of care.

·        Act as a peer mentor and household leader, fostering a family-like environment where residents feel safe, supported, and empowered.

·        Collaborate with Clinical Managers, Case Managers, and other team members to ensure individualized supports are effectively implemented.

·        Provide direct support and coaching to residents as needed, including assistance with activities of daily living, communication, health, and safety.

·        Support residents in engaging in community-based activities, recreational opportunities, and life skill development.

·        Ensure a clean, organized, and welcoming household environment; coordinate and participate in household responsibilities as necessary.

·        Manage residents’ Personal Needs Funds in alignment with program guidelines, maintaining accurate records and documentation.

·        Oversee meal planning and preparation to meet residents’ dietary needs and preferences.

·        Monitor residents’ health and wellness needs, coordinate with healthcare providers as needed, and ensure timely communication with families/guardians.

·        Maintain accurate and timely documentation, including progress notes, incident reports, and staff scheduling.

·        Respond to emergencies or crisis situations promptly and in accordance with organizational policies.

·        Serve as a liaison with families, guardians, and external stakeholders to ensure continuity of care and effective communication.

·        Participate in on-call rotation and provide coverage support as needed.

Qualifications:

·        Knowledge of the field of autism and/or intellectual and developmental disabilities, with experience supporting adults in residential or similar settings.

·        Strong leadership and supervisory skills, with the ability to coach and mentor staff.

·        Ability to model and foster a positive, supportive, and person-centered culture.

·        Experience in household management, including meal planning, basic cooking, and maintaining a safe/clean environment.

·        Ability to support residents with sensitivity in personal care, communication, and daily living activities.

·        Effective interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams.

·        Strong problem-solving, organizational, and time management skills.

·        Ability to manage multiple priorities, set clear expectations, and meet deadlines.

·        Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and extended hours when needed.

In addition:

• Must be age 21 or over and have legal working status.


• Must maintain a valid driver’s license with no major violations in the past 5 years.


• Must have a clean background check with no felonies or flags


• Willingness to take Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) classes and obtain certification.


• Should have at least a high school diploma.


• Must have flexibility to travel for occasional professional development and resident activities (if applicable).


• Must have a smartphone with texting capacity for communication and scheduling purposes (Ascendigo provides a monthly cell phone stipend for Skills Trainers)

Personal Characteristics: should be committed and passionate about the Ascendigo mission of a holistic, active, community-based, independent, and person-centered life. He/she should believe in the dignity and potential of our clients. We also have a commitment to a culture of R.E.S.P.E.C.T. which stands for:

·        R-Recognize the inherent worth of your coworkers.

·        E- Eliminate derogatory words and phrases.

·        S- Speak with people- not at them- or about them.

·        P-Protect the culture of your organization- report and support!

·        E- Empathize- consider what it is like in others’ situations.

·        C-Consider your impact on others before speaking and apologize when you make a mistake.

·        T- Treat everyone with integrity, dignity, and respect.