Director, Community Experience

Description

THE ARC CENTRAL ALABAMA

Job Description: Director of Community Experience / Community Waiver Services

Department: Community Waiver Services
FLSA Classification: Exempt (Salaried)
Employment Type: Full-Time
Salary Grade: Grade 9 - Director/Leadership
Reports To: Vice President / Senior Vice President of Community Waiver Services
Supervises: Community Experience and Community Waiver Program Coordinators
Schedule: Monday-Friday; occasional evening, weekend, or on-call availability based on operational needs
Location: Central Alabama - administrative office, program sites, and community settings

About the Opportunity

The Arc Central Alabama is seeking a mission-driven leader to direct community-based services that help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities live, work, and thrive as valued members of their communities. If you are an experienced human services leader who believes in choice, dignity, and inclusion, we invite you to apply.

1. Position Summary

The Director of Community Experience / Community Waiver Services provides strategic and operational leadership for community-based programs serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The Director ensures high-quality, person-centered services that promote independence, choice, dignity, inclusion, meaningful engagement, and progress toward individual goals.

The role oversees program operations, staff leadership, compliance, documentation, budgets, quality improvement, and individual outcomes while collaborating with executive leadership, clinical and nursing teams, quality assurance, human resources, finance, families, guardians, Support Coordinators, and community partners.

2. Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following essential functions must be performed, with or without reasonable accommodation. This list is representative and not exhaustive.

Leadership and Operations

• Provide strategic direction and day-to-day oversight for assigned Community Waiver Services programs.
  

• Translate organizational priorities into clear plans, standards, measurable outcomes, and staff expectations.
  

• Conduct site visits; monitor staffing, service delivery, documentation, environments, and program performance; and ensure timely corrective action.
  

• Communicate significant risks, staffing needs, performance issues, and improvement priorities to executive leadership.
  

Community Experience and Person-Centered Services

• Lead a department-wide strategy for meaningful activities, community participation, personal growth, and improved quality of life.
  

• Ensure services reflect everyone's interests, preferences, abilities, culture, goals, informed choices, and rights.
  

• Expand access to recreation, volunteering, employment exploration, education, social activities, natural supports, and community partnerships.
  

• Evaluate engagement and individual outcomes and address barriers to inclusion.
  

Staff and Program Oversight

• Supervise, coach, evaluate, and hold assigned coordinators accountable for operations, staffing, communication, documentation, and service quality.
  

• Monitor schedules, attendance, vacancies, training, certifications, and workforce coverage based on individual needs and budget.
  

• Ensure staff follow Person-Centered Plans, medical and behavioral plans, assessments, and individual-specific instructions.
  

• Promote professional conduct, teamwork, leadership development, and prompt resolution of performance concerns.
  

Compliance, Quality, and Safety

• Ensure compliance with applicable ADMH, Alabama Medicaid, Community Waiver Program, HCBS Settings Rule, CARF, and agency requirements.
  

• Monitor required records, incident follow-up, risk management, individual rights, health and safety, and corrective actions.
  

• Support surveys, audits, accreditation reviews, person-centered planning, and continuous quality improvement.
  

Financial Management and Improvement

• Monitor budgets, staffing costs, utilization, purchasing, resource allocation, and operational trends.
  

• Identify efficiencies that preserve appropriate staffing, compliance, and quality of care.
  

• Use program data, incidents, audit findings, outcomes, and feedback to guide measurable improvements and service development.
  

Communication and Partnerships

• Maintain timely, professional communication with leadership, staff, families, guardians, Support Coordinators, and partners.
  

• Prepare accurate reports, escalate significant concerns, and ensure follow-up commitments are completed.
  

• Represent The Arc professionally and advocate for the rights, needs, and preferences of individuals served.
  

• Perform other related duties as assigned.
  

3. Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in human services, Social Work, Psychology, Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, or related field.
  

• Five years of experience in IDD, human services, healthcare, or related service delivery, including three years in supervision or management. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
  

• Experience in program administration, staff supervision, documentation, quality assurance, and operational oversight.
  

• Knowledge of person-centered practices, individual rights, community-based services, and applicable regulatory requirements.
  

4. Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related field.
  

• Experience with the Alabama ADMH Community Waiver Program, QDDP/QIDP requirements, multi-site operations, CARF accreditation, regulatory surveys, budget monitoring, or community partnership development.
  

5. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Effective leadership, communication, organization, judgment, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills.
  

• Ability to manage competing priorities, analyze performance data, and implement measurable improvements.
  

• Proficiency with electronic documentation systems, Microsoft Office, and applicable agency systems.
  

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
  

6. Measures of Success

• Meaningful engagement, community participation, and progress toward personal outcomes.
  

• Accurate, timely documentation, and sustained regulatory compliance.
  

• Effective staffing, leadership, communication, risk management, and issue resolution.
  

• Responsible financial stewardship and measurable service improvements.
  

7. Physical Requirements and Work Environment

This role is performed in office, program, and community settings and requires regular travel between agency locations and occasional evening, weekend, or emergency availability. The essential functions require the ability, with or without reasonable accommodation, to: communicate effectively in person, by phone, and in writing; operate a computer and standard office equipment for extended periods; move between and within program sites and community settings; and occasionally lift or move items up to 25 pounds.

Because regular travel is an essential function, a valid driver's license, an acceptable driving record, and current auto insurance are required for driving on agency business. Applicants who cannot drive because of a disability may request a reasonable accommodation. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background checks conducted in accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act and applicable law, as well as drug screening and any job-related health screenings, which are conducted only after a conditional offer of employment.

The Arc Central Alabama is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation during the application or hiring process, please contact Human Resources.

8. Equal Employment Opportunity and Employment Disclaimers

The Arc Central Alabama is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

This job description is not a contract of employment and may be revised at any time to meet organizational needs. Employment with The Arc Central Alabama is at will, meaning either the employee or the organization may end the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, consistent with applicable law.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, Special Education, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of three years of experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Experience with HCBS Waiver programs, residential services, or community-based supports preferred.
• Master's degree in a related field preferred.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel within the region.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and supervisory skills with a commitment to staff development and team collaboration.
• Knowledge of HCBS Waiver regulations, residential care standards, and best practices in community integration.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution abilities.
• Ability to manage budgets, analyze service utilization, and oversee multiple program areas simultaneously.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to The Arc's mission, values, and principles of person-centered care, dignity, and advocacy.
• Proficiency with electronic documentation systems, regulatory reporting, and data tracking.

Working Conditions

Office and residential group home environments. Occasional travel within the region. Flexible schedule, including nights and weekends as needed.

Summary

Diversity, Inclusion, and Equal Opportunity Statement
The Arc of Central Alabama is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information, marital status, or any other protected status under federal or state law. We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage veterans and individuals from underrepresented communities to apply.
Join Us
If you're passionate about supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and want to make a meaningful impact, we invite you to apply and become part of our mission-driven team.