Assistant Director Residential Services

Since 1967, Helen Keller National Center (HKNC) has been committed to improving the lives of individuals who are DeafBlind or have a combined hearing and vision loss. We currently have an exciting full time career opportunity available to join the HKNC team as a Assistant Director of Residential Services. The Assistant Director is Responsible for ensuring that the Residence and Destiny group home provide opportunities that match each individual’s gifts, abilities and interests with the appropriate supports to ensure success and empowerment as well as accessibility. The Assistant Director supervises the Residence Coordinator, Destiny Program Advisor, and Destiny RN and ensures the programs are in compliance with the DOH and OPWDD regulations.

Provides on-call support to the supervisors and in their absence, the staff in the residence and destiny programs. Is able to cover shifts when needed and extend hours during emergencies or staff shortages.

Regular Shift: Tuesday-Saturday 11:00am-7:00pm

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Interviews and hires the Residence Coordinator and Program Advisor.
• Supervises, coaches and evaluates work performance of the Residence Coordinator and Program Advisor.
• Develops best practices for ensuring reciprocal communication between the residence and training program.
• Becomes familiar with individual consumer services to guide, counsel and advise the delivery of services.
• Reviews progress of the residents of destiny and monitors quality and timeliness of billing data and life plans.
• Maintains residence building, upkeep of furnishings and living areas and recommends capital improvements to ensure consumer satisfaction, safety and accessibility. Approves and facilitates ordering of appropriate materials and equipment for both programs.
• Assists with the development of respective department budgets, maintains and monitors expenses.
• Reviews annual reports for both programs and ensures appropriateness of program goals and implementation of activities and projects to support and accomplish these goals
• Assists with the coordination and development of professional training, weekly and monthly COP meetings, coaching activities and required trainings.
• Participates in participant-run committees and advises. Works with participants and staff to implement positive changes in the residence. Oversees the satisfaction and quality of service surveys for Destiny.
• Provides supervisory training on HKNC philosophy and OPWDD regulations. Monitors staff competencies and program compliance in these areas by coaching supervisory staff during program activities.
• Helps to coordinate ancillary support services from HKNC and staff trainings on sign language, communication, orientation and mobility, independent living skills, adaptive technology, low vision, audiology, leisure and proactive behavioral and mental health strategies. Monitors supervisory competencies in these areas.
• Supervises the RN at Destiny home to ensure compliance with OPWDD requirements and amap procedures and best practices are implemented by amap staff.
• Works with the Residence Coordinator and Assistant Coordinator to ensure compliance with Department of Health (DOH) regulations. Works with the Destiny Program Advisor and Assistant Advisor to ensure compliance with OPWDD regulations. Maintains role as DOH administrator and leads the annual survey.
• Monitors supervisory activities in relation to department staff of Residence Coordinator and Assistant Coordinator as well as Destiny Program Advisor and Assistant Advisor.
• Responds to emergency situations, consumer illness, building maintenance or fire by providing leadership and decision making to take appropriate course of action. Maintains the Emergency and Disaster plan and evacuation plans for the residence and provides training to staff. Implements covid protocols while overseeing staffing coverage and ensuring safe and appropriate delivery of services in both programs.
• Performs duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Director- Direct Services or Executive Director and at the discretion of the Administration.
• Accompanies, serves as guide, and supports communication access for consumers and staff when necessary in a variety of situations and settings. To accomplish this the individual may be required to use a personal vehicle on occasion.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Direct Reports include: Residence Coordinator and Program Advisor, RN at destiny home.

Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include: interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: BUDGET:

• Responsible for program and/or project budgets.
• Responsible for the development of budgets in accordance with the strategic parameters set forth by HKS and accountable for meeting financial expectations for the programs/departments under his/her control.
• Accountable for achieving program goals in a cost-effective and efficient manner to meet or exceed budget expectations.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's Degree in Special Education, Psychology or related field required or Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of three years’ Supervisory experience in Residential Setting serving individuals who are DeafBlind, Deaf or Blind or with multiple disabilities.
• Knowledge of the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) regulations and policy preferred.
• Knowledge of sign language and alternative and non-symbolic methods of communication strongly preferred.
• Must possess a valid New York State Driver’s license.
• Knowledge of MS Office, Excel and Internet required. Strong report writing skills required.
• Proficiency in conversational sign language used by persons who are DeafBlind must be developed within one year. Knowledge of deaf and deaf-blind culture required.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

CPR and first aid required.

At HKS we strive to provide a healthy work-life balance for our employees. we offer generous paid time off and comprehensive benefit package including:

• Medical, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance
• 4 weeks vacation
• 12 paid sick days
• 2 paid personal days
• Paid Holidays
• Life Insurance
• Short/Long Term Disability
• 403b Program w/Employer Match
• Voluntary ancillary benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Career Advancement opportunities