Program Director

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:

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

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

Diploma in a related field + 3 years direct care experience

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

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.