Group Home Manager

Position Overview The Group Home Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, operation, and quality of life for residents in the PICA/autism group home. The manager ensures a safe, supportive, person-centered living environment, coordinates direct care staff, oversees program implementation, ensures regulatory compliance, and collaborates with families, community partners, and the broader agency to promote residents’ rights, growth, and well-being. Key Responsibilities · Leadership and Program Oversight Provide day-to-day management of the group home, including supervision of direct care staff, shift scheduling, and performance management. Promote a person-centered, trauma-informed approach that respects residents’ choices, dignity, privacy, and rights. Develop, implement, and monitor individualized service plans (ISPs) and behavior support plans (BSPs) in collaboration with the residential team, case managers, clinicians, and family/guardians. Foster a positive, enriching living environment with meaningful activities, skill-building opportunities, and community integration. · Staff Supervision and Development Recruit, hire, train, coach, and evaluate direct care staff, ensuring competencies in safety, de-escalation, communication, and growth opportunities. Schedule staffing to meet resident needs while controlling labor costs. Conduct regular staff meetings, performance reviews, and ongoing training as needed. · Resident Care and Safety Ensure high-quality, compliant delivery of services including daily living supports, medication administration, health monitoring, and incident reporting. Implement and monitor safety protocols, emergency procedures, fire drills, and disaster preparedness. Manage behavioral support plans and crisis interventions in a manner that minimizes risk and respects residents’ rights. Promote health and wellness, including coordination with healthcare providers, transportation to appointments, and monitoring of medical needs. · Compliance and Quality Assurance Ensure adherence to all applicable regulations, licensing standards, and agency policies. Maintain accurate, up-to-date documentation, records, incident reports, and client logs as required. Prepare for and participate in audits, licensing surveys, and internal quality improvement initiatives. Assist in the development and monitoring of quality improvement plans and family/guardian satisfaction initiatives. · Family and Community Partnerships Build and maintain positive relationships with residents’ families/guardians, advocates, and community partners. Coordinate family meetings, progress updates, and care planning in a respectful, transparent manner. · Administrative and Financial Management Oversee PNA and petty cash spending preparing necessary reports. · Program Development and Innovation Identify opportunities to expand programming (life skills, education, employment readiness, recreational activities) to promote independence and community inclusion. Implement evidence-based practices and incorporate feedback from residents, families, and staff into program planning. · Documentation and Reporting Maintain accurate service delivery records, incident reports, medication logs (if applicable), and quarterly or annual reports as required. Qualifications · Education: Bachelor’s degree preferred. High School diploma is essential. · Experience: Minimum 2–4 years of experience in residential services or group home settings; prior supervisory or managerial experience strongly preferred. · Licensure/Certification: Valid NJ driver’s license with good driving record and all NJ DDD requirements including finger printing, drug testing, and coursework. · Skills: Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills; crisis intervention and conflict resolution; problem-solving and decision-making abilities; budget and data management; organizational and time-management skills. · Abilities: Able to work flexible hours including evenings/weekends as needed; physically able to assist residents as required; maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality. Competencies · Resident-centered mindset with a commitment to dignity and empowerment. · Strong team leadership and staff development capabilities. · Proactive problem-solving and adaptability in a dynamic residential setting. · Effective written and verbal communication with residents, families, staff, and external partners. Ability to d