Director of Residential Services

About Daybreak Independent Services, Inc.

In 2010, Daybreak Independent Services opened its doors for individuals with developmental disabilities to learn and apply their skills in a traditional work setting. Since then, Daybreak has expanded its mission to multiple locations, adding both people and additional services. DBIS serves hundreds of New Yorkers living with developmental disabilities.

Partnerships with local businesses like Stew Leonard, Morris Center, Afya Foundation, Salvation Army, and POTS have allowed the vision to grow exponentially. In addition, taking on residential programs has allowed us to serve those who need round-the-clock supervision.

It's only the beginning. As we change lives every day, we change in the process. So the work continues, and we look forward to what lies ahead.

Website:https://www.daybreakis.org

Job Title: Director of Residential Services

Reports to: Chief Operations Officer

Location: Bronx & Queens, NY

Job Classification: (Full-time) Senior Position

FLSA: Exempt 

Salary: $85,000-  $95,000 Annual

About DBIS

DBIS is a mission-driven nonprofit organization committed to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). We believe in creating opportunities for individuals to live meaningful, healthy, safe, and fulfilling lives through person-centered services, community integration, and individualized support.

We are seeking an experienced, clinically knowledgeable, and results-driven Director of Residential Services to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of our Supervised Individual Residential Alternatives (IRAs).

Position Summary

The Director of Residential Services is responsible for overall leadership, clinical coordination, operational performance, regulatory compliance, and program quality.

The ideal candidate will bring a combination of clinical expertise, residential management experience, and strong operational leadership. This individual must understand the complex needs of people with I/DD, including individuals with co-occurring mental health conditions, behavioral challenges, and medical complexities.

The Director will ensure that residential services are person-centered, clinically appropriate, operationally sound, and aligned with OPWDD regulations, agency policies, and best practices.

Summary of Primary Responsibilities and Essential Functions of Position:

1. Residential Operations & Leadership

• Provide overall leadership and supervision of all Supervised IRA programs.
• Directly supervise and develop Residential Managers, Assistant Managers, Shift Supervisors, and other residential leadership staff.
• Establish clear expectations, accountability, and performance standards for residential leadership.
• Ensure appropriate staffing patterns, scheduling, coverage, and management of overtime.
• Conduct regular site visits, management meetings, and operational reviews.
• Monitor residential budgets, resources, supplies, and property maintenance.

2. Clinical Oversight & Individualized Care

• Provide clinical leadership and ensure that individuals receive appropriate, individualized, and person-centered support.
• Work collaboratively with the Clinical Director, Behavior Intervention Specialists (BIS), QIDPs, nurses, medical coordinators, and other professionals.
• Review and monitor Individualized Service Plans (ISPs), Staff Action Plans (SAPs), Behavior Support Plans (BSPs), and other clinical documentation.
• Ensure implementation and monitoring of behavioral interventions, including appropriate supervision levels, proactive strategies, and positive behavioral supports.
• Oversee clinical coordination for individuals with dual diagnoses, mental health needs, complex behavioral presentations, and significant medical needs.
• Ensure effective coordination of medical appointments, medication management, psychiatric services, and follow-up care.
• Monitor changes in individuals' needs and ensure timely clinical reassessment and appropriate adjustments to services.

3. OPWDD Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Maintain compliance with applicable OPWDD regulations, including 14 NYCRR Parts 624, 625, 633, and 635.
• Ensure residential programs are survey-ready and maintain accurate, complete, and timely documentation.
• Monitor incident management, investigations, corrective action plans, and implementation of preventive measures.
• Ensure implementation of Individual Protective Oversight Plans and required safety measures.
• Collaborate with Quality Assurance and Compliance to identify trends, address deficiencies, and improve service delivery.
• Ensure staff follow applicable policies, procedures, and mandatory training requirements.

4. Workforce Development & Accountability

• Build a strong residential leadership team through coaching, mentoring, and performance management.
• Establish accountability among Residential Managers and Assistant Managers for daily operations and service quality.
• Ensure staff receive appropriate training in person-centered care, medical protocols, behavioral support, SCIP, AMAP, and incident reporting, as applicable.
• Address performance concerns promptly and promote a culture of professionalism, communication, and responsibility.
• Develop leadership succession and staff retention strategies.

5. Person-Centered Services & Family Engagement

• Promote individual choice, dignity, independence, and community inclusion.
• Maintain effective communication with families, guardians, Care Coordination Organizations (CCOs), and other stakeholders.
• Ensure residential programs focus on individual outcomes, meaningful activities, and quality of life.
• Address family concerns with professionalism, transparency, and timely follow-up.

6. Performance Management & Continuous Improvement

• Establish and monitor measurable residential performance indicators.
• Review incidents, medication errors, hospitalizations, staffing vacancies, overtime, training compliance, and quality-of-care trends.
• Develop corrective and preventive action plans.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency without compromising individual care or safety.

• Provide regular performance reports to executive leadership. 

Qualifications & Experience:

Education

• Master's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Mental Health Counseling, Human Services, Nursing, or a related clinical discipline preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in a related field required, with significant relevant experience considered.

Professional Experience

• Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive experience in OPWDD residential services or comparable I/DD human services programs.
• Minimum of 3 years of supervisory or senior management experience.
• Experience overseeing multiple residential programs or Supervised IRAs is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of OPWDD regulations, incident management, residential certification requirements, and Medicaid service delivery.
• Experience managing residential staffing, budgets, performance, and operational challenges.

Clinical Background

• Demonstrated clinical experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Strong understanding of behavioral health, psychiatric conditions, dual diagnosis, and complex support needs.
• Experience working with Behavior Support Plans, Individualized Service Plans, clinical assessments, and interdisciplinary teams.
• Ability to recognize clinical risks, evaluate changes in individual functioning, and coordinate appropriate interventions.

Required Leadership Competencies

• Strong clinical judgment and problem-solving ability.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to lead, motivate, and hold managers accountable.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to manage complex situations and competing priorities.
• Commitment to person-centered services, dignity, and individual rights.
• Ability to balance clinical quality, regulatory compliance, and operational effectiveness.

Travel: This position requires travel.

• Must have a valid driver's License 

Why Join DBIS?

At DBIS, leadership is more than managing programs. It is about making a meaningful difference in people's lives.

Our leadership philosophy is built around:

WE UNDERSTAND | WE CONNECT | WE COMMIT

We are looking for a leader who shares our commitment to quality services, professional accountability, clinical excellence, and meaningful outcomes for the people we support.

Benefits: 

• Competitive Salary based on skills
• Premium Medical Health Insurance
• Dental & Vision
• Life Insurance Benefits
• 403(B) Retirement Plan, 2% bonus match based on Agency Fiscal year ending turnover
• Short-term disability
• Term Life Insurance
• New York Commuter Benefits
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Sick and vacation time for eligible full-time employees.
• Frontloaded paid time off from Day 1 of your start date, eligible to use after completing the introductory period.