Home & Community Services Manager

Easterseals New York’s mission is to spread help, hope, and answers. The organization provides services and supports that empower individuals with disabilities and special needs to achieve equality, dignity, and independence in their communities. In Rochester, Easterseals New York operates the Kessler Center, an approved private special education school serving students with developmental disabilities, including autism spectrum disorders and complex behavioral support needs. The Kessler Center provides educational and residential services for students who require specialized programming and individualized support.

Essential Job Functions/Responsibilities

Oversee the day-to-day operations of assigned ICF residences, day habilitation services, and respite programs.

Ensure programs provide safe, structured, person-centered services that meet the needs, preferences, and individualized goals of the people supported.

Monitor implementation of individualized service plans, habilitation goals, behavioral support plans, and other required program interventions.

Oversee intake, referral, admission, and transition processes in collaboration with program leadership and relevant stakeholders.

Ensure individuals have opportunities to participate in meaningful activities, community experiences, and integrated settings consistent with their preferences and individualized plans.

Coordinate transportation, appointments, recreational activities, community participation, and other services necessary to support individual needs.

Maintain residential and program environments that are safe, clean, organized, therapeutic, and conducive to personal growth and independence.

Provide direct support and personal care assistance, including toileting and other activities of daily living, when necessary to meet individual needs.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with families, guardians, schools, healthcare providers, consultants, and other service partners.

Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings, person-centered planning conferences, agency meetings, and other meetings as requested.

Monitor service quality and address operational concerns promptly in collaboration with the Program Director.

Recruit, orient, train, supervise, and develop Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and other assigned program staff.

Establish clear performance expectations and promote accountability, professionalism, teamwork, and person-centered service delivery.

Develop and maintain staffing schedules to ensure appropriate coverage and continuity of services.

Monitor staff attendance, timekeeping, adherence to work schedules, and compliance with agency policies.

Conduct performance evaluations, provide coaching, and implement corrective or disciplinary action in accordance with agency policies and procedures.

Ensure staff complete required training, maintain applicable certifications, and demonstrate competency in assigned responsibilities.

Provide guidance and support to staff in implementing positive behavioral support strategies and maintaining safe environments.

Promote effective communication among staff, program leadership, individuals receiving services, families, and interdisciplinary team members.

Provide on-call support and respond to staffing, operational, health, safety, and other urgent program needs assigned.

Lead program development and quality improvement initiatives to enhance services and outcomes.

Staff Supervision and Leadership

Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance

Ensure assigned programs comply with applicable federal, New York State, and local regulations, OPWDD requirements, Medicaid standards, agency policies, and contractual obligations.

Maintain operational readiness for regulatory surveys, audits, inspections, and other reviews.

Monitor program documentation for accuracy, completeness, timeliness, and compliance, including daily service notes, communication logs, shift assessments, incident reports, medication records, behavioral data, and individualized program documentation.

Ensure incidents are reported, documented, investigated, and followed up in accordance with agency policy and eficiencies and collaborate with the Program Director and Quality Improvement Department to develop, implement, and monitor corrective action plans.

Monitor compliance with required documentation, staff training, program reviews, and other operational deadlines.

Maintain records necessary to demonstrate compliance with regulatory and agency requirements.

Communicate significant compliance concerns, operational risks, and unresolved deficiencies to the Program Director promptly.

Individual Care, Health, and Safety

Promote the rights, dignity, choices, privacy, and independence of individuals receiving services.

Ensure individualized plans and supports are implemented consistently and reflect each person’s needs, preferences, and goals.

Monitor individuals’ health and well-being and ensure medical appointments, follow-up care, and healthcare recommendations are appropriately coordinated.

Ensure staff follow medication administration procedures, documentation requirements, and applicable medication management policies.

Promote proactive, positive, person-centered approaches to behavior management and crisis prevention.

Financial and Administrative Management

Monitor program budgets, household expenditures, and operational expenses to ensure responsible use of agency resources.

Review and approve purchases in accordance with established authorization procedures and budgetary limits.

Monitor inventory and coordinate procurement of household supplies, program materials, and other essential resources.

Maintain accurate financial, administrative, staffing, and program records.

Review program expenditures and identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency without compromising service quality or individual needs.

Provide required reports, updates, and operational information to the Program Director within established timeframes.

Coordinate with appropriate agency departments regarding staffing, payroll, purchasing, maintenance, transportation, and other administrative needs.

Community Integration and Stakeholder Collaboration

Promote meaningful community participation and opportunities for individuals to develop social, daily living, and independent living skills.

Support individualized activities that reflect each person’s interests, preferences, cultural needs, and personal goals.

Maintain effective communication with families, guardians, schools, service coordinators, healthcare providers, and other relevant stakeholders.

Coordinate with interdisciplinary teams to address service needs, resolve concerns, and support continuity of care.