Program Director

Job Title: Director of Programs / Services, Compliance Officer & Quality Assurance Coordinator

Department: Administration / Program Services

Reports To: Executive Director, Chief Operating Officer, or Board of Directors

FLSA Status: Exempt, Salaried

Location: Great Falls

Salary: $70,000 

Position Summary

The Director of Programs / Services, Compliance Officer & Quality Assurance Coordinator provides comprehensive leadership, oversight, and strategic direction for all DDP-funded programs and services. This role ensures alignment with the organization’s mission and compliance with Montana DDP, Medicaid, federal, state, and organizational regulations. The position supervises program managers and key staff, oversees quality service delivery, and ensures the effective operation and compliance of two DDP homes (each serving up to six individuals). The Director also leads the organization’s compliance program and manages quality assurance and performance improvement initiatives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Oversight

Provide leadership, oversight, and strategic direction for all DDP-funded programs and services, ensuring alignment with organizational mission and Montana DDP, Medicaid, and regulatory standards.

Directly oversee the daily operations, quality of care, and regulatory compliance of two DDP homes, each serving up to six residents.

Supervise, mentor, and evaluate program managers, supervisors, and key staff; ensure appropriate staffing levels and support professional development.

Oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of Individualized Service Plans (ISPs), program goals, and quality improvement initiatives.

Monitor program performance, service delivery, and client outcomes; analyze data and prepare reports for organizational leadership and regulatory agencies.

Ensure compliance with licensing, accreditation, and quality assurance requirements.

Develop and manage program budgets, monitor expenditures, and ensure fiscal responsibility.

Lead program development, expansion, and continuous improvement efforts.

Serve as a liaison with families, guardians, support coordinators, regulatory agencies, and community partners.

Participate in organizational leadership meetings, strategic planning, and policy development.

Respond to program-related emergencies and participate in on-call rotation as needed.

Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy

Represent the organization at community events, advocacy groups, and with state or local agencies to promote awareness and support for DDP programs.

Advocate for the needs and rights of individuals served, ensuring their voices are included in program planning and evaluation.

Risk Management & Incident Reporting

Oversee risk management strategies, including incident reporting, investigation, and resolution.

Ensure all critical incidents are reported and addressed in accordance with state and organizational policies.

Technology & Data Management

Oversee the implementation and use of technology systems for documentation, data collection, and reporting.

Ensure data privacy and security in compliance with HIPAA and state regulations.

Grant Writing & Fund Development (if applicable)

Identify funding opportunities and participate in grant writing or fundraising activities to support program growth and sustainability.

Succession Planning & Leadership Development

Develop and implement succession plans for key program leadership roles.

Mentor emerging leaders within the organization.

Compliance Officer Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and oversee the organization’s compliance program to ensure adherence to Montana DDP, Medicaid, federal, state, and organizational regulations and standards.

Monitor and interpret changes in laws, regulations, and policies affecting DDP-funded services; update policies and procedures accordingly.

Conduct regular compliance audits and risk assessments of service delivery, documentation, billing, and internal controls.

Investigate and resolve compliance issues, complaints, and incidents; recommend and monitor corrective actions.

Serve as the primary contact for regulatory agencies, auditors, and accreditation bodies.

Provide training and technical assistance to staff on compliance requirements, ethical standards, and best practices.

Maintain accurate and confidential compliance records and documentation.

Prepare and present compliance reports to leadership and the Board of Directors.

Lead or participate in compliance committees, meetings, and professional development activities.

Ensure timely and accurate reporting to DDP, Medicaid, and other regulatory agencies as required.

 Quality Assurance Coordinator Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and monitor quality assurance (QA) and performance improvement programs for DDP-funded services.

Conduct regular audits and reviews of service delivery, documentation, incident reports, and compliance with Montana DDP, Medicaid, and organizational standards.

Analyze data to identify trends, risks, and areas for improvement; prepare and present QA reports to leadership.

Coordinate and support internal and external audits, surveys, and accreditation processes.

Investigate complaints, incidents, and grievances; recommend and monitor corrective actions.

Provide training and technical assistance to staff on QA standards, best practices, and regulatory requirements.

Collaborate with program managers, supervisors, and interdisciplinary teams to ensure continuous quality improvement.

Maintain accurate and confidential QA records and documentation.

Participate in quality assurance meetings, committees, and professional development activities.

Ensure timely reporting to DDP, Medicaid, and other regulatory agencies as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in human services, healthcare administration, public administration, law, public health, or a related field required.

Master’s degree or Juris Doctor preferred.

Experience:

At least three years of progressive management experience in residential, day, or community-based services for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Experience in compliance, risk management, quality assurance, or program evaluation in human services or healthcare required.

Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities is a plus.

Experience with Montana DDP, Medicaid, and regulatory compliance required.

Certifications and Licenses

Certification in healthcare compliance (e.g., CHC, CHPC) preferred.

CPR and First Aid certification (must be obtained within six months of hire).

Completion of all Montana DDP-mandated training prior to providing unsupervised services.

Valid Montana driver’s license (if travel is required).

Physical and Other Job Requirements

Ability to travel to various program sites, homes, and community locations as needed.

Ability to stand, walk, and perform physical tasks for extended periods.

Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and on-call as needed.

Ability to pass Montana DDP-required criminal background checks and exclusion screenings.

Reliable transportation.

Reporting Relationships

Reports to: Executive Director, Chief Operating Officer, or Board of Directors (depending on organizational structure).

Direct reports: Program Managers, Supervisors, and other key program staff.

Essential Functions and Performance Expectations

Ensure organizational compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and standards.

Ensure high standards of quality, compliance, and continuous improvement across all programs.

Ensure high-quality, person-centered care and support for all individuals served.

Lead, supervise, and develop program staff to maintain compliance and promote professional growth.

Maintain accurate and timely documentation for programs, staff, and individuals served.

Provide training and support to staff on QA, compliance, and ethical matters.

Uphold confidentiality and comply with HIPAA, DDP, Medicaid, and organizational regulations.

Respond appropriately to compliance and QA findings, incidents, and emergencies.

Foster a culture of integrity, accountability, quality, and continuous improvement.

Foster a positive, inclusive, and innovative program environment.

Ensure the effective operation, compliance, and quality of care in two DDP homes, each serving up to six residents.