Program Manager

ABOUT US

HomeWatch Caregivers of South Orange is a NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) Medicaid Approved Provider delivering Community Based Supports, Individual Supports, and Respite services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Essex, Morris, Passaic, and Union Counties. As a licensed home care organization, we bring deep care management experience to the DDD space, and we are building our DDD program from the ground up with an experienced, mission-driven team.

This is a leadership role - you will be the operational backbone of our DDD division, working directly with the CEO to build systems, lead staff, serve individuals, and ensure end-to-end DDD and Medicaid compliance from day one.

POSITION SUMMARY

The DDD Program Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operational management of HomeWatch Caregivers' DDD service division. This person ensures every aspect of service delivery, documentation, staffing, incident management, and quality assurance is executed in full compliance with NJ DDD Supports Program and Community Care Program policy manuals, applicable Division Circulars, and the agency's Policies & Procedures Manual.

This is a hands-on role requiring both strategic thinking and direct operational execution. The right candidate will be comfortable supervising Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), interfacing with Support Coordinators and families, managing DDD documentation requirements, and serving as the agency's primary point of contact during DDD audits and quality reviews.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Service Delivery & ISP Implementation

• Oversee delivery of Community Based Supports, Individual Supports, and Respite services across Essex, Morris, Passaic, and Union Counties
• Review & implement each individual's NJISP, ensuring services align with approved outcomes, hours, and prior authorizations
• Ensure all DSPs understand and follow individualized strategies per each individual's ISP

Staff Supervision & Training

• Directly supervise all Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) — assign schedules, conduct performance appraisals, and manage day-to-day staffing
• Conduct and document new employee orientation covering agency mission, ISP implementation, documentation standards, health/safety, agency and DDD policies
• Serve as a College of Direct Support (CDS) Administrators — assign mandatory training modules and track completion for all DSPs

Documentation & Compliance

• Ensure all service documentation is completed same-day and meets DDD standards
• Ensure the agency remains in compliance with all DDD policy manual updates, Division Circulars, and DDD News bulletins
• Maintain all client and personnel records in compliance with HIPAA, DDD documentation standards, and the agency policy

Quality Management & DDD Relations

• Lead development of the agency's annual Quality Management Plan, including goals, strategies, evaluation indicators, and customer satisfaction measures
• Conduct internal audits of service documentation, training records, and billing documentation on a regular basis
• Serve as the agency's primary point of contact with Support Coordinators, DDD Community Services Office staff, and DDD Quality Assurance Specialists

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, Special Education, Healthcare Administration, or a related field — required
• Minimum 2 years of direct experience working within the NJ DDD system — either as Support Coordinator, or DDD agency manager
• Demonstrated experience with NJ DDD Supports Program and/or Community Care Program policy manuals, service documentation requirements, and Medicaid billing processes
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills — able to produce compliant documentation and communicate effectively with individuals, families, Support Coordinators, and DDD staff
• Strong organizational skills & ability to manage multiple caseloads, deadlines, and compliance requirements simultaneously
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ability to learn DDD electronic systems (iRecord, EVV, College of Direct Support/CDS)

Certifications & Clearances

• Must successfully complete all DDD required background checks: fingerprint/CHRI, CARI, Central Registry, and all monthly exclusionary checks
• Must pass pre-employment drug screening per Stephen Komninos' Law
• Valid NJ driver's license with abstract not exceeding 5 motor vehicle points (driving required)
• CPR & First Aid certification - or willingness to obtain within 60 days of hire
• Must complete NJ DDD DSP Supervisor Core Competency training requirements per Appendix E of the DDD policy manuals