Director of Community Services - Brooklyn, NY, US

Introduction to Company:  · NeuSpark Person Directed Services is in the midst of a transformational period as an organization. After the departure of its founder-leaders after nearly forty years of service, NeuSpark PDS is positioning itself to move to a new stage in its developm ...

Job description

Introduction to Company: 

NeuSpark Person Directed Services is in the midst of a transformational period as an organization. After the departure of its founder-leaders after nearly forty years of service, NeuSpark PDS is positioning itself to move to a new stage in its development, one characterized by expansion and excellence. Leaders and staff at all levels of the organization are engaged in the formulation of a new strategic vision for the future. Building on a strong tradition as a residential provider and with a healthy financial outlook, NeuSpark PDS is poised to assemble a stronger staff infrastructure, invest in expansion and development opportunities, and grow its market share and reputation among providers of services for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, and the neurodiversity services community more broadly. 

Summary: 

The Director of Community Services is responsible for providing leadership, oversight, and strategic direction for a portfolio of disability support services, including Community Habilitation, Day Habilitation, and Prevocational Services. This role involves designing and implementing engaging programs that promote personal growth, social skills, and community involvement. The director will lead a team of dedicated staff, ensuring high-quality care and compliance with all regulatory standards. The position requires collaboration with the people supported, their families, and community organizations to develop individualized plans that meet the unique needs of each person. 

Essential Functions and Key Responsibilities: 

• Program Leadership & Strategic Direction
  • Provide leadership and oversight for Prevocational, Day Habilitation, and Community Habilitation, ensuring regulatory compliance and exceptional service delivery.
  • Develop, plan, and implement annual goals and objectives that support program growth, innovation, and strategic direction.
  • Partner with organizational leadership to identify opportunities for expansion, improvement, and the development of new programs aligned with community needs.
  • Implement and supervise agency-wide procedures that support people with disabilities and ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery.
  • Participate in OPWDD, DOH, OMIG, and internal audits; oversee corrective action plans.
• Program Operations & Service Delivery
  • Manage day-to-day program operations, including staffing, scheduling, service delivery, and the coordination of supports across departments.
  • Ensure effective delivery of all community habilitation, day habilitation, and pre-vocational services.
  • Provide oversight of individual services and staff responsible for delivering those services.
  • Manage financial and operational resources, including program budgets, petty cash, purchasing, and supplies.
  • Oversee incident management processes to ensure safety, compliance, and timely resolution.
  • Maintain compliance with emergency preparedness requirements under OPWDD Part
• Staff Supervision, Training & Development
  • Supervise, hire, train, and evaluate program staff, including DSPs and managers.
  • Facilitate regular staff meetings, required trainings, and ongoing professional development.
  • Track staff training requirements and ensure all team members meet agency and regulatory standards.
  • Provide effective, timely communication and guidance to all staff.
• Individual Planning, Supports & Advocacy
  • In collaboration with the interdisciplinary team, develop and monitor Staff Action Plans, safeguards, and Life Plans in collaboration with people supported, their families, and interdisciplinary teams.
  • Ensure Life Plans include habilitation services, goals, and frequency; confirm no service is delivered without Life Plan authorization (LCED/LP billing compliance).
  • Oversee the design and implementation of individualized activities that build workplace skills, social competencies, and self-advocacy.
  • Promote independence and self-determination among people supported.
  • Advocate for individuals' rights, goals, and preferences in all program settings.
• Community & Employer Engagement
  • Cultivate and maintain productive relationships with businesses and community organizations to expand volunteer opportunities.
  • Build and sustain partnerships with community stakeholders and collaborate across internal departments to ensure coordinated service delivery.
  • Conduct outreach to recruit new volunteer sites.
  • Provide consistent communication with families, guardians, and external service providers.
  • Ensure all community engagement adheres to the HCBS Settings Rule, supporting autonomy, choice, rights, and full community integration.
• Quality Assurance, Compliance & Documentation
  • Ensure compliance with OPWDD regulations, billing requirements, documentation standards, and organizational policies.
  • Conduct internal audits of documentation, Staff Action Plans, Life Plans, and service notes to ensure Medicaid billing integrity.
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive program evaluation framework to assess strengths, risks, opportunities, and areas for continuous quality improvement.
  • Monitor program activities, conduct annual evaluations, and oversee data collection, analysis, and reporting.
  • Maintain accurate, confidential records in accordance with privacy and regulatory standards.
• Outcome Tracking & Continuous Improvement
  • Monitor program outcomes, participant progress, and service delivery indicators to ensure effectiveness and alignment with best practices.
  • Analyze trends in incidents, safeguards, behavioral concerns, and risks to implement preventive strategies.
  • Facilitate satisfaction surveys, analyze feedback, and implement improvements based on participants and stakeholder input.
  • Lead continuous quality improvement initiatives to enhance program performance and participant experience.
• Additional Responsibilities
  • Collaborate with internal departments to develop activities and initiatives that support program and individual needs.
  • Complete other duties and projects assigned.

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree in human services, Social Work, Psychology, Education, Business, or related field (master's preferred).
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in day habilitation, community habilitation, vocational, prevocational, or workforce development services, preferably within OPWDD-funded programs.
• At least 3 years of supervisory or management experience in human services.
• Strong knowledge of OPWDD regulations, person-centered planning, and employment support.
• Demonstrated ability to build partnerships with employers, community stakeholders, and training providers.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and electronic health record systems.
• Strong administrative skills, including budgeting and resource management
• Knowledge of behavioral health and social work principles and practices
• Proven experience in managing and supervising staff
• Demonstrated ability in program management, including planning, implementation, and evaluation
• Excellent relationship management skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders

NeuSpark Person Directed Services offers comprehensive benefits coverage, including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance. Additional benefits include transit, parking, health and dependent care flexible spending accounts and a 403(b) plan. Generous PTO policy includes vacation, sick and personal leave time, as well as 13 paid holidays.

NeuSpark PDS is committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful environment for our employees, contractors, and the diverse people and families we serve. We value diversity in our workplace because teams are stronger when people bring different perspectives and experiences. NeuSpark PDS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. All employees and contractors are responsible for maintaining a culture free from discrimination and harassment by treating others with empathy, kindness, and respect.