Director of Community Living

Our Mission and Vision

The mission of United Cerebral Palsy of South Carolina is to positively support and impact the achievement of a Life Without Limits for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

UCP of South Carolina’s vision is to create a community in which every person, regardless of ability, can participate as an equal citizen. To realize this vision, UCP of South Carolina offers supports designed to help people maximize their potential and achieve independent, productive, and rewarding lives.

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) empower the people we work with to reach their goals and live a Life Without Limits by assisting them in a variety of everyday activities. UCPSC employees put their heart into their work. If this sounds like you, please apply to join our team!

JOB SUMMARY:   The Director of Community Living is a pivotal leadership role responsible for the comprehensive oversight and management of all residential programs within the organization. This position entails ensuring the highest standards of care, compliance with regulatory requirements, and the implementation of best practices to enhance the quality of life of the people UCP supports. Additionally, the Director serves as backup to fulfill the duties of the Executive Director during their absence, maintaining continuity in leadership and strategic direction.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Supervisory Responsibilities: Regional Coordinators & Program Assistant

Duties/Responsibilities: 

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

• Deliver holistic, person-centered residential habilitation supports that enhance the quality of life for individuals supported by UCPSC.
• Lead and oversee 24-hour residential supports across all UCPSC Community Living locations, ensuring consistency and quality in service delivery.
• Conduct regular visits to Community Living sites (at least quarterly for every site) to maintain a presence and assess program effectiveness.
• Maintain active communication with family members to address any escalated concerns and strengthen community ties.
• Attend Quality Management, Risk Management, Human Rights Committee, and Psychotropic Medication Review meetings to ensure comprehensive oversight of services.
• Participate in referral, admission, transfer, and discharge planning to facilitate smooth transitions for individuals receiving care.

 STAFF DEVELOPMENT AND LEADERSHIP

•  Coordinate departmental meetings to foster collaboration and leadership development among staff members.
•  Supervise Regional Coordinators by providing technical oversight and ensuring high quality work per organizational standards.
•  Engage in monthly supervisory meetings with direct reports to support their professional growth and development.

 FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT AND BUDGET MANAGEMENT

•  Contribute to the development and management of the department budget, ensuring programs operate within predetermined financial guidelines.
•  Review and approve departmental expenditures to align with budgetary constraints and operational goals.

QUALITY IMPROVEMENT AND COMPLIANCE

• Ensure completion of Quality Improvement reports within designated timeframes to maintain high standards of program implementation.
• Ensure compliance with personnel and training requirements for staff in collaboration with Regional Coordinators.
• Ensure staff participation in all mandatory training initiatives to promote continual learning and adherence to best practices.
• Engage in personal participation in trainings to stay updated on relevant best practices and policies.

LEADERSHIP AND REPRESENTATION

•  Provide point-of-contact management in the Executive Director’s absence, reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer.
•  Participate in networking opportunities and represent UCPSC at public events, fundraising activities, and agency-sponsored events.

 MISCELLANEOUS

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to design and deliver services that prioritize the individual needs and preferences of people receiving support in programs
• Ability to evaluate program effectiveness through site visits, observations and data analysis
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated capability in managing transitions, including admissions and discharges
• Ability to organize and lead departmental meetings that promote collaboration
• Competence in overseeing staff performance, providing constructive feedback, and guiding professional development
• Demonstrated understanding of financial principles in departmental budget management
• Ability to review expenditures and ensure alignment with approved budgets
• Ability to gather data and generate relevant reports
• Understanding of compliance requirements, including external DDSN policies, internal UCP policies, and personnel and training requirements
• Commitment to personal professional development and staying updated on best practices
• Flexibility and capacity to ensure smooth operations in the absence of direct supervision
• Capacity to perform additional duties as needed to support the organization’s goals and mission

Required Certifications and Licenses: Valid SC drivers license, CPR, First Aid, and Crisis Prevention and Intervention (CPI) certifications

Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, psychology, public health, or related field. Master’s degree strongly preferred. Minimum 7 years experience in program management in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities. Minimum 5 years experience in supervising middle managers.

Physical Requirements: