Regional Director, San Gabriel Valley

JOB TITLE: Regional Director, San Gabriel Valley

REPORTS TO: CEO, COO, or CPO

SCHEDULE: Monday-Friday (8:00am-5:00pm or 9:30am-6:30pm)

LOCATION: Pasadena and Claremont — This is a full-time, in-person position requiring regular work at both locations. The Regional Director will commute between the Pasadena and Claremont centers based on organizational and center needs; both locations will not necessarily be required on the same day.

STATUS: Full-Time, 40 hrs/wk, Exempt

DRIVER POSITION: Yes [If yes, see driving policy below]

SALARY RANGE: $115,000-$130,000

ABOUT US:

AbilityFirst supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and their families, with programs that foster fun and fulfillment. AbilityFirst programs are person-centered and tailored to individual interests and needs. They are grounded in individual choice, autonomy, community participation, with a focus on creating social connections and a sense of belonging.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Regional Director provides operational leadership for a portfolio of programs at two sites or more, ensuring the delivery of exceptional, evidence-informed programs that align with AbilityFirst's mission, values, and commitment to quality. The Regional Director oversees all aspects of program operations, including staffing, fiscal management, licensing, risk management, quality assurance, and participant outcomes, while ensuring compliance with Title 17, Title 22, and all applicable state and federal regulations. As a leader and mentor, the Regional Director develops high-performing teams by providing coaching, clinical guidance, and ongoing training to strengthen staff competencies, promotes evidence-informed best practices, and ensure consistent delivery of high-quality supports. This position fosters a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous learning, using data and performance metrics to identify opportunities for improvement, enhance service delivery, and achieve positive outcomes for participants. The Regional Director also cultivates strong partnerships with participants, families, regional centers, licensing agencies, and community stakeholders. This position must meet Director Qualification standards in accordance with applicable licensing regulations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Program & Operational Leadership

• Provide leadership and operational oversight for assigned programs and sites, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, evidence-informed programs aligned with AbilityFirst's mission, values, and organizational goals.
• Establish a culture of operational excellence, accountability, and continuous quality improvement across all assigned sites.
• Ensure effective, efficient, and compliant daily operations while monitoring program performance, participant outcomes, and service quality.
• Oversee the implementation of meaningful, evidence-informed, person-centered programming that promotes participant independence, health, safety, and quality of life.
• Develop and implement operational strategies that enhance service delivery, improve efficiencies, and support organizational growth.

Clinical Quality & Staff Development

• Provide leadership in the implementation of evidence-informed, person-centered practices and promote clinical excellence throughout all assigned programs.
• Develop, facilitate, and evaluate competency-based training for staff to strengthen clinical skills, regulatory knowledge, and best practices in service delivery.
• Coach, mentor, and develop staff through ongoing performance feedback, professional development, and succession planning.
• Conduct regular program observations, quality assurance reviews, and service audits to evaluate service delivery and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Partner with interdisciplinary teams to support participant needs and enhance service outcomes.
• Promote the use of positive behavior supports, trauma-informed approaches, and other evidence-informed interventions to improve participant outcomes.

Staffing & Leadership

• Lead recruitment, interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and retention efforts for assigned programs.
• Oversee staffing plans, scheduling, and workforce allocation to ensure appropriate coverage and quality service delivery.
• Manage employee performance through coaching, corrective action, performance evaluations, recognition, and professional development.
• Lead staff meetings and facilitate ongoing communication to promote collaboration, engagement, and accountability.
• Foster a positive, inclusive workplace culture that reflects AbilityFirst's values and commitment to exceptional service.

Licensing, Compliance & Risk Management

• Meet Director Qualification standards under Title 17 and Title 22 regulations.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with all applicable licensing requirements, state and federal regulations, organizational policies, and accreditation standards.
• Maintain required licensing documentation, including annual LIC forms and regulatory records.
• Lead licensing inspections, regulatory reviews, and program audits while implementing corrective action plans as needed.
• Oversee medication administration practices, medication management training, annual competency assessments, and compliance with medication protocols.
• Ensure timely completion and review of incident reports, case documentation, observation logs, and required reporting.
• Monitor participant safety, emergency preparedness, infection prevention practices, and Workers' Compensation follow-up.

Financial & Administrative Oversight

• Collaborate in the development and management of program budgets while monitoring expenditures and resource utilization.
• Approve staff timesheets, billing, expense reports, and other financial documentation in accordance with organizational policies.
• Support grant reporting, fundraising initiatives, and stewardship activities as assigned.
• Oversee inventory management, purchasing, petty cash, TAP cards, and administrative operations.

Family & Community Partnerships

• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with participants, families, caregivers, Regional Centers, donors, licensing agencies, and community partners.
• Conduct program tours, participate in intake processes, and support participant transitions in collaboration with the Community Navigator.
• Review participant and family satisfaction data and implement quality improvement initiatives based on feedback.
• Provide oversight for special events, social recreation activities, and community engagement opportunities, including planning, budgeting, staffing, and evaluation.

Transportation & Facility Oversight

• Oversee transportation operations to ensure safe, reliable, and timely participant transportation.
• Ensure vehicle maintenance, regulatory compliance, and driver qualification requirements are maintained.
• Coordinate new driver onboarding, road testing, and required documentation with Human Resources and the Safety Director.

Other Duties

• Fulfill responsibilities as a Mandated Reporter and ensure participant rights, dignity, health, and safety remain the highest priority.
• Complete all required organizational and regulatory training.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission, strategic objectives, and operational excellence of AbilityFirst.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A master's degree in a clinically relevant field is required. Preference will be given to candidates who hold a master's degree in Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification. Candidates holding a master's degree in another clinically relevant field, such as Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT), Social Work (MSW/LCSW), Psychology, Counseling, Occupational Therapy (OT), Speech-Language Pathology (SLP), Special Education, Rehabilitation, or a closely related discipline, will also be considered when accompanied by documented experience serving, or a relevant certification related to, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience with staff supervision, training, and scheduling is required.
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience working with families, licensing agencies, and regional centers is required.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines is required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills is required.
• Valid Driver's License is required.
• Ability to work effectively with people of diverse races, ethnicities, and sexual orientations in a multicultural environment is required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data management tools is preferred.
• Must be able to work evenings/weekends as needed.
• Ability to obtain First Aid/CPR certification.
• Successful completion of background (LiveScan) check.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Changes in the environment, such as the office or outdoors.

Physical effort/lifting up to 50 pounds at times.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS:

Mandated Reporting Requirements: The person holding this position is considered a mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 Revised July 21, 2017 as a condition of employment.

Senate Bill No. 792 amended Sections 1597.055 and 1597.54 of, and added Sections 1596.7995 and 1597.622 to, the Health and Safety Code, relating to day care facilities. This requires that all employees w