RIPIN

Job Posting

Self-Directed Support Program Manager

About RIPIN:

RIPIN deploys a peer model to support people with special healthcare and education needs across the whole lifespan. Founded in 1991 by a group of parents of children with special needs, RIPIN continues to be peer-led: a majority of our board and more than three-fourths of our staff are parents or caretakers of loved ones with special needs. RIPIN’s peer professionals now help more than 45,000 Rhode Islanders every year navigate healthcare, schools, and other support systems.

Job Summary:

As a member of the Self-Directed Support Program, the Manager oversees the day-to-day functions and performance of a program that provides information, resources, and support to build state-wide capacity for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities who self-direct their services through the office of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities, and Hospitals (BHDDH). The program relies on RIPIN Self-Directed Support Navigators, to support these individuals in ascertaining their strengths, skills, interests, hopes, dreams, and goals for life. Successful candidates should have in-depth knowledge of services available through the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) unit of BHDDH, how to access these services, a strong understanding of person-centered planning, and be highly organized.

Essential Functions:

• Oversee day-to-day functions and performance of the Self-Directed Support Program (SDSP) staff; recruit, train, and supervise. Provide regular evaluations of staff performance; one-on-one supervision meetings held biweekly and as needed.
• Ensure services provided are relevant, coordinated, of high quality, meet member needs, are in compliance with RIPIN standards, and meet standards/needs of contractors/funders.
• Serve as a liaison between community and state partners and RIPIN. Develop strong partnerships with other community agencies through collaboration, consistency, and professionalism.
• Collaborate with program leadership team in identifying and filling training needs for the SDSP team.
• Oversees program’s collection, analysis, and reporting of data, and uses program data to make informed decisions
• Collect, maintain, and assess feedback from consumers and professionals in the community regarding RIPIN services. With program staff and leadership, analyze feedback and develop a model of continuous program improvement, utilizing program data to assess program effectiveness and develop improvement goals.
• Attend local, state and national conferences and trainings as needed.
• Contribute to the overall success and quality of the agency by working constructively and collaboratively with other staff members ensuring all individuals are treated respectfully and that diversity in backgrounds and life experiences is supported and valued throughout the agency.
• Assist in building statewide system analysis, planning and coordination with state agencies, state and local boards, community-based organizations, and community rehabilitation programs to determine effectiveness and increase statewide capacity for person-centered Self-Directed Support services
• Accept other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to effectively carry out the mission and philosophy of RIPIN and a willingness to work cooperatively and collaboratively with multiple constituents.
• Advanced knowledge of RIs systems of care, including adult services, health, education, special education, employment, and/or basic needs as they apply across a person's lifecycle.
• High level of leadership skills to effectively support and supervise staff and promote RIPIN mission and vision throughout the agency.
• High level of interpersonal skills and excellent communication skills to interact on a professional level with consumers, families, and professionals.
• Ability to convey complex information in a clear and understandable manner.
• Ability to effectively work independently and in collaboration with multiple staff and programs.
• Proficiency in computer and internet navigation (online documents, search engines, government websites), Proficient in Microsoft products, including Microsoft Office Suite, as well as computer skills to maintain and update program-related materials, reports, and database.
• Ability to present to small and large audiences that include consumers, stakeholders, and professionals on RIPIN programs operations, mission, and focus.

Education and Experience:

• High school graduation or equivalent required. Bachelor’s degree in a related field is highly desired.
• Experience with effective supervision of staff is preferred.
• Personal experience navigating social, healthcare, and/or education systems and services for self or family member highly desired
• Demonstrated knowledge of RIPINs programs, mission and vision
• Experience working with and outreaching to diverse populations

Physical Demands:

• Regularly required to talk or hear
• Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, use hand to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms
• Regularly required to climb stairs, reach, stretch, stand and bend
• Required to have the ability to lift and/or moves up to 25 pounds
• Required to remain at their station for prolonged periods of time

Working Conditions/ Work Environment:

• Primary work location is a climate-controlled indoor office environment; however, may also be required to conduct visits in private homes, climbing up to three flights of stairs, and community locations
• Flexibility for travel related to job requirements
• Willingness and ability to work evenings and weekends as needed
• Provide own reliable transportation with proof of valid driver’s license and RI minimum requirements of auto insurance

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

RIPIN provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.