EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES WITH THE POLUS CENTER

Program Director Job Opening

Unique opportunity to be an important part of a great organization. The Program Director provides oversight and leadership of Shared Living households in greater Boston for the Polus Center, a progressive human services organization that supports people with disabilities to live and work in the community.

The Program Director performs a wide range of duties, including being a primary contact and support for households where people with and without disabilities live together in natural home environments. We are looking for someone with the ability to help households with creative solutions that enhance the lives of people we currently support and build new households that reflect the principles of shared living. This position offers the opportunity to join a strong team while enjoying the independence to lead the regional program in greater Boston.

Some job duties include:

• Provide reliable support and coaching for households with a focus on principles of natural supports, typical homes, and valued roles for people with disabilities, while providing oversight and adhering to relevant policies and regulations;
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with people receiving support, household members, members of the community, family members and co-workers;
• Provide leadership to the Boston area team, including hiring and supervising part-time employees and consultants as needed;
• Communicate effectively, including speaking on behalf of the program and organization to potential home providers, DDS, and community members, and having the ability to write in a clear, succinct and thorough manner;
• Actively participate in and embrace person-centered planning as a way to understand people's needs; understand and embrace the principles of Social Role Valorization, and develop practices consistent with these principles;
• Provide oversight and mentoring for people receiving community and employment support;
• Actively recruit individuals and families to be new shared living home providers, respite providers, volunteers, or supporters;
• Facilitate the development of a local advisory board;
• Make decisions under pressure. Assess situations to determine urgency, risks and judgments that are in the best interest of the person supported. Effectively solicit and receive support from colleagues in a timely fashion;
• Work with the Director of Finance to develop and manage an annual budget;
• As a member of the Program Director team, participate in strategic planning and continuous improvement initiatives and team problem solving, being a support to other team members; With the support of the Polus management team, develop annual goals and objectives for the region that are tied to the strategic plan for The Polus Center and/or the region;
• Orchestrate and participate in periodic learning sessions with in collaboration with the Director of Training and Development and implement the lessons of best practice.

Excellent benefits package including health and dental insurance, and generous vacation, holidays, and sick time pay.

Skills & Qualifications

Ideal candidates have:

• Bachelor's Degree in Social Work or related field required. Masters preferred.
• At least 5-7 years professional work experience, including supervising and development of others
• Strong and creative problem solving skills
• Effective leadership and management skills
• Ability to work flexible hours
• Reliability and credibility
• Ability to make sound judgments and decisions
• A strong desire to learn and grow, and help themselves and the people they support reach to their highest potential
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Good time management and organizational skills
• Sound computer skills, including MS Office, the Internet, computer maintenance/security, HCSIS
• Effective oral and written communication skills

Organizational Description & Mission

The Polus Center strives to create opportunities for people with disabilities and members of other vulnerable groups to become valued citizens within their communities. We are a non-profit umbrella organization that designs and implements community-based programs in the U.S. and throughout the developing world. The word Polus is of Latin origin and means the highest point, suggesting reaching for the ideal. The name invokes people being at their best by helping each other and welcoming one another into a meaningful community life. Website: www.poluscenter.org

Additional Qualifications

The Program Director has an independent office in greater Boston but spends much of his/her time in the community and with people at their homes and workplaces. Some travel required to other Polus Center sites in Massachusetts. Program Directors work a typical work week with flexibility but may be required to work some evenings and weekends as required on an on-call basis.

How to Apply

Please review our website before applying. If our principles and philosophies seem like a fit with yours and your skills seem like a match for the needs of this position, please write us a cover letter and send a resume to tkane@poluscenter.org, 134 High St. Clinton, MA 01510. Position is available immediately, applications will be accepted until the right candidate is found.

The Polus Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.