Back to search
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
Residential Program Director
Fostering Futures Kansas | Kansas City, Kansas
Salary: $59,000-$65,000 annually
Employment Type: Full-Time | Exempt (subject to classification review)
Work Location: On-Site | Kansas City, Kansas
Reports To: Executive Director
Position Overview
Fostering Futures Kansas is seeking an experienced, highly organized, and dedicated Residential Program Director to lead and oversee our residential programs in Kansas City, Kansas.
Our organization provides structured, supportive, and safe residential environments for youth in DCF child-welfare care with behavioral health diagnoses. As Fostering Futures expands its operations into Kansas, we are seeking a strong operational leader capable of establishing effective program systems, developing high-performing teams, and maintaining consistent standards of care, safety, accountability, and regulatory compliance.
The Residential Program Director will serve as the primary administrator responsible for daily program operations, including oversight of residential staff, youth services, regulatory compliance, and relationships with placing agencies.
This is a hands-on leadership position requiring an active presence within the residential environment. The successful candidate will regularly engage with youth and staff, respond to operational challenges, and ensure the program operates according to established organizational standards.
The ideal candidate is a proactive, solutions-oriented leader who combines sound judgment, strong organizational skills, and the ability to develop sustainable systems that support current operations and future program growth.
Key Responsibilities
Program Operations & Administration
- Provide operational leadership and administrative oversight of Fostering Futures Kansas residential programs.
- Ensure consistent implementation of organizational policies, operational procedures, and quality standards.
- Maintain an active presence within the residential environment, regularly engaging with youth, staff, and site leadership.
- Oversee resident admissions, discharge coordination, room assignments, daily programming, transportation, and routine operational needs.
- Maintain standardized procedures for medication management, inventory control, meal planning, purchasing, shift transitions, and facility operations.
- Evaluate operational performance, identify areas for improvement, and implement corrective measures.
- Support the operational development, staffing, and implementation of additional residential facilities as the organization expands.
Staff Leadership & Development
- Provide direct supervision and leadership to residential staff, Site Leads, and Direct Support Professionals.
- Oversee staffing schedules, workforce coverage, and adherence to required staffing ratios.
- Conduct regular supervision meetings, team meetings, performance evaluations, and professional development activities.
- Lead employee recruitment, onboarding, training, performance management, and disciplinary processes in coordination with executive leadership.
- Establish clear performance expectations and maintain accountability across all shifts.
- Develop staff leaders into effective operational supervisors capable of independently managing daily facility activities.
- Foster a professional workplace culture emphasizing communication, teamwork, consistency, and resident safety.
Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance
- Ensure residential programs maintain compliance with applicable Kansas licensing regulations, contractual obligations, and organizational policies.
- Oversee documentation standards, resident records, compliance monitoring, and required regulatory reporting.
- Ensure timely and accurate completion of incident reports, critical-event notifications, and follow-up actions.
- Coordinate internal compliance reviews, licensing inspections, monitoring visits, and external audits.
- Ensure mandated reporting of suspected abuse or neglect in accordance with Kansas law and organizational policies.
- Oversee emergency preparedness, safety drills, and corrective action procedures.
- Identify regulatory risks and implement effective, sustainable corrective measures.
- Maintain readiness for inspections and ensure corrective actions are completed and documented appropriately.
Youth Services & Agency Coordination
- Maintain working knowledge of residents' individual needs, case statuses, behavioral concerns, and service expectations.
- Collaborate with caseworkers, CWCMP representatives, families, educational partners, and other stakeholders.
- Monitor youth progress, program participation, behavioral interventions, and required documentation.
- Coordinate referrals, admissions assessments, discharge planning, and communication with placing agencies.
- Ensure youth receive consistent supervision, appropriate support, and services aligned with program policies and placement requirements.
- Maintain professional working relationships with Kansas state agencies, referring organizations, and community partners.
Program Development & Implementation
- Assist executive leadership with establishing and implementing operational systems for Fostering Futures Kansas.
- Support initial employee recruitment, onboarding, and staff training in preparation for program operations.
- Assist with developing staff schedules, operational workflows, documentation procedures, and accountability systems.
- Coordinate operational readiness activities, including facility preparation, equipment needs, and required program resources.
- Support preparation for licensing inspections, contractual monitoring, and other required operational reviews.
- Identify opportunities to improve service delivery, operational efficiency, and program quality.
- Contribute to the organization's long-term growth and development of additional residential programs.
Leadership, Communication & Accountability
- Serve as the primary operational leader for Fostering Futures Kansas residential programs.
- Maintain regular communication with the Executive Director regarding program performance, staffing, significant incidents, regulatory matters, and operational priorities.
- Provide leadership and direction during emergencies, critical incidents, and unexpected operational challenges.
- Serve as the primary after-hours on-call administrator for escalated operational matters, with established supervisory and backup coverage.
- Establish clear lines of authority and qualified supervisory coverage within the residential program.
- Develop systems that promote continuity of operations, employee accountability, and consistent service delivery.
- Support strategic growth initiatives, including preparation and implementation of additional residential locations.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in social work, counseling, human services, education, business administration, public administration, or a closely related field.
- Previous supervisory or management experience in a youth residential facility, group home, behavioral health program, child welfare organization, or comparable human-services setting.
- Demonstrated ability to supervise employees, develop operational procedures, and maintain accountability in a regulated environment.
- Strong organizational, communication, documentation, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and maintain effective daily program operations.
- Ability to respond effectively to behavioral incidents, operational emergencies, and high-pressure situations.
- Willingness to maintain an active presence within residential programs and provide after-hours leadership support.
- Ability to successfully complete all required background screenings and registry clearances.
- Valid driver's license and driving record that meets organizational insurance requirements.
- Ability to meet all applicable Kansas licensing and contractual qualifications for the assigned position.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in social work, counseling, public administration, human-services administration, or a related discipline.
- Previous experience as a Residential Program Director, Program Manager, Facility Administrator, or comparable leadership position.
- Experience establishing, opening, or expanding residential programs.
- Familiarity with applicable Kansas residential child-care licensing requirements and agency expectations.
- Experience working with Kansas child welfare or other public child-serving agencies.
- Experience developing operational policies, preparing for licensing inspections, and implementing quality assurance systems.
- Demonstrated success leading teams in 24-hour residential environments.
- Experience overseeing multiple residential programs, facilities, or operational teams.
Compensation & Benefits
Annual Salary: $59,000-$65,000, based on qualifications and experience.
Fostering Futures Kansas offers:
- Full-time leadership opportunity reporting directly to the Executive Director.
- 401(k) retirement plan with employer contributions, subject to plan eligibility and terms.
- Training and professional development opportunities.
- Opportunities for professional advancement and expanded leadership responsibilities as the organization grows.
- The opportunity to play a meaningful role in establishing and strengthening residential services for youth in Kansas.
Work Environment & Expectations
This position requires regular on-site engagement within Fostering Futures Kansas residential programs. The Residential Program Director must be comfortable working directly with staff and residents, responding to changing operational needs, and providing visible leadership throughout the organization.
While the position includes substantial administrative, documentation, and compliance responsibilities, active program involvement, consistent staff supervision, and maintaining operational accountability are essential expectations.
Evening, weekend, and after-hours availability will be required as necessary to support the continuous operation of the residential program.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit an application through this job posting.
Fostering Futures Kansas is committed to maintaining safe, structured, and supportive environments for the youth entrusted to our care.
Fostering Futures Kansas is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
Fostering Futures Kansas | Kansas City, Kansas
Salary: $59,000-$65,000 annually
Employment Type: Full-Time | Exempt (subject to classification review)
Work Location: On-Site | Kansas City, Kansas
Reports To: Executive Director
Position Overview
Fostering Futures Kansas is seeking an experienced, highly organized, and dedicated Residential Program Director to lead and oversee our residential programs in Kansas City, Kansas.
Our organization provides structured, supportive, and safe residential environments for youth in DCF child-welfare care with behavioral health diagnoses. As Fostering Futures expands its operations into Kansas, we are seeking a strong operational leader capable of establishing effective program systems, developing high-performing teams, and maintaining consistent standards of care, safety, accountability, and regulatory compliance.
The Residential Program Director will serve as the primary administrator responsible for daily program operations, including oversight of residential staff, youth services, regulatory compliance, and relationships with placing agencies.
This is a hands-on leadership position requiring an active presence within the residential environment. The successful candidate will regularly engage with youth and staff, respond to operational challenges, and ensure the program operates according to established organizational standards.
The ideal candidate is a proactive, solutions-oriented leader who combines sound judgment, strong organizational skills, and the ability to develop sustainable systems that support current operations and future program growth.
Key Responsibilities
Program Operations & Administration
- Provide operational leadership and administrative oversight of Fostering Futures Kansas residential programs.
- Ensure consistent implementation of organizational policies, operational procedures, and quality standards.
- Maintain an active presence within the residential environment, regularly engaging with youth, staff, and site leadership.
- Oversee resident admissions, discharge coordination, room assignments, daily programming, transportation, and routine operational needs.
- Maintain standardized procedures for medication management, inventory control, meal planning, purchasing, shift transitions, and facility operations.
- Evaluate operational performance, identify areas for improvement, and implement corrective measures.
- Support the operational development, staffing, and implementation of additional residential facilities as the organization expands.
Staff Leadership & Development
- Provide direct supervision and leadership to residential staff, Site Leads, and Direct Support Professionals.
- Oversee staffing schedules, workforce coverage, and adherence to required staffing ratios.
- Conduct regular supervision meetings, team meetings, performance evaluations, and professional development activities.
- Lead employee recruitment, onboarding, training, performance management, and disciplinary processes in coordination with executive leadership.
- Establish clear performance expectations and maintain accountability across all shifts.
- Develop staff leaders into effective operational supervisors capable of independently managing daily facility activities.
- Foster a professional workplace culture emphasizing communication, teamwork, consistency, and resident safety.
Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance
- Ensure residential programs maintain compliance with applicable Kansas licensing regulations, contractual obligations, and organizational policies.
- Oversee documentation standards, resident records, compliance monitoring, and required regulatory reporting.
- Ensure timely and accurate completion of incident reports, critical-event notifications, and follow-up actions.
- Coordinate internal compliance reviews, licensing inspections, monitoring visits, and external audits.
- Ensure mandated reporting of suspected abuse or neglect in accordance with Kansas law and organizational policies.
- Oversee emergency preparedness, safety drills, and corrective action procedures.
- Identify regulatory risks and implement effective, sustainable corrective measures.
- Maintain readiness for inspections and ensure corrective actions are completed and documented appropriately.
Youth Services & Agency Coordination
- Maintain working knowledge of residents' individual needs, case statuses, behavioral concerns, and service expectations.
- Collaborate with caseworkers, CWCMP representatives, families, educational partners, and other stakeholders.
- Monitor youth progress, program participation, behavioral interventions, and required documentation.
- Coordinate referrals, admissions assessments, discharge planning, and communication with placing agencies.
- Ensure youth receive consistent supervision, appropriate support, and services aligned with program policies and placement requirements.
- Maintain professional working relationships with Kansas state agencies, referring organizations, and community partners.
Program Development & Implementation
- Assist executive leadership with establishing and implementing operational systems for Fostering Futures Kansas.
- Support initial employee recruitment, onboarding, and staff training in preparation for program operations.
- Assist with developing staff schedules, operational workflows, documentation procedures, and accountability systems.
- Coordinate operational readiness activities, including facility preparation, equipment needs, and required program resources.
- Support preparation for licensing inspections, contractual monitoring, and other required operational reviews.
- Identify opportunities to improve service delivery, operational efficiency, and program quality.
- Contribute to the organization's long-term growth and development of additional residential programs.
Leadership, Communication & Accountability
- Serve as the primary operational leader for Fostering Futures Kansas residential programs.
- Maintain regular communication with the Executive Director regarding program performance, staffing, significant incidents, regulatory matters, and operational priorities.
- Provide leadership and direction during emergencies, critical incidents, and unexpected operational challenges.
- Serve as the primary after-hours on-call administrator for escalated operational matters, with established supervisory and backup coverage.
- Establish clear lines of authority and qualified supervisory coverage within the residential program.
- Develop systems that promote continuity of operations, employee accountability, and consistent service delivery.
- Support strategic growth initiatives, including preparation and implementation of additional residential locations.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in social work, counseling, human services, education, business administration, public administration, or a closely related field.
- Previous supervisory or management experience in a youth residential facility, group home, behavioral health program, child welfare organization, or comparable human-services setting.
- Demonstrated ability to supervise employees, develop operational procedures, and maintain accountability in a regulated environment.
- Strong organizational, communication, documentation, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and maintain effective daily program operations.
- Ability to respond effectively to behavioral incidents, operational emergencies, and high-pressure situations.
- Willingness to maintain an active presence within residential programs and provide after-hours leadership support.
- Ability to successfully complete all required background screenings and registry clearances.
- Valid driver's license and driving record that meets organizational insurance requirements.
- Ability to meet all applicable Kansas licensing and contractual qualifications for the assigned position.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in social work, counseling, public administration, human-services administration, or a related discipline.
- Previous experience as a Residential Program Director, Program Manager, Facility Administrator, or comparable leadership position.
- Experience establishing, opening, or expanding residential programs.
- Familiarity with applicable Kansas residential child-care licensing requirements and agency expectations.
- Experience working with Kansas child welfare or other public child-serving agencies.
- Experience developing operational policies, preparing for licensing inspections, and implementing quality assurance systems.
- Demonstrated success leading teams in 24-hour residential environments.
- Experience overseeing multiple residential programs, facilities, or operational teams.
Compensation & Benefits
Annual Salary: $59,000-$65,000, based on qualifications and experience.
Fostering Futures Kansas offers:
- Full-time leadership opportunity reporting directly to the Executive Director.
- 401(k) retirement plan with employer contributions, subject to plan eligibility and terms.
- Training and professional development opportunities.
- Opportunities for professional advancement and expanded leadership responsibilities as the organization grows.
- The opportunity to play a meaningful role in establishing and strengthening residential services for youth in Kansas.
Work Environment & Expectations
This position requires regular on-site engagement within Fostering Futures Kansas residential programs. The Residential Program Director must be comfortable working directly with staff and residents, responding to changing operational needs, and providing visible leadership throughout the organization.
While the position includes substantial administrative, documentation, and compliance responsibilities, active program involvement, consistent staff supervision, and maintaining operational accountability are essential expectations.
Evening, weekend, and after-hours availability will be required as necessary to support the continuous operation of the residential program.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit an application through this job posting.
Fostering Futures Kansas is committed to maintaining safe, structured, and supportive environments for the youth entrusted to our care.
Fostering Futures Kansas is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
Learn more about this Employer on their Career Site
