Resident Life Director

The mission of Journey21 is to provide safe, supportive, and enriching living and learning options for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) in Waukesha County and surrounding communities. Our vision is a day when every adult with IDD has accessible, meaningful opportunities for education, employment skill development, social activities, and can live independently in the home of their choice.

Our Resident Life Director will be a leadership team member who will be responsible for design and strategic development, ongoing growth, and overall coordination in delivering services and supervision at the new residential community called The Journey at Pabst Farms. We envision the position in two distinct yet related parts:

Pre-Construction Community Life Development Responsibilities

• Advise and implement evidence-based housing design standards for accessibility and inclusion and engage partners for universal design review and execution. (The power of design can dramatically improve the lives of individuals with IDD.)
• Research existing best practices in similar residential communities and recommend Service Delivery Models for primary service lines, meal service, assistive technology, resident life programming and engagement, and supportive care partnerships to meet the day-to-day operational needs of The Journey at Pabst Farms.
  • Chair or attend all community committees associated with the development
  • Work with the Finance Committee to prepare proformas.
  • Establish relationships with DHS, fiscal agents, care providers et al that can help provide funding sources and support to residents at The Journey at Pabst Farms.
• Research, recommend and write policies, procedures, and resident guidelines for The Journey at Pabst Farms.
• Refine current plan for Residency Readiness and engage families from initial self-assessment meeting throughout the process until move-in.
• Provide education to the Board on all aspects of The Journey at Pabst Farms to inform decision-making including but not limited to priorities, HCBS and LTSS, strategic development, ongoing growth, and overall coordination in delivering services.
• Update, adjust, and general management of residential community development timeline in partnership with internal and external stakeholders

Post-Construction Resident Life Director Responsibilities:

Resident Advocacy, Safety and Success:

• Ensures that the safety and well-being of the residents is protected at all times and that the rights of the individuals are observed at all times
• Direct prospective residents through self-assessment, and plan for success process per sales meeting.
• Act as liaison and maintain open, honest communication between residents, case managers/consultants, families, and caregivers.
• Harnesses the creativity and passions of residents to create a vibrant resident-directed culture. Facilitate Resident Advisory Council.
• Ensure programs and activities are of the highest quality and meet the interest of residents.
• Conducts investigations of unusual incidents, suspected abuse, neglect or misappropriate in accordance with state standards. Reports investigation conclusion to the appropriate authority as required.
• Conduct annual status meetings with residents, families, and caregivers

Journey at Pabst Farm Leadership

• Interviews, hires, and supervises day-to-day direct line staff. Oversee the distribution and review of employee’s job descriptions, code of ethics, procedures and policies, and ensure documents are received, understood, and complied with by new and existing employees.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable state, federal, local and funding rules and regulations
• Collaborate with Enrichment Center Director, Director of Operations, and Executive Director to improve upon current practices.
• Direct the accurate and timely submission of all reports/documentation.
• Provide budgetary information to Executive Director as requested. Provide original, organized, itemized receipts for all purchases made on behalf of JPF. Assist with payroll.
• Participates in relevant task forces or committees

Community Management:

• Direct and oversee the management and coordination of services internally as well as with external agencies, stakeholders, and the community at large
• Assures homes are maintained in accordance with HOA regulations
• Keeps a record of common area needed repairs/maintenance and assure that they are resolved in timely manner
• Oversees the creation and implementation of monthly newsletters and calendars
• Be on call as required and fill-in coverage in staff absences

The intent of this description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties performed by incumbents of these jobs. Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically represented in this description. The Executive Director may delegate or assigned other duties.

Qualifications and Competencies:

• Bachelor’s degree that is related to the field of serving individuals with developmental disabilities or at least 10-years of experience relative to serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Thorough knowledge of residential services or assisted living
• Demonstrated effectiveness in staff training, staff team building, and conflict resolution/mediation
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret common, applicable regulations, procedures and policies
• Proven ability to respond to and resolve common inquiries or complaints from individuals, regulatory agencies or persons from other outside agencies
• Demonstrate an ability to establish good working relationships with administrators of partner agencies
• Ability to cope and adapt under stressful, crisis, or spontaneous situations
• Must possess excellent oral and written communication and customer service skills.
• Strong analytical skills, organizational and planning skills with the ability to conduct objective assessments based on data collected or observations.
• Practice a high level of confidentiality
• Must be proficient in business-related software including Microsoft Office and Excel.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Planner is a plus, but the ability to learn it is also essential.
• Effective team player.
• Works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for use of initiative and independent judgment

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements

• Moderate physical activity required by handling objects up to 50 pounds occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds frequently.
• Sits, stands, bends, and moves intermittently during working hours.
• Is subject to frequent interruptions.
• Interacts with residents, family members and visitors frequently