Director of Northeast Residential Services

The Director of Residential Services for the Northeast Region provides executive leadership, oversight, and operational management for the Department of Developmental Services’ (DDS) state-operated residential programs serving individuals with complex medical and behavioral needs. This position is responsible for the overall planning, organization, administration, and continuous operation of 77 residential homes supporting approximately 340 individuals, with responsibility for a workforce of more than 1100 direct care, nursing, supervisory, and clinical staff providing 24-hour, seven-day-a-week services.

Reporting directly to the Assistant Commissioner of State Operated Services, the Director of Residential Services plays a critical role in advancing DDS’s mission to deliver high-quality, person-centered supports in community-based settings as part of the Commonwealth’s commitment to reducing institutionalization and complying with court-ordered settlements. The Director ensures that residential programs are safe, clinically sound, responsive to individual needs, and operated in a cost-effective and fiscally responsible manner within a large, decentralized public agency.

The Director is responsible for the planning, development, transition, and expansion of residential services— managing current services while planning for future and changing needs of individuals served by Northeast Residential Services. This includes managing program growth, ensuring service quality, developing newer models such as emergency respite and supporting successful implementation amid significant workforce, clinical, and operational challenges.

The Director works closely with DCAM, NRS landlords and local housing authorities to create new residential homes and ensure effective maintenance of properties. This work included overseeing design and construction projects and well as coordinating day-to-day maintenance.

The Director works collaboratively with the statewide state operated services team, regional leadership, Area Offices, clinical teams, and administrative partners on program development, budget management, labor relations, and strategic planning. Through strong leadership and cross-functional coordination, the Director supports DDS’s broader goals of ensuring continuity of care, strengthening community-based services, and improving outcomes for individuals and families served across the Commonwealth.

Key Job Responsibilities:

1. The Director has independent authority to determine policy governing the planning, development, implementation, management, and evaluation of state-operated residential services in the Northeast Region. The Director establishes and finalizes operational policies, service standards, performance expectations, and quality assurance systems that govern residential programs and staff. The Director determines program priorities, approves annual program plans, and directs organizational and service delivery changes. These decisions are of major importance to the mission and objectives of the Department and have a significant impact on program operations, staffing, and resource utilization, rather than merely implementing policies established by others.
2. The Director exercises independent judgment and final decision-making authority in directing Residential Program Directors and senior management staff. The Director determines region-wide operational and clinical practices, establishes accountability frameworks, and resolves complex operational issues without routine review or approval by higher authority. The Director evaluates program performance, directs corrective action, and determines how residential services are organized and delivered, exercising discretion that materially affects the operation of a substantial segment of the agency.
3. The Director exercises independent authority over budget development, fiscal priorities, and expenditure control for Northeast Residential Services. This includes determining how financial and staffing resources are allocated, approving expenditures, and directing administrative and operational process changes to ensure fiscal sustainability and service effectiveness. The Director analyzes financial and operational data and makes discretionary decisions that directly affect the use of public funds and the delivery of mandated services, reflecting responsibility beyond routine administration.
4. The Director has a substantial role in the determination and implementation of policy related to the development and expansion of emergency stabilization residential services. The Director determines implementation strategies, staffing models, clinical service structures, and operational controls necessary to expand this service. The Director oversees execution and ongoing performance and makes independent decisions that shape the scope, capacity, and delivery of emergency stabilization services across the region, with system-wide operational impact.
5. The Director exercises independent administrative authority over clinical and healthcare service systems supporting individuals with complex medical, behavioral, and forensic needs. This includes supervision of the Health Core Coordinator, oversight of specialized clinical supports, and establishment of regional healthcare and clinical standards. The Director independently determines placement strategies, service configurations, and responses to high-risk clinical and operational issues. The Director represents the Department in dealings with Area Offices, governmental entities, and community stakeholders, making discretionary decisions that affect service access, risk management, and community integration.
6. Other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in public health, human services, business management, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience, plus at least five years of professional administrative, supervisory, or management experience, preferably in developmental disabilities or residential services.
• Demonstrated knowledge of developmental disabilities issues and strategies, including experience supporting individuals with complex medical, behavioral, and forensic needs.
• Proven experience designing and implementing residential service delivery programs, including development of clinical support models, program policies, and operational systems.
• Strong leadership and management skills, including supervision of staff, professional development, performance management, and organizational improvement.
• Advanced knowledge of budgetary principles and resource management, including ability to establish staffing levels and schedules within fiscal constraints and to make data-driven funding decisions.
• Knowledge of clinical and healthcare delivery systems, including the ability to evaluate and coordinate medical and behavioral supports, and oversee quality and safety standards.
• Ability to establish and implement program evaluation, performance measurement, quality improvement, and surveillance systems, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement across a large residential network.
• Strong collaboration, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills, including working with Area Offices, community resources, contractors, and external agencies, and effectively managing community relations and placement decisions.

Please Note:

This position is located in the Hogan Regional Center - Danvers, MA

Schedule: Monday - Friday: 9: AM - 5:00 PM

Days Off: Sunday/Saturday

Flexibility needed to meet the needs of the Regional Office.

About the Department of Developmental Services:

The mission of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is to create innovative and genuine opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorder to participate fully and contribute meaningfully to their communities as valued members. DDS serves over 43,000 vulnerable individuals throughout their lifetimes, providing a spectrum of day, employment, and residential supports. The agency directly oversees and manages $3 billion in public funds ($2.7B+ operating budget) and approximately 5,500 staff, the largest state employee workforce of any agency in the Massachusetts executive branch of government.

For more information about our agency and programs visit: www.mass.gov/dds

Pre-Hire Process:

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Record Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.

• Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.

A criminal and tax history background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired.

Recommended candidates must successfully complete pre-employment screening which includes:

• Commission for the Protection of Persons with Disabilities (CPPD) Abuse Registry Search. https:cppdmass.gov

• Criminal background check (CORI) by regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori

• National Background Checks, Chapter 234 of the Acts of 2014, conduct fingerprint-based check. https://www.mass.gov/lists/dds-fingerprint-background-checks

​​​​​​​ADA Reasonable Accommodation:

If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests