Aspire living & learning

Director of Adult Services

Hamden, Connecticut Full Time

At Aspire Living & Learning, we don't just talk about making an impact, we live it. For more than 40 years, we've supported neurodiverse children and adults across New England and Maryland as they discover their passions, unlock their potential, and live more independently in their communities. Our person-centered services evolve with people's needs, from education and behavioral health to residential and community-based supports. We empower people to live lives shaped by their own interests, choices, and strengths. Join our collaborative, mission-driven team and bring your skills to work that makes a real difference every day.

We are seeking a Director of Adult Services to lead residential programs serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Connecticut.

The Opportunity

The Director of Adult Services provides leadership and oversight for Aspire’s DDS-licensed residential programs, ensuring high-quality services, strong program operations, and a supportive workplace culture for employees.

This role supervises Program Directors and works closely with Aspire’s Clinical, Quality, Human Resources, and Operations teams to ensure programs are safe, well-staffed, and aligned with regulatory standards and Aspire’s mission.

The ideal candidate is a thoughtful leader who values collaboration, accountability, and person-centered services.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership

  • Oversee the operation of residential programs serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities
  • Ensure programs meet DDS licensing standards and regulatory requirements
  • Support high-quality implementation of Individual Support Plans (ISPs)

Team Leadership

  • Supervise and coach Program Managers responsible for residential homes
  • Foster a culture of respect, collaboration, and professional growth
  • Partner with HR to recruit, develop, and retain strong staff teams

Operational Oversight

  • Monitor staffing levels, overtime use, and program operations
  • Partner with Finance to manage program budgets
  • Ensure homes are safe, well-maintained, and supportive environments

Quality & Partnerships

  • Promote person-centered services that support independence and community inclusion
  • Partner with Aspire’s Quality and Clinical teams on program improvement
  • Maintain strong relationships with state agencies, families, and community partners

Qualifications

Required

  • Bachelor’s degree in human services, psychology, special education, or related field
  • 5+ years of leadership experience in programs serving individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities
  • Experience overseeing residential or community-based programs
  • Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills

Preferred

  • Experience working within DDS-regulated services
  • Experience supervising program managers or similar leadership roles
  • Knowledge of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Employees at Aspire enjoy working with a collaborative and dedicated team that values a culture of belonging and care. We take pride in offering a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, including:

  • Comprehensive Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance - Choose from multiple medical plans, with vision coverage included at no extra cost.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Saving Account (HSA) options - Use pre-tax dollars for medical and dependent care expenses.
  • Lifestyle Spending Accounts with JOON - Monthly funds for wellness, fitness, commuting, childcare, pet care, and more.
  • 403(b) Retirement Plan with Employer Match - A 100% match on contributions up to 2% of your salary.
  • Generous Paid Time Off - Paid sick, personal, and vacation days, plus holidays.
  • Professional Growth Opportunities - Access to training, leadership and management courses, mentorship, and career advancement.
  • Employer-Paid Life & Disability Insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Telehealth Services and more!

If you want to join us in making a difference and positively impact the lives of others while charting your own path of development, then we at the Aspire team would love to hear from you.

From $ 80,000

Aspire Living & Learning believes it must play an active role in creating a community of employees that is diverse, inclusive and equitable. Our work benefits greatly from the contributions of people of color, people from working class backgrounds, women, LGBTQ people, and individuals with disabilities. Hence, we strongly encourage applications from people with these identities or who are members of other marginalized communities. 

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