New Data on the Direct Support Workforce Crisis
Position Summary
The Program Director is responsible for Home and Community Based Services Medicaid Waiver (HCBS), DVR, and related programs for adults and children including community learning services, personal assistance habitation, adult day health, employment services, and related programs serving people with intellectual/developmental and other disabilities.
The Program Director ensures efficient operations throughout the agency, leads and is responsible for staffing, training, programming, maintaining the operating budget, and supervision of the program team. For 25 years, Full Life Hawai’i has been empowering people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families to live self-determined, empowered lives in our local community.
As a Program Director, you’ll lead a dedicated team in delivering high-quality, person-centered services across Hawai’i Island – from home and community supports to employment and transition programs. Full Life currently has a decentralized workforce of 120 employees who support 85 participants in their homes, communities, and/or jobs island-wide.
This is more than a job – it’s a leadership opportunity to shape services, inspire staff, and strengthen the entire community on Hawai’i Island. Relocation assistance available. Position can be located anywhere on Hawaii Island. We have offices in Hilo and Kona. The work arrangement is hybrid with a partial work-from-home schedule.
Learn more about Full Life by visiting www.fulllifehawaii.org.
Qualifications
What We’re Looking For
Education/Experience
- Bachelor’s in social sciences/human services and at least 1 year working with I/DD; OR Bachelor’s in another field and 2 years directly supporting I/DD or elderly populations
- Leadership: Minimum 2 years supervisory experience.
- Skills: Strong organizational, excellent communication, and technology skills.
- Ability to manage complex programs and support teams across multiple sites.
- Commitment: Passion for person-centered practices, inclusion, and community building.
Roles & Responsibilities
What You’ll Do
- Lead, develop, and inspire program staff across the island.
- Ensure high-quality, person-centered services that meet state, federal, and internal policy standards.
- Partner with Hawai’i’s Medicaid Waiver program (Department of Health, Department of Human Services, Developmental Disabilities Division), Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, and other agencies to strengthen services.
- Oversee intake, program planning, and collaborate on quality assurance.
- Manage budgets, staffing, and support technology systems/initiatives (electronic documentation, EVV, SharePoint, etc).
- Represent Full Life in the community, building partnerships and advocating for the inclusion and belonging of participants.
- Some after-hours leadership support for staff and families may be required.
Contact us for a full job description.