Assistant Program Manager I - CDS

Washington County Mental Health Services

Montpelier, VT 05602, USA

Published: 6/14/2022

Full Time

Job Description

Job Description
Washington County Mental Health Services, Inc.
NOTICE OF OPEN POSITION
Assistant Program Manager I
September 2025

For more than 50 years, Washington County Mental Health Services (WCMHS) has served the Washington County community and the Orange County towns of Orange, Washington and Williamstown. WCMHS provides education, support, and treatment of individuals and families living with mental health challenges, substance use issues, and developmental and intellectual disabilities. Providing accessible, high-quality services in the community, schools, and health care settings, we work toward positive outcomes for wellness with collaborative, inclusive, and compassionate care. Washington County Mental Health Services is “Where Hope and Support Come Together.”

Position:

The Assistant Program Manager (APM) I supports adults with developmental disabilities in a residential setting by providing direct care, behavioral support, and supervision of daily activities. This role helps manage staff schedules, trains Residential Behavioral Support Specialists (RBSS), and ensures coverage for shifts when needed.

The APM I promotes a safe and engaging environment, assists residents with personal care and transportation, and responds calmly and effectively during challenging or crisis situations. Success in this role requires strong communication, flexibility, leadership, and a supportive presence, especially during on-call rotations and times when residents need extra support.

Job duties:

Implement behavior plans, provide trauma-informed crisis intervention, and administer medications per agency protocols.

Deliver individualized services and therapeutic supervision, including 2:1 or 3:1 staffing for residents with high clinical acuity.

Document care activities, incidents, and treatment progress in electronic medical records.

Contribute to Individualized Support Agreement (ISA) goal development and monitoring while upholding residents’ rights, dignity, and confidentiality.

Manage staff schedules, ensuring coverage.

Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent

Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and proof of vehicle insurance if personal vehicle use is required

Ability to lift up to 30 pounds and perform physical assistance tasks safely

Availability for variable scheduling, including evenings, weekends, and rotating on-call responsibilities

1–2 years of experience in developmental services, residential support, or behavioral health

Demonstrated ability to manage staff schedules and support team operations

Strong communication skills and a calm, supportive presence during challenging situations

Advanced coursework or degree in human services, psychology, or a related field (preferred)

Familiarity with trauma-informed care and behavior support strategies

Complete required training in CPR, First Aid, crisis prevention/intervention, and medication administration as provided by the agency

Experience with technology, including Microsoft Suite

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Confidentiality

De-escalation and conflict resolution skills

Excellent organizational, time management, and problem-solving abilities

Ability to multitask

Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and listen effectively

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

Work takes place in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings, including offices, program spaces, community locations, and client homes.

Driving and transporting clients is required, often using a personal vehicle.

Schedule may include evenings, weekends, and on-call shifts to meet program needs.

May need to be able to lift up to 30 pounds and provide physical support to residents with mobility needs.

May involve extended periods of computer use; ergonomic precautions are encouraged.

Direct care may include occupational risks including responding to challenging behaviors

Staff may need to respond to medical or behavioral emergencies, including contacting emergency services.

Occasional exposure to bloodborne pathogens; use of PPE and safety protocols is required.

Regular travel in varying weather conditions requires safe driving practices.

Compensation and Benefits
This full-time position offers an hourly rate of $23.59/hr. and excellent benefits, including tuition reimbursement/student loan assistance; generous paid time off; employer-sponsored health, dental, life, and disability insurances; and a 403(b)-retirement plan with employer match.

TO APPLY: We encourage applicants to apply via the WCMHS website Careers page. Applications (resume and cover letter, preferred) may also be emailed to recruitment@wcmhs.org or mailed via USPS mail to WCMHS Human Resources, PO Box 647, Montpelier, VT 05601. Please note that only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. WCMHS strives to make our application process accessible to all. If you need language assistance or an accommodation in the application process, please contact us at recruitment@wcmhs.org or 802-229-1399.

Washington County Mental Health Services is an equal opportunity employer. Grounded in our understanding that diversity makes us stronger, we are committed to inclusion in our workplace and services. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and consider applications for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, health care coverage status, military status, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

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