Director of Self-Direction (SD) at RCIL – Utica, New York

Starting Pay Rate: $70,000 - $80,000 annually

Job Duties:

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Oversee all daily operations of the Self‑Direction Program to ensure efficiency, accuracy, and high‑quality service delivery.
• Ensure full compliance with all applicable rules, laws, regulations, OPWDD guidance, and internal RCIL policies.
• Oversee customer service functions, ensuring timely responses, issue resolution, and high participant satisfaction.
• Develop and maintain effective communication channels with participants, brokers, coordinators, community partners, and internal departments.
• Maintain strong internal controls for billing, compliance documentation, and financial accuracy.
• Identify barriers to growth and implement solutions to expand program capacity, efficiency, and market reach.
• Lead strategic planning for the department, including service innovation, process redesign, and long‑term sustainability initiatives.
• Maintain accountability for revenue targets, cost controls, and financial integrity.
• Manage the hiring, training, supervision, coaching, and performance evaluation of all department staff.
• Build a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and high performance.
• Ensure all program activities meet OPWDD standards, Medicaid requirements, and RCIL quality benchmarks.
• Ensure program is compliant with all pertinent rules, laws, and regulations.
• Develop growth plans aligned with RCIL’s mission, financial goals, and community needs.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Business, Public Administration, or related field preferred. Significant Self‑Direction program experience may substitute for degree requirements.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• A minimal of five years working in a human service field with at least two years of supervisory experience.
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Medicaid, and the Independent Living Philosophy.
• Progressive experience and demonstrated skills in program oversight, supervision, and coordination.
• Knowledge of accounting and budgeting.
• Computer (Microsoft Suite, Outlook, ADP), excellent verbal and written communication, organization, supervision, advocacy, budget analysis, negotiation, conflict resolution, and business strategy.

Benefits:

• PTO – vacation (16-24 days a year based on longevity) Sick leave 12 days a year, and 13 paid holidays.
• Ability to work a 4-day schedule after 6 months on the job. Multiple work schedules available.
• Wellness program with the ability to earn an additional 3 PTO days a year.
• 401K with up to 10% employer investment.
• Heavily subsidized Health Insurance with co-pays.
• Vision and Dental insurance.
• Flexible Spending Accounts-Medical and Dependent Care.
• Monthly contribution towards dependent care. (to offset childcare costs)
• Company paid Life Insurance and Identity theft protection. (LifeLock)
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Family Medical Leave, Paid Family Leave, Military Leave, Bereavement Leave, Jury Duty Leave, Bone Marrow and Blood Donation Leave, Voting Time Leave, Election Leave, and Leaves for Crime Victims and Domestic Violence Victims.
• Employees may be eligible for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program to have student loans forgiven.
• Free covered parking.
• Additional benefits available.

Travel Required: Minimal

Location: Utica, NY

RCIL is a civil rights organization that offers individuals with disabilities a wide range of independent living and advocacy services through the numerous programs we manage.

RCIL is an equal opportunity employer, and it is the policy of RCIL not to discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status.