Assistant Director of IDD at Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority – CHEROKEE, North Carolina

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Assistant Director of IDD will manage a team of staff to support the mission, equity, and operational goals of Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority. This role provides strategic and hands-on oversight of creating person-centered supports and inclusive settings that promote integration of people with IDD/Autism in their community. This leader is both analytical and mission-driven, ensuring CIHA remains competitive, compliant, and aligned with tribal employment preferences and healthcare regulations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Support a philosophy of whole person-centered care, and guides staff in building skills working with groups and individuals.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with community members and key stakeholders and other related organizations.

• Collaborate with leadership team on the development and implementation of functional strategies.
• Recruit, direct, and review teams of professionals.
• Ensure inclusion of Individual and families of IDD in the development of systems and services
• Set and allocate departmental budget, as assigned.
• Ensure development and dissemination of resources for families and individuals.
• Review departmental policies for consistency, variances, or discrepancies.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and organizational standards.
• Develop work flows for a “No Wrong Door Approach”.
• Hire in coordination with the IDD Director staff to perform key functions of the assigned work and center coverage.
• Coordinate and present awareness and education for the community on areas related to IDD and Autism.
• Acts as an extension of the IDD Director.
• Ensure operation of the enrichment center and activities focusing the vision and safety.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Proficiency with advocating for community inclusion and opportunities.
• Strong understanding of IDD populations, IDD systems and policies.
• Collaborate with external and internal stakeholders to ensure resources/education for community thought training and events.
• Excellent analytical and project management skills.

• Ability to effectively lead a team.
• Ability to resolve complex issues within tight timeframes while maintaining procedural integrity.
• Ensure competency for community for person- centered services.
• Embrace self-advocacy with and for individuals and families with IDD.
• High level of professionalism and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate in an articulate, professional manner while maintaining a necessary degree of confidentiality, adjusting message for audience.
• Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and multi-task while maintaining quality standards.
• Strong commitment to patient-centered care and the mission of serving the community.
• Demonstration of strong servant leadership skills.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services or relevant field; master’s degree preferred; and
• 5 or more years of experience with IDD/Autism population; and
• 3 years of experience in a leadership or management role; and
• Experience in healthcare, tribal organizations, or mission-driven environments preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is performed in office settings, community centers, other community locations and potentially client residences. Occasional travel within tribal lands and surrounding areas may be required for work, and broader travel may be required for recruitment events or training.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Work may involve prolonged periods of sitting, some walking, reaching, reading, writing, speaking, driving, hearing, and occasional travel. Must be able to lift 25 pounds and carry 5 pounds on a repetitive basis. Close concentration and attention to detail are required to perform most duties.