Program Coordinator / Lead Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Company Description

At Dungarvin, we are dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with diverse abilities. We provide essential support to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, mental health conditions, and complex behavioral support needs. We help individuals build skills, participate in their communities, strengthen their independence, and enjoy meaningful daily experiences.

About our Adult Day Program

Our Fairfield Adult Day Program provides structured daytime services for adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

Individuals participate in onsite activities such as art, music, technology, recreation, activities of daily living, and life-skills development. Community activities may include parks, bowling, volunteering, and other opportunities that support independence, social connection, personal goals, and community inclusion.

The Role

Dungarvin is seeking a confident, organized, dependable, and experienced Program Coordinator (PC) for our Adult Day Program in Fairfield, CA. 

The Program Coordinator (PC) is the lead Direct Support Professional (DSP) within the program. This is a hands-on working lead role, not a supervisory position.

The PC works directly with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout the day, providing personal care, instruction, skill development, and positive behavioral support. The goal is simple: keep individuals safe, engaged, supported, and moving toward greater independence.

The PC also helps keep the program running. This includes coordinating daily activities, adjusting schedules, supporting documentation, reinforcing program expectations and procedures, and providing day-to-day guidance and coaching to DSP staff. The PC does not supervise, discipline, evaluate, hire, or terminate DSP staff. Employee performance concerns are communicated to the Program Director. The PC reports to the Program Director and leads through communication, consistency, positive influence, and example rather than formal supervisory authority.

**At least one year of relevant direct support experience is required.  

Why You'll Love This Role

• Meaningful Work: Help individuals build skills, independence, and community connections
• Leadership Opportunities: Lead by example while coaching, guiding, and supporting staff
• Variety: Balance direct support, daily scheduling, staff guidance, communication, and program coordination.
• Community Connections: Help build partnerships and foster a vibrant, inclusive program environment.
• Professional Growth: Develop coaching, communication, documentation, and program coordination skills while continuing to work directly with the people we support.

Benefits & Perks:

• Competitive Pay:  $23.75/hour
• Full Range Scale: $23.75 - $26.45 per hour. The starting rate for this position is fixed at $23.75 per hour.  Pay increases occur over time and are tied to tenure/length of employment with Dungarvin.
• Full Time Monday-Friday, daytime hours
• Medical, Vision and Dental Insurance for full-time employees
• Supplemental Insurance
• Flex Spending and HSA Accounts for full-time employees
• Pet Insurance
• Life Insurance for full-time employees
• 401 K plan with up to 3% employer match based on eligibility requirements
• PAID TIME OFF (PTO) for eligible employees
• PTO Donation
• Growth and Development Opportunities
• Employee Referral Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• National Brand Discounts
• TapCheck - access up to 50% of your pay before payday
• PAID training and orientation

Job Description

What You'll Do

The Program Coordinator provides direct support to individuals while helping coordinate the daily flow of the Adult Day Program and ensuring staff are supported and aligned. 

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

• Provide direct, person-centered support to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health care needs, behavioral health needs, and/or other complex care needs
• Lead onsite skill-building, recreational, educational, and community activities
• Model and implement behavior support strategies, redirection, and de-escalation techniques
• Help individuals work toward personal goals and greater independence
• Remain actively present on the program floor and help ensure activities are implemented appropriately
• Provide day-to-day guidance and coaching to DSP staff while leading by example
• Help staff understand individual goals, needs, and support strategies
• Assist with transportation, community activities, program supplies, and other daily operational needs
• Communicate professionally and effectively with families, providers, and interdisciplinary teams
• Communicate concerns, changes, and program challenges to the Program Director
• Help maintain a safe, positive, organized, and respectful program environment
• Follow established health, safety, behavioral, transportation, confidentiality, licensing, and program procedures.
• Maintain the rights, dignity, health, safety, and confidentiality of the individuals served

How You Will Lead

The Program Coordinator does not formally supervise employees.  Instead, the PC serves as the day-to-day lead within the program by: 

• Modeling professional behavior
• Providing clear direction and information
• Coaching staff through daily situations
• Reinforcing program expectations, procedures, and daily routines
• Supporting consistency across the team
• Communicating concerns appropriately
• Helping the team remain informed, prepared, and aligned

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelors degree in Human Services, Special Education, or related field is preferred.  Or, equivalent training/experience in disability services will be considered.
• A minimum of one (1) year of experience supporting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities is required. 
• At least one (1) year of experience in adult day program, vocational program, residential program, supported living program, behavioral health setting, educational setting, or other community-based disability service
• Experience implementing behavior support strategies, redirection, or de-escalation techniques
• Experience completing professional documentation such as progress notes, case notes, incident reports, or data collection

Skills & Abilities

• Confident and professional communicator
• Able to clearly communicate information, concerns, expectations, and program updates
• Able to guide, coach, support, and positively influence peers without supervisory authority
• Strong written communication and documentation skills
• Able to maintain professional relationships with individuals, staff, families, residential providers, Regional Center representatives, and other community partners
• Organized and able to manage multiple responsibilities
• Reliable and dependable
• Sound professional judgment and discretion
• Ability to pivot when necessary
• Ability to remain calm during behavioral incidents or unexpected situations
• Adaptable, creative, and solution-focused
• Able to provide respectful, person-centered support
• Comfortable using email, electronic documentation systems, and basic computer programs
• Ability to accept feedback and work cooperatively with the team
• Positive, respectful, and person-centered in all interactions

Additional Requirements

• High school diploma or GED
• Must be at least 21 years old
• Valid California driver's license with acceptable driving record
• Ability to work a full-time Monday through Friday daytime schedule

Additional Information

We believe in supporting not only those we serve but also each other, ensuring a collaborative and supportive work environment for all. Dungarvin is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, national origin, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any legally protected status per federal and/or state law.

Ready to start your journey?  Apply today if you are an experienced DSP who is ready to take the next step, guide others, and make a meaningful difference every day.

#DCAJ

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