Assistant Director, Residential Services

Company: Pillar Care Continuum
Location: East Hanover
Posted on: February 17, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Assistant Director of Residential Services Location: East Hanover, NJ Job Type: Full Time | Director Level ABOUT PILLAR CARE CONTINUUM Pillar Care Continuum is dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with disabilities and other special needs by supporting personal growth, independence and participation in the community. Founded in 1953 to meet the needs of children with cerebral palsy and their families, Pillar Care has steadily grown and now delivers life-affirming services to infants, children, adults and their families throughout northern New Jersey through 27 program locations. Pillar Care provides specialized programs to meet a wide range of educational, therapeutic, and social needs of people with various disabilities. The agency serves over 1,650 families each year and employs 700 full- and part-time employees. ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY The Assistant Director of Residential Services is responsible for the overall administrative, operational, and regulatory oversight of assigned DHS-funded programs. This role ensures program excellence through strong leadership, fiscal accountability, regulatory compliance, staff development, and high-quality, person-centered services. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Lead and oversee all administrative functions for assigned DHS programs Ensure fulfillment of all Assistant Director (AD)-level responsibilities, delegating appropriately to ensure operational efficiency Support program growth, expansion, and development initiatives Monitor, manage, and analyze program budgets and spending plans to ensure fiscal responsibility Supervise, coach, and develop staff, including recruitment, onboarding, training, performance management, and corrective action as needed Ensure ongoing compliance with licensing requirements, inspections, audits, and regulatory standards Oversee member health, safety, community inclusion, and meaningful engagement across all programs Ensure accurate maintenance of member financial records and proper management of benefits and entitlements along with finance department support Lead incident reviews and actively participate in Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) meetings Utilize the audit tool for review of services across the assigned programs to drive continuous quality improvement Conduct regular program inspections and ensure high standards of service delivery and documentation Ensure compliance with all required background checks, credentialing, and agency policies Adhere to all public health mandates and agency safety protocols Support agency-wide inspections, audits, and external investigations Coordinates with Director of Facilities when needed to ensure that facilities are constructed, renovated, repaired, and maintained in accordance with funding guidelines and facilitate information exchange between funding/licensing sources Assists with handling and resolving complaints and problems; participates in formal and informal mediation of disputes Accepts, utilizes and supports the work of volunteers Serves in an on-call capacity after regular hours Serves as a covering manager for any site when needed Perform other related duties as assigned to support agency operations and mission KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES Strong working knowledge of residential services operations, regulatory compliance, and DHS/DDD requirements Proficiency in computer applications, including Microsoft Suite, data tracking, and electronic record systems Demonstrated ability to oversee administrative and operational functions across multiple programs Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey expectations, provide guidance, and document accurately Ability to function independently, exercise sound judgment, and manage multiple priorities with minimal supervision Strong organizational and analytical skills, including attention to detail and follow-through Ability to maintain, secure, and manage confidential and sensitive information in accordance with agency policy and legal requirements Capacity to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, leadership, external partners, and regulatory entities Ability to travel to multiple residential locations as required Commitment to ethical standards, agency policies and procedures, and all applicable health and safety regulations Demonstrated leadership skills, including coaching, problem-solving, and supporting staff performance and development QUALIFICATIONS: Must be at least 21 years of age Bachelor’s degree required, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, including a minimum of four (4) years of administrative and/or supervisory experience within a social services agency Successful completion of fingerprinting and approval by the State of New Jersey Valid driver’s license required Reliable personal vehicle and ability to travel to multiple program locations required ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS Employees must cooperate fully with the Licensee and the New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS) during any inspection, inquiry, or investigation. Must possess and maintain a valid New Jersey driver’s license. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check and determination by the Department of Human Services that the employee is not disqualified from working with individuals served. Employees must consent to having their name checked against the Central Registry of Offenders Against Individuals with Developmental Disabilities. All employees hired after June 15, 2018, are required to complete pre-employment drug testing. Employees are subject to random and/or for-cause drug testing in accordance with agency policy. Employees must complete an application for screening through the Child Abuse Registry Information (CARI) system. Employees must successfully complete all required training and demonstrate ongoing competency in assigned duties. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS Salary : $ 75,000-80,000 annually Pillar Care takes into consideration a combination of candidate’s work experience and qualification as well as the scope of the role, complexity and external market and internal market value when determining salary level. Benefits: Competitive Insurance Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, EAP, Life Insurance) Flexible Spending Account/Health Reimbursement Account Paid Holidays; Generous PTO 401K with Employer Matching Educational Assistance Program This job description is a brief listing of the functions and requirements of the position named above. It is not intended to serve as a contract for employment nor to list in specific detail every aspect of the job nor to limit the performance of those duties. Other tasks may be assigned as deemed necessary by agency administration. Every Pillar Care employee is responsible for the implementation of the Exposure Control Plan (ECP). As specified in our exposure control plan this position is classified as: Category 2 Category 2 Employees who perform tasks that involve no exposure to blood ·or body fluids but may perform unplanned procedures usually performed by Category I employees.

Keywords: Pillar Care Continuum, Lower Merion , Assistant Director, Residential Services, Healthcare , East Hanover, Pennsylvania