Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Group Home Manager

🎯 Role Definition

As a Group Home Manager, you are the heart of our residential facility. You will be directly responsible for the overall well-being of residents and the professional development of your staff. This is not just a management job; it's a leadership role that requires a unique blend of administrative expertise, clinical understanding, and genuine compassion. You will be the primary point of contact for families, healthcare providers, and community stakeholders, ensuring seamless care coordination and advocating for the needs and rights of each individual. Your leadership will directly shape the home's culture, creating a therapeutic and positive environment where residents can thrive and achieve their personal goals.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Direct Support Professional (DSP)
Lead Residential Counselor
Assistant Group Home Manager
Case Manager

Advancement To:

Program Director
Regional Manager of Residential Services
Director of Operations
Quality Assurance Director

Lateral Moves:

Residential Program Coordinator
Behavior Specialist
Case Management Supervisor

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Provide daily leadership, supervision, coaching, and performance management to a team of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to ensure the highest quality of care and support.
Develop, implement, and monitor Individualized Service Plans (ISPs) or Person-Centered Plans (PCPs) in collaboration with residents, their families, and interdisciplinary teams.
Ensure the group home operates in full compliance with all state, federal, and local licensing regulations, health codes, and agency policies, preparing for all audits and inspections.
Manage the overall financial health of the home, including overseeing the household budget, resident finances, purchasing of supplies, and ensuring accurate expense reporting.
Coordinate all resident healthcare needs, including scheduling and attending medical/dental appointments, communicating with providers, and ensuring proper follow-through on medical orders.
Oversee the medication administration process, ensuring adherence to policy, accurate documentation (eMAR), and proper storage and inventory of all medications.
Serve as the primary liaison and advocate, fostering positive and professional communication between the agency, residents, families/guardians, case managers, and community partners.
Maintain comprehensive, accurate, and confidential resident and staff records, including progress notes, incident reports, medication logs, and human resources documentation.
Create and maintain a safe, clean, and therapeutic living environment, conducting regular safety drills and overseeing the general maintenance and upkeep of the property and vehicles.
Develop and manage staff schedules to ensure appropriate coverage at all times, minimizing overtime while adhering to staff-to-resident ratios and budgetary constraints.
Provide effective on-site crisis intervention, de-escalation, and emergency management, guiding staff and residents through challenging situations with a calm and decisive approach.
Plan, facilitate, and document regular staff meetings to disseminate critical information, provide ongoing training, and foster a collaborative team environment.
Actively participate in the resident referral, intake, and discharge planning processes to ensure smooth and supportive transitions for individuals.
Empower residents to achieve personal goals related to daily living skills, such as personal hygiene, cooking, cleaning, and financial management, through hands-on teaching and support.
Investigate, document, and resolve all resident and staff grievances, complaints, and reportable incidents in a thorough, fair, and timely manner, following established protocols.
Champion residents' rights and choices, ensuring they are treated with dignity and respect at all times and have opportunities for self-advocacy.
Organize and promote community integration by facilitating recreational outings, volunteer opportunities, and social activities that align with residents' interests and goals.
Participate in the recruitment, interviewing, and hiring process for new Direct Support Professionals, ensuring a strong fit for the team and residents.
Uphold and model the agency's mission, vision, and values in all interactions, promoting a positive organizational culture.
Conduct regular environmental assessments of the home to identify and mitigate potential hazards, ensuring a safe physical space for everyone.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc reporting requests from regional leadership regarding census, incidents, or budget variances.
Contribute to the organization's strategic initiatives and quality improvement committees.
Collaborate with clinical and administrative departments to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency.
Participate in community outreach and networking events to build partnerships and promote the agency’s services.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficiency in Electronic Health Record (EHR) or client management software.
Strong knowledge of state-specific licensing regulations (e.g., DDS, ODP, HCBS waivers).
Budgeting, financial tracking, and resource management.
Staff scheduling and timekeeping software proficiency (e.g., Kronos, Paycom, ADP).
Medication Administration Certification (or ability to obtain).
First Aid/CPR Certification (or ability to obtain).
Crisis Prevention & Intervention (CPI, SCIP, or similar) training.
Knowledge of person-centered planning principles and goal implementation.

Soft Skills

Empathetic Leadership and Team Supervision
Exceptional Conflict Resolution and De-escalation Abilities
Clear and Compassionate Communication (Verbal and Written)
Advanced Problem-Solving and Critical-Thinking Skills
Superior Organizational and Time Management Capabilities
High Level of Adaptability, Resilience, and Composure Under Pressure
Strong Advocacy and Interpersonal Skills

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED with significant relevant experience.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor's Degree

Relevant Fields of Study:

Social Work
Human Services
Psychology
Special Education
Healthcare Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-5 years of progressive experience in the human services or healthcare field, with a minimum of 1-2 years in a supervisory or leadership role.

Preferred:

Direct experience managing a licensed residential facility (group home, ICF/IDD, or similar).
Demonstrated experience working directly with individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, mental health diagnoses, or other special needs.
Proven track record of successfully passing licensing surveys and audits.
Valid Driver's License and an acceptable driving record.