Adult Day Program (DTA) Manager

Lead a Program That Makes a Difference Every Day

Position: Day Program Manager (IDD / Adult Day Services)

Location: Mesa, Arizona
Pay: $22.00 - $25.00 per hour
Schedule: Full Time

Pathways for Life, is seeking an experienced, energetic, and highly organized Day Program Manager to lead the daily operations of our adult day program serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). 

This is a hands-on leadership position for someone who knows how to build a strong team, create meaningful programming, maintain high standards, and keep a busy program running smoothly.

Most importantly, we're looking for a leader who believes a great day program should be more than a place for people to spend their day. It should be engaging, person-centered, organized, safe, and filled with opportunities to build skills, relationships, and meaningful experiences. 

Why You’ll Love Working with Us: 

• Purpose-Driven Work – Your role will directly impact individuals and families, helping them overcome challenges and build brighter futures.
• Supportive & Empowering Culture – We foster a collaborative environment where innovation, empathy, and professional growth are celebrated.
• Flexibility & Wellbeing – We value work-life balance and provide resources to ensure our team thrives both personally and professionally.
• Continuous Learning – Access to training and mentorship to expand your skills in compassionate care.

What You'll Lead

Team Leadership & Culture

• Provide daily leadership, direction, coaching, and accountability to direct support staff.
• Create a positive, professional, and collaborative team culture.
• Conduct staff observations and assessments and provide timely coaching and feedback.
• Address performance, behavior, and communication concerns professionally and consistently.
• Ensure staff understand program expectations, member needs, and their individual responsibilities.

Program Operations

• Oversee the daily operation of the adult day program and ensure the center is prepared for successful opening and closing each day.
• Maintain appropriate staffing levels and member-to-staff ratios.
• Coordinate daily staffing needs and respond effectively to call-outs or operational changes.
• Create and coordinate morning and afternoon transportation routes.
• Maintain organized, accurate program documentation, forms, and records.
• Conduct facility tours and represent Pathways professionally to prospective members, families, and visitors.

Meaningful Member Programming

• Develop monthly activity calendars that provide engaging, age-appropriate, and meaningful experiences.
• Coordinate community outings and opportunities that promote inclusion, independence, choice, and skill development.
• Support staff in implementing member goals, teaching strategies, and person-centered supports.
• Look for creative ways to increase member participation and make each day meaningful and enjoyable.

Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Help ensure services are delivered in accordance with member plans, company expectations, and applicable Arizona requirements.
• Monitor the quality of services through regular staff and program observations.
• Promote member rights, dignity, choice, health, and safety.
• Identify and promptly escalate incidents, staffing concerns, documentation issues, or other operational risks.
• Lead by example and maintain a high standard of professionalism, accountability, and person-centered care.

Who We're Looking For

The strongest candidate will be someone who can balance people leadership, organization, accountability, and creativity. You don't just notice when something isn't working—you take ownership, develop a solution, and help your team improve.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Previous supervisory, lead, or management experience.
• Experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), behavioral health, adult day services, HCBS, or a related human-services setting.
• Experience coaching, developing, and holding employees accountable.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to create engaging activities, outings, and programming for adults with varying abilities and support needs.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced environment where priorities can change throughout the day.
• Ability to maintain accurate documentation and follow regulatory and organizational requirements.
• A dependable, solutions-oriented leadership style and willingness to step in when the team needs support.

Total Rewards:

• Competitive pay and bonus opportunities
• Health, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance for full-time employees
• Paid Training
• Paid Sick Time
• Flexible Schedules
• 401k with opportunities to match

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you’re looking for more than just a job, if you want to be part of a movement that changes lives, we’d love to hear from you!