Innovative Life Solutions | Washington, DC | Full-Time

Location: Office and program sites throughout Washington, DC
Reports to: Chief Operating Officer

Lead with Purpose. Deliver Lasting Impact.

Innovative Life Solutions seeks an accomplished Executive Director, DC Programs to lead the operational and clinical performance of programs serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and co-occurring behavioral health or complex medical needs.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, this executive will guide program leaders, strengthen service quality, oversee fiscal performance, and advance responsible growth. The ideal candidate combines sound clinical judgment with demonstrated success leading multi-program operations, developing accountable teams, and navigating complex regulatory environments.

This is an opportunity to shape services that protect individual dignity, promote independence, and create meaningful outcomes for the people we support.

About Innovative Life Solutions

Innovative Life provides residential, day habilitation, behavioral, community inclusion, employment readiness, and individualized day services across Washington, DC, Maryland, and New Jersey.

Our mission is to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and behavioral health needs to live meaningful, self-directed lives. Our work is guided by I-CARE: Innovation, Commitment, Attitude, Respect, and Excellence.

Executive Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Program Operations

• Lead assigned DC residential and other programs, aligning daily operations with organizational priorities and person-centered outcomes.
• Supervise, coach, and evaluate the Residential Director and Program Directors, establishing clear expectations for performance, accountability, and leadership development.
• Partner with the COO and Finance to manage budgets, census, staffing, overtime, and resource allocation.
• Monitor operational performance and implement improvements that strengthen service delivery and financial sustainability.
• Collaborate with Human Resources, Quality Assurance, Nursing, and program teams to maintain qualified staff, required training, and effective workflows.

Clinical Oversight and Care Coordination

• Provide clinical leadership on complex cases, behavioral health concerns, risk management, and service planning in collaboration with treating providers and interdisciplinary teams.
• Oversee systems for timely assessments, individualized plans, clinical consultation, and escalation of significant changes in condition.
• Strengthen care coordination during admissions, hospitalizations, discharges, and return to services.
• Advance trauma-informed, person-centered practices and effective responses to behavioral health crises.
• Review incidents, hospital utilization, grievances, and care transitions to identify trends and improve outcomes.

Regulatory Compliance and Quality

• Oversee compliance with applicable licensing, payer, contractual, accreditation, privacy, and organizational requirements.
• Lead survey and audit readiness, timely responses, and implementation of corrective action plans.
• Ensure timely incident reporting, investigation follow-through, and monitoring of corrective actions.
• Use performance data, record reviews, site visits, and participant feedback to identify risks and report progress to senior leadership.

External Partnerships and Growth

• Represent Innovative Life Solutions with DC agencies, hospitals, referral sources, funders, families, guardians, and community partners.
• Build relationships that strengthen care coordination, referrals, and community access.
• Contribute operational and clinical expertise to proposals, new service opportunities, and program expansion.
• Communicate program results, priorities, and improvement plans clearly and professionally.

Required Qualifications

• Current, unrestricted Washington, DC license as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), or eligibility to obtain the required DC license before starting employment.
• At least 10 years of progressive leadership experience in human services or healthcare, including senior responsibility for multi-program operations, teams, budgets, and quality outcomes.
• Demonstrated experience supporting adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities and co-occurring behavioral health or complex medical needs.
• Experience with interdisciplinary care, crisis response, clinical oversight, and regulatory compliance.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with public agencies, external providers, and diverse stakeholders.
• Strong executive communication, analytical, decision-making, and team-development skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in social work, counseling, or a closely related clinical human services field.
• Leadership experience with DC Medicaid-funded residential, waiver, intermediate care, or related community-based services.
• Experience leading licensing surveys, accreditation activities, performance improvement, and program development.

What Success Looks Like

Success in this role means safe, high-quality services; timely incident follow-through and corrective actions; effective care transitions; disciplined budget and staffing management; and capable program leaders who maintain clear accountability for results.

Schedule and Work Environment

This position works from office, residential, and day program locations throughout Washington, DC. Regular travel to program sites, hospitals, and agency or partner meetings is required. The Executive Director must be available to address urgent program matters outside standard business hours.

Benefits 

Innovative Life Solutions offers eligible employees medical, dental, and vision insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; and access to a retirement plan. Benefits are subject to applicable eligibility requirements and plan terms. 

Employment is contingent upon completion of required background checks, clearances, health documentation, and applicable organizational training. The required DC clinical license must be maintained throughout employment.

Apply

Submit your resume and a cover letter highlighting your executive leadership experience, clinical credentials, and accomplishments in human services or healthcare operations.

Innovative Life Solutions is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of every background and provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities consistent with applicable law.