How to Be a Director of Group Homes
A group home director must balance the needs and wishes of the residents with the realities of staffing, budget, governmental regulations and restrictions and, of course, the limitations of the residents themselves. Group home directors work hard and juggle many tasks. Yet running a group home can offer a rewarding and satisfying career as well. A director has the opportunity to make a genuine impact on the lives of many people who otherwise might not have the chance to live in a comfortable, non-restrictive yet supportive environment.
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Instructions
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Ascertain the state requirements for working as a group home director. Each state has its own requirements, usually publicized through its adult foster care division or family services division of the state's department of social services. Regulations generally include providing proof that the director has successfully completed mandated adult foster care licensing training courses and participates in ongoing training. Each state will publicize the availability of such courses through its department of social services website. The state's department of social services will also want to see a background check that proves that the group home director does not have a criminal background or police record.
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Insure that the group home follows all state department of social service regulations for operating a group home. Regulations and guidelines include the detailing the physical layout of the group home (including mandated free access for all residents, including handicapped access), the allotted living space for each resident, the number of toilets and showers for the number of residents living in the group home, an operational plan for daily living arrangements, a plan showing the organizational structure of the group home's sponsoring agency or company and access to employment and education, social, religious and community activities for residents.
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Insure that the group home's staff is properly trained. State regulations spell out the training that each staff member will need, including medical personnel (who must have a license from the State Department of Health's licensing division) and caretakers. All staff will need to demonstrate successful completion of a CPR and first aid course.
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Consider taking courses in business administration, accounting and interpersonal relationships for effective functioning as a group homes director. While not required by state licensing regulations, knowledge of these subjects will enhance leadership, management and administration skills necessary to effectively manage a group home. Courses may be located at a local university or community college, or through an online course of study. Check any online courses or institutions with the Better Business Bureau for verification of standards.
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Join the local state's association of independent living. This resource provides valuable information for directors on such issues as how to help the residents navigate the educational system, how to obtain transportation for residents,
which local state resources and contacts will offer assistance and information, how to find employment for residents, etc. The association can also put directors in contact with other group home directors in the same county.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit group image by Edward White from Fotolia.com
