Job Description

About Cottonwood:

Cottonwood Community Alternatives, Inc. is a mission-driven organization committed to enhancing the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). We provide person-centered support, promote independence, and advocate for the rights and well-being of the people we serve.

Position Summary:

The Associate Director is a key member of the leadership team responsible for strategic oversight and daily operations of the Compliance Department, Medical Team, and for managing the Program Directors. This role ensures that all programs and services are in full compliance with regulatory requirements, internal policies, and quality standards, while also fostering a high-performing, person-centered service culture across the agency.

Associate Director Key Responsibilities:

Compliance Oversight:

Lead the Compliance Department to ensure adherence to federal, state, and local regulations (e.g., Medicaid Waiver, HCBS standards). Monitor and implement internal audits, risk assessments, and corrective action plans. Serve as the agency liaison during external audits, surveys, and reviews. Develop and update compliance policies and procedures in alignment with best practices and legal requirements. Conduct training and education programs for staff on compliance-related topics.

Program Leadership:

Provide direct supervision to Compliance and Medical Teams, and Program Directors overseeing residential, day habilitation, community habilitation, and other IDD services. Ensure programs deliver high-quality, person-centered services that meet the unique needs of individuals supported. Monitor program performance metrics and outcomes; support continuous improvement initiatives. Lead the development and implementation of program strategies, budgets, and staffing plans. Support Program Directors in managing personnel issues, including hiring, training, coaching, and performance evaluation.

Leadership & Collaboration:

Serve as a member of the Executive Leadership Team contributing to agency-wide planning, strategy, and policy development. Partner with the Executive Director, COO and other leaders to advance the agency's mission and goals. Collaborate across departments (e.g., HR, Finance) to support cohesive operations.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Public Administration, Social Work, or a related field required; Master's degree preferred. Minimum of 7 years of progressive leadership experience in the IDD field, including supervisory experience. Strong knowledge of compliance standards related to IDD services (e.g., Medicaid, CMS, HCBS). Demonstrated ability to lead diverse teams, manage multiple programs, and oversee regulatory compliance. Excellent communication, organizational, and analytical skills. Commitment to person-centered values and ethical leadership. Knowledge of electronic health records and compliance reporting tools.

Benefits for Full-Time Employees:

4-day work week: 36 hours per week, closed on Fridays. Extra hours may be required to ensure responsibilities are completed each week. Health insurance. Voluntary dental and vision insurance. Company paid life/AD&D and long-term disability insurance. 401k retirement plan with company match. Flexible spending account. Paid vacation and six paid holidays.
Job Type: Full-time

Base Pay: $85,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off
Application Question(s):

Are you familiar with Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) and the Office of Community Living regulations? Have you written and implemented policy and procedure related to the HCBS waiver? Have you worked in an agency that provides services under Colorado's HCBS waivers? Have you directly participated in a State survey, audit, or program approval review for an IDD or Medicaid-funded program?
Experience:

leadership or management within the IDD field: 7 years (Required)
License/Certification:

Driver's License (Required)
Work Location: In person