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QUESTION: We are looking at restructuring our supported living department from management staff to DSPs and would be interested in knowing how this department is structured in other organizations. Before our supported living was: CEO > Director of Residential Services > (2) Directors of Services Each Director of Service > 2 Service Coordinators Each Service Coordinator > 3 – 4 Team Managers Each Team Manager > 4 – 7 Team Leads and 12 – 20 DSPs (the Team Leads weren’t actually supervisors, more like a Senior DSP). After some staffing changes we are: CEO > Director of Residential Services > 4 Service Coordinators and Central Scheduling Coordinator Each Service Coordinator > 5 to 7 Team Managers Each Team Manager > 8 – 10 DSPs Basic changes – wiped out the Directors of Services and the Team Leads, Increased the number of Team Managers, added Central Scheduling. By eliminating the DoS positions we were able to increase front line supervisors (Team Managers) and hire Central Scheduling Coordinator. The Team Leads really had no added qualifications or responsibilities, just received higher wage and different title based on seniority. We recognize seniority with pay and/or promotion, but don’t need a new title with no specific responsibilities. We’ve seen a decrease in overtime and an improvement in both Service Coordinator and Team Manager administrative duties. Each house has a team lead. We have a manager over a cluster of sites then an overall director. We are thinking of adding another position of trainer/quality oversight due to the turnover in the program. We have team leaders in place who supervisor 10-12 DSPs. This information is a compilation of suggestions, ideas, and opinions shared by INARF Members in response to the featured question. This information should not be considered official interpretation or guidance of State or Federal Policy. Additionally, statements within this document do not necessarily reflect an official position or opinion of INARF.
QUESTION: We are looking at restructuring our supported living department from management staff to DSPs and would be interested in knowing how this department is structured in other organizations.