Director of Behavior Support

KEY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provide direct supervision to the Assistant Director of Clinical Services and the Behavior Intervention Specialists (BIS), QIDPs, and other clinical staff.
• Lead the development and implementation of behavior support strategies and clinical protocols.
• Chair the Human Rights and Informed Consent Committees; ensure ethical and rights-based practices in all behavioral interventions.
• Serve as a key member of the ICF/IRA management team and contribute to strategic planning and policy development.
• Ensure the development, implementation, and monitoring of Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) and Functional Behavior Assessment (FBAs).
• Oversee clinical documentation and data collection systems to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance.
• Collaborate with psychiatric, medical, and nursing teams to integrate behavioral and medical care.
• Works in tandem with the Residential managers and the Director of Community Services to ensure clinical services and behavioral protocols are being implemented.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and intake screenings for new admissions.
• Liaise with Care Coordination organizations to ensure person-centered services and accurate documentation.
• Onsite presence on units and in day habilitation programs for observations, oversight, modeling, coaching, and training.
• Design and deliver ongoing training for clinical and direct staff on behavior support practices, data collection, and regulatory compliance.
• Mentor clinical staff in evidence-based practices and person planning.
• Ensure compliance with OPWDD and DOH regulations and CARF standards related to behavioral supports.
• Lead internal audits and prepare responses to external audits and surveys.
• Develop and implement systems to ensure clinical regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with the management team to analyze trends and implement corrective actions.
• Provide on-call support for behavioral crises during evenings and weekends.
• Develop and oversee crisis intervention protocols and staff debriefing procedures.
• Provide coverage in the absence.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Leadership and team management.
• Clinical decision-making and problem-solving.
• Regulatory knowledge and compliance.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Crisis intervention and de-escalation.
• Commitment to person-centered practices.
• Cultural competence and ethical practice.

EDUCATIONAL/QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in psychology, social work, applied behavioral analysis, or a related human services field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in behavioral supports within IDD services.
• At least 2 years in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Experience working in ICF or IRA settings preferred.
• Must meet OPWDD qualifications for both QIDP and BIS roles.

COMPUTER SKILLS

• Strong computer skills are required.
• The ability to use Microsoft applications including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are critical.
• The knowledge or ability to learn software programs including use of data and trends to inform clinical practice.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Physical effort required includes the ability to work on the computer typing reports and reviewing charts.
• Frequent speaking on the telephone, including a cellular phone.
• The position requires the ability to travel from site to site to make program visits.
• Walking in the residential programs up and down stairs and at times the ability to lift a social service chart/file.