Director of Behavior Supports

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.
• Work 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: The position requires the ability to travel from site to site to make program visits. Walking in the residential programs up and down stairs may be necessary, and there is the need to lift a social service chart/file.