Director of Behavioral Programs

Program Development & Behavioral Systems Design

Develop and oversee a campus-wide behavioral support model.

Establish standardized frameworks for Behavioral assessment (FBA), Intervention planning (BIP/BTP) and Data collection and outcome tracking.

Create tiered behavioral support systems, including: Universal supports (all residents), Targeted interventions (moderate behavioral needs), and Intensive supports (enhanced staffing / high-risk behaviors).

Ensure continuity of behavioral care across all departments and shifts.

Create systems that ensure continuity of behavioral care across all departments and shifts.

Lead the development of trauma-informed and least-restrictive programming models.

Staff Training, Coaching & Workforce Development

Build and lead a formal behavioral training program for all staff levels.

Develop curriculum and competency standards in: Understanding behavior and function, Crisis prevention and de-escalation, Implementation of BIPs/BTPs, Appropriate use of restrictive and non-restrictive interventions, Documentation and data accuracy.

Ensure ongoing training, recertification, and skill validation.

Provide in-the-moment coaching and modeling within residential settings.

Establish Behavioral Champions / Lead Staff roles within units.

Evaluate staff performance related to behavior support and implement improvement plans.

Behavioral Support Services & Enhanced Staffing Programs

Design and oversee Behavior Technician (BT/RBT) support models.

Develop criteria and protocols for residents approved for Enhanced staffing and Intensive behavioral monitoring.

Ensure behavioral staff are properly trained and effectively utilized, aligned with treatment goals.

Create staffing models that balance safety, independence, and therapeutic value.

Residential & Clinical Integration

Partner with Residential, Nursing, Clinical, and Therapeutic departments to align behavioral programming with medical and clinical needs, and ensure consistency in interventions across environments.

Participate in and lead interdisciplinary treatment planning.

Ensure behavioral supports are integrated into daily routines, activities programming and environmental design.

Behavioral Programming & Therapeutic Activities

Develop and implement structured, behaviorally appropriate activity programs, including: Sensory-based programming, Skill-building activities, Social and adaptive functioning groups.

Ensure activities are: Matched to behavioral profiles, Reinforcing and engaging, Designed to reduce maladaptive behaviors.

Collaborate with recreation and therapy teams to align programming.

Data, Outcomes & Continuous Improvement

Establish a robust data infrastructure to track behavioral incidents, intervention effectiveness, staff compliance and resident outcomes.

Use analytics to: Identify trends and systemic issues, Drive program improvements, Demonstrate measurable outcomes.

Present behavioral performance metrics to leadership.

Compliance & Risk Management

Ensure all behavioral programming complies with: Michigan Mental Health Code, MDHHS and CMH requirements, Organizational policies.

Oversee: Behavior Treatment Plan Review Committee (BTPRC) processes, Documentation accuracy and audit readiness.

Lead incident reviews and root cause analyses.

Develop corrective action plans and monitor effectiveness.

Leadership & Program Oversight

Serve as the organization’s primary authority on behavioral systems and strategy.

Supervise behavioral staff (e.g., BCBAs, Behavior Specialists, BTs/RBTs, Clinical Psychologists).

Conduct program audits to ensure fidelity of implementation and consistency across shifts and units.

Build a culture of: Accountability, Clinical excellence, Continuous learning.