Unit Director

About the role

The Unit Director performs highly complex managerial work administering and overseeing the daily operations, programming and activities of a cluster of homes at the designated State Supported Living Center (SSLC). Each home provides the individuals residing there with a safe and homelike environment where they are provided individualized supports and services to reach their full potential. These include 24-hour residential services provided by direct service professionals (DSPs), comprehensive behavioral treatment services, health care services, and skills training.

Responsibilities

• Manages and coordinates residential services in the assigned homes to ensure active treatment, health, safety and the pursuit of personal goals for the individuals residing in the unit.
• Manages all residential services/direct support staff assigned to the homes. Ensures services such as psychology/behavioral services, active treatment/vocational services, nursing, medical, and qualified intellectual disabilities services are well integrated to provide optimal supports to the individuals residing in the assigned homes.
• Ensures that the structure, staffing, and operations of all residential and program services conform with nationally accepted best practices for services for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities, the terms of the settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice and all other relevant state and federal laws, rules and regulations, in order to provide optimal care to the individuals served in the assigned home(s).
• Establishes goals and objectives which proactively address potential issues and provides solutions for the assigned homes are focused on continuous quality improvement.
• Confers with local SSLC leadership to develop strategic plans and long-terms goals for the assigned homes. Establishes and implements objectives toward meeting goals and ensures the homes are focused on quality improvement and compliance with the Department of Justice Settlement Agreement.
• Uses data driven strategies to identify areas needing attention and takes action to improve operations.
• Manages day-to-day activities, operations and delivery of programs and services provided for the assigned homes/units to ensure 24/7 programs and services. Develops and approves schedules to ensure adequate DSP staffing based upon levels of supervision of individuals.
• Provides guidance to the interdisciplinary team (IDT) and works collaboratively with other department leads such as in the areas of QIDP services, behavioral health/psychology, and active treatment/vocational services to ensure integrated programs and services in the home.
• Maintains a physical presence on the home to ensure optimal quality of life for the individuals. Responds to crisis/emergency situations and takes immediate action to resolve the issue(s).
• Provides leadership and plans, assigns and supervises the activities of supervisory staff for each assigned home, typically assistant unit directors and/or DSP IVs. For SSLCs with a unit model, reviews and coordinates the services provided by the behavioral health services staff, including positive behavior support plans, psychiatric support plans, counseling plans, skill acquisition plans, and crisis intervention plans. Collaborates with the Director of Behavior Health Services to systematically evaluate the consistent implementation of plans provided through personal observation, staff interviews, and review of documentation.
• For SSLCs with a unit model, reviews and coordinates the services provided by the Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional (QIDP) staff including the Individualized Support Plan (ISP) Preparation meeting, ISP Addendum meetings, and the Annual ISP. Collaborates with the QIDP Coordinator to systematically evaluate the consistent implementation of programs, services, and plans for the individuals through review of documentation and outcomes.
• Collaborates with other department heads to review the quality of work for the clinicians and staff assigned to the homes, including nurses, qualified intellectual disability professionals, behavior analysts, and behavioral health specialists and assistants. Ensures quality and effectiveness of plans produced by interdisciplinary teams, including behavior support plans, psychiatric support plans, counseling plans, and skill acquisition plans. Provides professional supervision and consultation to assigned staff to ensure effective performance.
• Attends, actively participates in, and follows up with issues generated from a wide array of meetings, work groups, activities and task forces related to residential services, including the Critical Incident Team (CIT) and Incident Management Review Team (IMRT), and other special projects and committees as assigned. Leads integrated team efforts for highly complex individuals to develop and implement effective service plans upon request.

Requirements

Knowledge of, or ability to research and develop knowledge of, Texas Administrative Code, HHSC policies and procedures related to State Supported Living Centers, the Department of Justice Settlement Agreement, and Life Safety Code.

Knowledge of and experience in ensuring the provision of quality services, treatment, training and supports for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Knowledge of behavior support plans, skill acquisition plans, and psychiatric support plans.

Knowledge regarding medications used to treat individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize responsibilities effectively.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills to interact with residents, families, and staff.

Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.

Ability to work independently and make decisions based on limited supervision.

Ability to lead and motivate a team of direct support professionals.

Ability to maintain records and reports accurately and efficiently.

Ability to communicate effectively in English.

Ability to travel as necessary, including occasional overnight travel.

Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

Ability to pass a background check and drug screening.