Director of Therapeutic & Educational Programs

Job Purpose

The Director of Therapeutic & Educational Programs will oversee designing, implementing, and evaluating high-quality, evidence-based autism therapeutic and educational services at The Els Center of Excellence. This role involves ensuring that all services align with evidence-based practices for autism and meet the unique needs of our clients, families, and staff.

This position is also responsible for collaborating with and training staff at the Learning Academy, a Palm Beach County Charter School, housed on campus.

Responsibilities:

Therapeutic & Educational Services Oversight

• Oversee the day-to-day operations, including budgets, of all therapeutic and educational services and client needs to ensure high-quality service delivery and sustainability.
• Oversee and monitor the electronic medical record, scheduling, documentation, billing, and credentialing processes for therapeutic services in collaboration with the accounting department.

• Collaborate with clinical experts, educators, and other stakeholders to design, deliver, and monitor high-quality services rooted in evidence-based practices for autism.
• Provide leadership and guidance to all therapeutic services team members, ensuring that they deliver the highest quality of care to individuals with autism.
• Monitor, evaluate the efficacy, and make recommendations for improvement of therapeutic interventions and educational services.
• Collaborate with external providers and agencies to coordinate comprehensive care for individuals with autism.
• Oversee the university practicum/internship and professional observership programs
• Oversee the training and professional development of Foundation and charter school staff
• Develop and oversee the continuing education content within the Els for Autism learning management system.
• Prepare regular reports on program performance and needs and share findings with the leadership team.

• Attend and participate in program and all staff meetings and necessary trainings/conferences as required
• Provide direct service, as needed, to support cohesive and coordinated care for the clients and families served.

Grant Writing and Research

• Identify funding needs for therapeutic and educational services and support the grant writing process in securing necessary funds.
• Attend and actively participate in campus wide research meetings and research projects related to therapeutic and educational services.

Campus-Wide Collaborations

• Conduct observations of classroom instruction and therapeutic service implementation of The Learning Academy, a Palm Beach County Charter School on campus, and the Els for Autism programs via video recording and through in-person observations.
• Provide individual written summaries of findings and participate in meetings with the leadership team at The Learning Academy and Els for Autism with feedback and recommendations; provide coaching and training to staff as required.
• Collaborate with staff and administration at The Learning Academy to ensure a trusting and effective professional relationship is developed and maintained.
• Create and implement surveys for parents, teachers, clinicians, and other program staff for feedback and quality assurance.

Staff Management

• Collaborate with HR to Recruit, hire, and train qualified staff to support the growth and sustainability of therapeutic and educational services.
• Provide ongoing supervision and mentorship to therapeutic services team members.
• Foster a positive and inclusive work environment.

Required Qualifications

• Doctorate degree in speech-language pathology, applied behavior analysis, special education, psychology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience working in autism services, with at least 5 years in a supervisory role.
• Demonstrated expertise in managing multiple programs and deadlines related to program development and evaluation.
• Experienced in employee management, performance coaching, fiscal management and grant writing.
• Demonstrated competencies across age ranges (birth through adulthood) and cultural groups due to the diversity of individuals and families served.
• Demonstrated experience with strategic thinking and problem-solving ability.
• Demonstrated experience in working collaboratively with groups or teams at all levels within the organization and externally.
• Expertise in therapeutic interventions for children with autism and their families to address developmental, communicative, adaptive, and behavioral needs.
• Experienced in the implementation and management of communication and behavioral assessment and treatment programs for individuals with ASD and related developmental disabilities.
• Experienced in research and clinical procedures, data collection, and treatment
• Advanced theoretical understanding and philosophical appreciation for developmentally based communication, educational and interventions.
• Experience with insurance credentialling and billing for clinical services
• Experience with research related to ASD and other developmental disabilities
• Experience conducting, analyzing, and reporting on classroom and program observations
• Experienced in presenting in conferences and trainings
• High-level proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and web-based navigation.
• Valid Florida driver's license and reliable transportation

Preferred Qualifications

• Preferred Dual Certification: licensed and certified speech-language pathologist and board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA/BCBA-D), or PsyD/PhD in clinical psychology and BCBA/BCBA-D
• PCM and CPR Certified
• Bilingual English/Spanish, English/Portuguese

Work Environment

• Work is performed on campus and in community-based locations.
• Required to sit, kneel, stand, or bend in support of clients' needs.
• Flexibility in schedule; position may include working hours in the evenings and/or on weekends and travel
• Dress code is comfortable business casual attire.

Els for Autism is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Els for Autism is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive workplace, where diversity is valued and all individuals, regardless of background, identity, or ability, are respected and provided equal opportunities for success. To learn more, please visit elsforautism.org.

Must successfully complete a Level 2 background check

Salary : $100,000 - $110,000