Assistant Director of Behavior Services

Full job description

Job: Assistant Director of Behavior Services

GENERAL FUNCTION: Incumbent serves as the Assistant Director of Behavior Services for Support Solutions of Tennessee (SSTN). SSTN is approved by the Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging (DDA), to provide services under the Medicaid waiver. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: To do this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform all essential functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Clinical Duties 1. Conducting functional behavioral assessments (FBAs), including functional analyses as appropriate, to determine the function(s) of problem behavior in a manner consistent with current best practice standards derived from high quality, peer-reviewed research in applied behavior analysis (ABA).

2. Summarizing the results of FBAs including the outcomes of attempts to identify effective reinforcers and to determine the maintaining variables for problem behavior, along with data-based hypotheses regarding behavioral function, and other required information.

3. Conducting skill assessments using recognized curricula or systems (e.g., VB-MAPP, PEAK, Essential for Living) to determine current strengths and deficits and using this information to design appropriate skill acquisition programs.

4. Developing Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) targeting the acquisition of functionally equivalent replacement behaviors and the reduction of problem behavior using empirically supported interventions and procedures.

5. Procuring informed consent and (where appropriate) assent, along with committee reviews and approvals (where required), prior to implementing BSPs and at least annually thereafter or more often as required.

6. Using Behavioral Skills Training and didactic instruction to teach others how to implement BSPs and skill acquisition procedures, which may include training others as trainers.

7. Conducting regular checks (at least quarterly but more often as indicated by the data) to determine procedural integrity of the BSP or skill acquisition procedures, including the provision of positive and corrective feedback to implementers and re-training when indicated. 8. Conducting regular evaluations of data collection reliability (at least monthly but more often as needed), which shall include providing feedback to implementers regarding the results and modifying operational definitions and/or providing additional training on data collection procedures as indicated.

9. Responding to communications regarding behavioral crises in a timely manner and offering sound clinical guidance for resolution, including onsite assistance as needed.

10. Ensuring that all behavioral data are graphed at least monthly and more often as indicated.

11. Completing progress reports that shall include graphed data for all target behaviors, tracking behaviors, and replacement behaviors, a summary of restrictive procedures used, clinical interpretations, recommendations, and other required information.

12. Ensuring the timeliness, accuracy, and quality of all documentation related to the provision of behavioral services, including documentation required for billing.

13. Revising the BSP or skill acquisition plan in a timely manner based on attainment of goals/objectives, lack of progress, or other indicators.

14. Preparing for and participating in the Journal Club for professional development.

15. Providing training and supervision to Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) according to standards of the department and the standards of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), including documentation requirements of the latter.

16. Adhering to all professional and ethical standards as set forth by the BACB.

17. Maintaining credentialing as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and licensure to practice in the state of Tennessee.

18. Providing the level of service authorized for each case and meeting minimum monthly unit completion goals as set forth by SSTN.

19. Providing Telehealth services, as clinically appropriate and allowed by funding agencies, according to best practice standards derived from peer-reviewed research and discussion articles in ABA. This includes obtaining informed consent prior to initiation of such services.

20. Participating in planning meetings for an assigned caseload of individuals.

21. Maintaining effective communication and cordial professional relationships with state officials, support coordinators, supported persons and their families/conservators, SSTN employees, other BCBAs behavior specialists, and RBTs outside of SSTN, and other relevant stakeholders. 22. Completing all tasks as assigned by the Statewide Director of Behavioral Services, Chief Operating Officer, and the Chief Executive Officer. 23. As requested, participating in various committee meetings for SSMS. 24. Completing all training required by DDA and MCOs in a timely manner. 25. Advising SSTN leadership regarding behavioral issues.

26. Providing direction and guidance to staff persons for purposes of bringing resolution to acute behavioral crises, which may include the use of response blocking or other appropriate physical intervention techniques for safety purposes.

Leadership Duties

1. Assist as requested in overseeing daily operations of the Behavior Department, which may include efforts towards enhancing program quality, performance improvement, maximizing completion of authorized units, marketing and recruitment, onboarding and training new team members, managing compliance with BACB standards for RBT supervision requirements, coordinating aspects of the Journal Club and other continuing education efforts, and service expansion, among other duties.

***The Assistant Director of Behavior Services will report to the Statewide Director of Behavior Services.

OTHER FUNCTIONS: 1. Exhibits behaviors and best practices that are consistent with the vision and values of SSTN. 2. Practices safe work habits to eliminate and control potential safety and health hazards and to maintain a safe work environment. Successfully completes all required SSTN training, including training pertaining to safety and (as requested) behavioral crisis intervention. 3. Ensure that SSTN Quality Management principles (Plan, Measure, Assess, Improve) are practiced and achieved. 4. Operates SSTN and personal transportation in a safe and lawful manner. 5. Performs other job-related duties as assigned by designated and/or authorized staff. This job description does not list all the job duties. Designated and/or authorized staff may assign other tasks or duties to you. You will be evaluated in part based upon your performance of the tasks listed in the job description, and SSTN may revise the job description at any time. The job description is not a contract for employment and both parties have the right to terminate employment at any time, for any reason.

QUALIFICATIONS: Chosen candidate must currently possess BCBA certification with active status and in good standing with the BACB. The candidate must also obtain TN licensure and status as an approved DDA Behavior Services Provider before the hire date. Safety Care Specialist certification (or a willingness to obtain and maintain). Previous experience with leadership or supervisory responsibilities within an ABA service program is preferred.

MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS: Employee must also provide any medical records required to comply with regulations in force through any governing entity related to business operations and to meet policy and procedure requirements of Support Solutions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. This position is full-time and may require additional hours, over 40 per week. She/he is expected to be available outside of normal office hours for necessary and urgent company matters. Body Positioning: The employee is regularly required to stand and/or walk for prolonged periods of time. She/he may also be required to sit for brief or extended periods while completing other duties and responsibilities. There is also a requirement to be able to occasionally stoop, kneel, or crouch and to reach with the hands and arms. She/he must be able to drive/travel for short periods of time to attend meetings, trainings, or perform site visits or for longer trips that will require overnight stays to attend meetings, trainings, workshops, etc. Body Movements: The employee must have a full range of body movements including the use of his/her hands to handle computers and other office equipment. The ability to bend the body, to reach for objects, and to crouch when needed are also required. Body Senses: The employee must have command of all five senses: sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distant vision, and depth

perception. These vision requirements in each area must be sufficient to shift in focus from reading dossiers and operating office equipment. There is also a requirement to talk and listen for prolonged periods both on the telephone and face to face. Strength: The employee must have the ability to occasionally lift up to 40 pounds. OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Personal means of transportation with a reliable vehicle.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATES: Valid Driver License Valid automobile insurance (this must be maintained throughout employment if required.)