Director, Severe Behavior Services

Easterseals Southern California transforms lives every day. For over a century, Easterseals has championed inclusion and independence—delivering essential services like early childhood programs, autism services, employment and independent living support to more than 29,000 people each year. Through advocacy and education, we break barriers and create opportunities for the one-in-four Americans with disabilities. 

OVERVIEW OF POSITION: Under minimal supervision, provides quality, clinical supervision, direction and training to associates providing treatment of severe or complex behaviors for individuals with autism and related disorders using Applied Behavior Analysis. The Director establishes and maintains systems to ensure high-quality ABA services are provided to participants and families, including assessment, treatment, staff training, and adherence to administrative tasks. In addition, the Director monitors staff productivity, participant census, systems to maintain the day-to-day processes of the Centers, and expansion of the severe behavior services delivery model. Finally, the Director conducts assessments, may provide direct supervision, and facilitates treatment for participants and families as needed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION:

• Plans, organizes, directs and evaluates program elements relating to the delivery of the Severe Behavior Services program including, supervision of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (Clinical Supervisors) in the Severe Behavior Services department. Leads team meetings, trainings and the development of permanent work products.
• Participates in ESSC Autism Services Leadership activities, including meetings, committees, and subcommittees.
• Provides consultation to clinicians and associates from other departments referred to SBS on challenging behavior cases.
• Conducts or oversees assessments for severe or complex behavior cases referred to the SBS. Oversees the completion and audits documentation including evaluations, treatment notes, progress reports and exit summaries, and keeps updated with other site, program documents and reports.
• Develops company-wide resources and/or trainings on providing services for individuals with severe or complex behavior.
• Partners with funding sources to ensure collaborative relationships, contract adherence and quality assurance activities. Develops and monitors program budget. Works with other departments to address billing, accounting, human resources, payroll and other organizational initiatives and issues.
• Remains current regarding new research, current trends and developments in autism, special education and related fields. Participates in presentations, conference attendance, article reviews, research projects/initiatives
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION:

• Doctoral degree from an accredited university from a program related to Applied Behavior Analysis, Education, Psychology, or related field.
• Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral certification.

EXPERIENCE:

• Formal training (e.g., dissertation, pre- and/or postdoctoral internship) in the treatment of severe behavior problems displayed by individuals with autism and related disorders using ABA.
• Five years of experience directly overseeing treatment for individuals with severe behavior problems using ABA.
• Five years of experience supervising Board Certified Behavior Analysts.
• Eight years of related supervisory experience working with children with autism spectrum disorders in a multidisciplinary team setting.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated competency in assessment of severe or complex behavior using applied behavior analysis. This includes both indirect (i.e., rating scales, surveys, and interviews) and direct methods (i.e., experimental functional analyses and non-experimental assessments).
• Demonstrated competency in treatment of socially mediated or automatically maintained severe or complex behavior using ABA.
• Must demonstrate fluency in describing behavior analytic principles governing behavior, such as behavioral functions, motivating operations, and the likely outcome of behavior for proposed interventions.
• Must demonstrate fluency in developing function-based, and behavior modification interventions.
• Must demonstrate knowledge and physical competency in a formal behavior management safety course provided through ESSC or an approved affiliate.
• Must possess proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (i.e., Microsoft Teams, Word, Outlook, Excel, etc.) and graphing (e.g., percentage, rate, cumulative frequency, etc.).
• Demonstrates strong leadership skills and professionalism; communicates effectively thorugh oral and written skills, works cooperatively with a variety of individuals and groups, such as superiors and subordinates, participants, and families.
• Ability to communicate, interpret, and implement ESSC policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Ability to demonstrate good judgment, exercise discretion, and maintain a high level of confidentiality in handling sensitive situations and documentation.
• Ability to pass a post offer physical examination and a TB test.
• Ability to provide proof of required vacinations or positive titer showing immunity. A signed declination may be acceptable for certain vaccinations.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a criminal record/fingerprint clearance from the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation per ESSC and/or program requirements.
• Ability to travel throughout southern California, maintain driving record in compliance with Transportation Safety Standards; maintain auto insurance and vehicle registration.
• Must pass all drug testing required by ESSC.

Carrying/Lifting: Occasional / 0-30 lbs.
Standing: Occasional / Up to 6 hours per day
Sitting: Constant / Up to 8 hours per day
Walking: Occasional / Up to 3 hours per day
Repetitive Motion/Activity: Keyboard activity, telephone use, writing
Visual Acuity: Ability to view computer monitor and read newsprint
Travel: Up to 50% of time
Environmental Exposure: None