Position Summary:
The Assistant Director of Community Services (CS) is responsible for the overall management and supervision of Birch Family Services Childrens Residential Programs (CRPs) and other adult services in CS. The Assistant Director is responsible for providing clinical and administrative oversight, guidance, supervision and support to CRPs and other designated programs within CS. This includes but is not limited to: facilitating communication, coordinating and integrating services among all stakeholders (including but not limited to: parents/families; healthcare providers, other service providers, agency, residential and education staff etc.) for the people supported in the CRPs and other CS programs. The Assistant Director supervises and provides clinical and administrative direction to staff (including but not limited to Managers, Clinicians, Residential, Day and other CS staff) based on Birchs Person-Centered approach. The Assistant Director ensures safety, enhances the quality of life and continuity of services by working collaboratively with the Phyllis S. Susser school and other departments to ensure that procedures are properly implemented within the CRPs and in accordance with education requirements, when applicable. Additionally, the Assistant Director provides similar supports to other services within CS. The Assistant Director plays an integral role guiding individuals and their families to transition through various life stages and service options.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Identifies, manages, coordinates and improves services necessary to meet the needs of the individuals supported within their residential, educational/vocational and community environments.
• Works with managers and Coordinators on assigning sufficiently qualified/trained staff necessary to ensure the safety, well-being, required supervision level, oversight and protection to people in accordance with the type of service provided. This is ensured 24 hours per day for people living in CRPs, supervised Individualized Residential Alternatives (IRAs) and Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs).
• Works cooperatively with other service providers and/or stakeholders to ensure each persons service needs are met.
• Ensures that program billing documentation follows federal, state and/or city mandates and agency protocols.
• Acts as an advocate for people we support as appropriate; encourages and supports self-advocacy and person-centeredness.
• Conducts themselves as a positive role model, leading by example and demonstrating clinically appropriate interactions with people supported in the residence.
• Manages all services in compliance with agency and regulatory standards.
• Reports incidents and occurrences in a timely fashion and ensures appropriate protective, preventive measures are implemented.
• Communicates important, significant information to stakeholders (including but not limited to: persons receiving services, parents/families; healthcare and other service providers as well as to agency, residential and educational/vocational staff etc.). Information may include but is not limited to, achievements, changes in health status; hospitalization/ER visits, behavioral challenges, incidents, and family issues.
• Facilitates communication with stakeholders to regarding the health, progress and overall well-being of each person supported. This includes but is not limited to: immediate notification of injuries, illness or other significant events that may impact the persons quality of life.
• Directs the activities of the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) to ensure that each person has a service plan that is designed to address what is important to and for the individual and enables them to enjoy a quality life and achieve their full potential.
• Provides regular supervision to staff on all levels with the program.
• Conducts regularly scheduled team meetings to share information and ensure consistent effective and efficient communication.
• Observes staff performing duties and provides feedback on a regular basis.
• Evaluates staff initially and at least annually thereafter.
• Reviews systems on a regular basis to ensure proper implementation.
• Works collaboratively with the clinical/medical team to ensure that all appointments, referrals and follow-up appointments are implemented as prescribed.
• Works in conjunction with Stakeholders to ensure that appropriate referrals for any recommended services which cannot be provided by the clinical team are secured.
• Works with the team (including but not limited to: people receiving supports, parents/families, residence and educational/vocational staff) to develop opportunities for: recreation, socialization, education and skill building with an emphasis on becoming full participating members of the community.
• Facilitates and assists people we support and their families through life stage and service transitions.
• Collaborates with Human Resources on recruitment functions and assists with site visits and interviews. After the onboarding processes, works with managers and coordinators to train, supervise, mentor, and evaluate all staff employed in the program. This includes direct support professionals, managers, supervisors, clinical, and support staff.
• Mentors and coaches employees to ensure that each staff member is able to perform their job functions.
• Makes certain that the physical plant of the facility is clean, well maintained and free of hazardous conditions.
• Provides oversight with maintaining accounts for each individuals personal allowance, bankbooks, deposits, withdrawals and fiscal records, where applicable.
• Ensures the adequate supply of food, household supplies, medication and medical supplies, and any other items necessary for the appropriate care of individual in residence.
• Adheres to all rules outlined in the employee handbook as well as agency policies, procedures and protocols.
• Attends and participates in meetings including but not limited to: supervisory sessions, Coordinator, Manager, IDT and other team meetings.
• Facilitates regular meetings among school and residential personnel including families when appropriate.

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS

• Completes other tasks and duties as assigned.
• Ensures the health and safety of people supported and staff.
• Performs additional responsibilities as assigned by the Director and/or Executive Vice President of CS.
• Completes other assigned tasks and duties reasonably related to job responsibilities

Qualifications
EDUCATION

• Masters Degree in Human Service field with extensive clinical and managerial experience working with people (children, adolescents, adults) with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) as well as those on the Autism Spectrum is required.

EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of 5 years of clinical and managerial experience working with people with IDD in residential, day and/or vocational placements, who are on the autism spectrum and who may require person-centered behavioral supports is required.
• Knowledge of ABA, BCBA certification or other evidenced based interventions preferred.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience managing services and programs certified or funded by OPWDD and working with individuals with IDD on the Autism Spectrum is required.
• Valid Drivers License is preferred
• Ability and willingness to obtain certification in SCIP-R Competencies.
• Ability and willingness to learn and implement TEACH and/or ABA strategies to support people receiving services.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Abilities commensurate with the Assistant Director level.
• Excellent management, communication and organizational skills.
• Able to support families and individuals to transition through various life stages and service options.
• Able to develop strong working relationships with all stakeholders.
• Communicate effectively and efficiently with all stakeholders both verbally and in writing.
• Effectively integrate and coordinate services across various settings in which people we support are involved.
• Demonstrated competency in written, verbal and computational skills to present and document records in accordance with program standards.
• Proficiency with basic computer usage, Microsoft Office products, Precision Care, virtual platforms such as Teams or Zoom etc.
• Demonstrates respect for all people.
• Demonstrates professional demeanor, attention to punctuality and attendance policies, reliability, flexibility and pleasantness.
• Demonstrate responsiveness and collaboration with people supported, their natural supports and service providers, other Birch staff as well as external oversight entities.
• Professionally interacts with all stakeholders.
• Demonstrates enthusiasm for learning the knowledge and skills required to successfully perform job responsibilities as well as for professional growth and development.
• Seeks and readily accepts feedback to improve performance.
• Applies knowledge and skills gained and maintains required certifications.
• Participates in the work of the organization in a positive way by using problem solving skills.
• Represents the organization in a positive manner at all times, especially when participating in external events.
• Upholds regulatory and compliance requirements as well as agency standards.