Assistant Director Behavior Support, Clinical

Company: The Arc Of Union County
Location: Springfield
Posted on: April 2, 2026

Job Description:

Summary: The Arc of Union County Inc. is a leading provider of Person-Centered services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through various services and programming. Assistant Director, Behavior Support, Clinical Services is responsible for planning, directing, coordinating, and providing evidence-based behavioral Supports for adults and children with developmental disabilities, which includes a complete assessment of the challenging behavior(s), development of a structured behavioral modification plan, implementation of the plan, ongoing training, and periodic reassessment of the plan. The incumbent is responsible for the implementation of behavioral support activities that include Behavioral assessment, development of behavior support plans, Implementation of behavior plans, utilization of evidence-based practice, Training of staff, Periodic reassessment of behavioral plans, and monitoring of behavioral plans consistent with the Arc of Union County’s DDD-approved Behavior Support Manual/Division Circular 34. The incumbent provides oversight to ensure implementation of behavioral strategies necessary to assist the individual in progressing toward his/her personally defined outcomes as indicated in the Individual Service Plan (ISP). The Assistant Director, Behavior Supports, Clinical Services, will ensure a high level of quality service delivery, supervision, and management to behaviorists throughout all assigned programs. The incumbent will orient behavioral staffing, train behaviorists as directed, and be responsible for staff evaluations and personnel actions. The incumbent will provide oversight in the assembly of behavioral staffing teams and ensure the development of staff competencies. Foster and maintain positive employee/management relations; develop an atmosphere of cooperation and teamwork. This position requires completion of DDD System Mandatory Training Bundle within 90 days of hire, DDD and Agency Orientations, other designated trainings, and a minimum of 12 Hours of Professional Development completed annually. The incumbent is required to complete State DDD Education In-services/maintain required certifications and credentials as required by The Arc and external agencies, and to maintain current BCBA or BCaBA certification and obtain LBA or LaBA license within 90 days of hire. This is an exempt position. The incumbent must be flexible with varied schedules between 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. to provide behavioral support needs through the day, responsive and flexible to staff calls after hours as needs arise in line with our policy. This position requires that information related to service recipients, employees, and program operations be handled, channeled, managed, and delivered professionally to the appropriate and right personnel or party consistent with agency and department policy. Skills: This position requires Proficiency in Windows software, ability to use data entry software such as Therap, ability to complete shift and individual served ISP data entry in a web-based electronic platform. This position requires excellent interpersonal and conceptual skills, proficiency in all areas of service listed herein; strong management, leadership, planning and communication skills; ability to manage information effectively; knowledgeable on staffing function and employment related legislations; ability to diagnose and resolve problems, ability to develop behavior plans/conduct FBAs, and provide guidance to supervisors and work with various disciplines; ability to make managerial decisions and taking action; Able to demonstrate active listening. Ability to exercise evidence-based clinical decisions. Exceptional interpersonal skills required. Ability to demonstrate compassion, excellent communication skills, compliance with professional ethical conduct, demonstration of critical thinking, attention to detail, confidence, adaptability, stamina, and commitment to development. Competence in the fee-for-service system of reimbursement and statewide needs assessments is required. Ability to identify and document conditions that may impact the support needs of the individuals served. Demonstrate strong clinical data collection and documentation skills. Strong conceptual and computer skills required. Excellent assessment skills for admission and discharge, as indicated and deemed appropriate. Superior planning and organizational skills required. Demonstrate a certain level of comfort while addressing a group of people in a training environment. Demonstrate ability to intervene in crises and implement crisis management techniques in accordance with agency policies and procedures. Demonstrated ability to thrive and perform in an ever-changing, fast-paced, and demanding environment. Qualifications: Master's degree in applied behavior analysis, psychology, special education, or social work, and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or Bachelor’s degree in applied behavior analysis, psychology, special education, or social work and Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA). Minimum of three years of experience in the field of developmental disabilities or behavior support required. Minimum 3 years of successful middle-level to upper management supervisory, programmatic, operations, and administrative experience required. Experienced with Functional Behavior Assessments and writing Behavior Support Plans. Training and experience in Applied Behavior Analysis. Demonstration of a thorough understanding of the knowledge, abilities, and skills outlined above. Must have thorough knowledge of all DDD, CMS, CARF, CQL, Day Habilitation Certification standards, and other external regulations and requirements. Must have strong management, leadership, planning, and communication skills. Demonstrate Flexibility and sense of humor. Demonstrated ability to thrive and perform in an ever-changing, fast-paced, and demanding environment. Must be 21 years of age or older. Must have a valid New Jersey driver’s license and abstract (not to exceed 5 points), and the ability to meet agency insurability requirements. Complete State/Federal Criminal Background checks and Central Registry checks. Major Position Responsibilities Ensure individuals at risk for behavioral concerns and/or those with existing behaviors have been identified and needs met without duplication, but with coordination to obtain the best outcome for the individual. Ensure that identified behavioral needs and outcomes are achieved through the implementation of Behavioral interventions and are included in the Individual Service Plan (ISP). Develop strategies to assist the individual in reaching the desired outcomes as specified in the Individual Service Plan (ISP). Develop and implement behavioral support practices in compliance with the Arc of Union County’s DDD-approved Behavior Support Manual/Division Circular 34. Ensure documentation reflects that any approved rights restrictions, Behavior Support Plans (BSP)/guidelines have been reviewed within the previous year and that all required approvals from HRC, BSC, Planning Teams, physicians and guardians were obtained consistent with 10:44A - 3.1(a) & Subchapter 4.3 & 10:44C – subchapters 3.6 & 4.2). Schedule IDT Meetings to review Individual Behavior Support Plan prior to implementation or inclusion into ISP. Develop and implement behavioral/environmental strategies, plans, data collection, etc., and follow through promptly with training staff. Facilitate agency Behavior Support Training and program on-site trainings as identified and/or directed. Develop training materials for behavior support. Train staff on Individual Behavior Support Plans (IBSPs) promptly. Ensure that service recipients have been assigned appropriate behavioral plans and supports consistent with their needs. Formulate, write, and revise behavior support plans as needed, in accordance with functional assessment findings. Collaborate with the Director, Behavior Support, Clinical for guidance and support. Design and oversee applied behavior analysis (ABA) implementation for service recipients. Oversee functional assessments of new or increasing behaviors for service recipients as needed. Utilize Applied Behavior Analysis for behavioral management and environmental assessments. Assist in conducting functional analysis of behavior, environmental assessments and strategies for service recipients. Assist in collecting data, documenting in agency platforms, and generating progress reports on behavioral data. Review data consistent with BACB standards and the scope of practice. Ensure completion of Behavioral Assessments, Implementation of Behaviors on the ISPs, monitoring of plans and assuring completion of case notes consistently. Attend and participate in the Human Right Committee, the Behavior Support Committee, and the PCT Committee, etc. Visit and rotate between all residential programs to assess implementations, support staff /provide feedback on existing behavioral strategies, plans etc., and to assure that all unknown behavioral needs are captured/documented and provide appropriate interventions and supports to staff in a timely manner. Consult with staff to ensure the provision of effective and efficient service delivery. Visit program to observe and assure overall environmental assessment, comprehensive assessment, assessment of staff skills and designing/facilitating trainings, attain general awareness and understanding of what is effective versus non-effective, etc. Allow self to know what behaviors are active and not being documented or tracked, etc. Assure comprehensive understanding of program behavior reporting, intervention implementation practices for appropriate and timely interventions to detect omissions, safety concerns in the form of aggressive behaviors or any other rule-violating behaviors, and prevent crisis, etc. Develop appropriate behavioral plans and strategies for all service recipients that meet BACB standards and utilize evidence-based practice and emphasize the use of Positive Behavior Supports. Collect all behavioral data and forward to Director, Behavior Support, Clinical for review. Review behavioral information on a newly admitted/readmitted person with Assistant Directors, program supervisors and program staff. Utilize the collected data for the behavioral planning process. Document service recipients’ behavioral needs information and Behavior Plans in the agency network platform (Therap system) for tracking, and to enhance collective team reviews, effective audits/oversight and instant access to data by various disciplines. Follow up and document promptly on behavioral information shared by staff either verbally or through documentation platforms. Routinely educate staff to document behavioral data on both the critical log (T-Log) and behavior tracking sheets. Review ISPs, Critical Log, Physician Visit Records, Patient Education Handouts Printouts, Annual Physical, Physician notes/Charts, Service Recipient File/Data Platforms, etc., promptly and identify, deduct, and/or transcribe clinically related information into a formal specialized training and/or intervention support plan for all staff for consistent implementation and support for the Service Recipient. Provide further clinical follow-up as needed promptly. Review all behavioral trainings are stored in a centralized Documentation Binder. Complete audits monthly and/or quarterly in each program in which behavioral services are being provided. Forward behavioral reports to psychiatrists the agency Director, Behavior Supports, Director, Healthcare Support for review and input prior to submission. Provide verbal, written, and graphic communication for internal review as directed. Provide behavioral oversight in service delivery to individuals with competencies in the following areas: Sensory/motor, cognitive abilities, communication, social interaction and sociability, self-direction, self-care/independent living skills, behavioral concerns, health, school experience, and employment, and determine relative need for services and supports. Provide behavioral oversight to ensure service recipients are supported and assisted in educational, enrichment, or recreational activities as outlined in his/her Service Plan, including community involvement. Ensure service recipients receive age-appropriate behavioral education, support, and training to acquire the skills and experience needed to participate in the community, consistent with the participant’s Individual Service Plan and behavioral needs. This may include activities t o support participants with building problem-solving skills, self-help, social skills, adaptive skills, daily living skills, and leisure skills. Activities and environments are designed to foster the acquisition of skills, building positive social behavior and interpersonal competence, greater independence, and personal choice. Assure behavioral programming that promotes individual interactions and experiences by emphasizing age-appropriate community experiences, and offering a variety of activities and choices. Assure planning, supports, and assistance are provided to service recipients in behavioral educational, enrichment, or recreational activities as outlined on their Service Plans and behavioral needs to enhance inclusion in the community. Assess behavioral needs of the individuals served and consult with the support team as needed for an appropriate resolution, i.e., lack of motivation in programs, inability to socialize. Develop positive, cooperative relationships with service recipients, families, guardians, staff, Support staff, volunteers, all agency departments/functional components, and community members, including DDD, and other State/Federal and Local agencies. Recommend behavioral plans which ensure safe and secure efficient program operations in accordance with agency as well as external requirements, and which meet the agency's mission and “Person Centered” standards. Visit Residential programs routinely to get staff input/feedback, interact with staff/service recipients, and observe service delivery relative to behavioral plans. Assess, evaluate, and review service recipient behaviors. Observe and assess staff on behavioral plan implementation methods, styles, and practices. Provide guidance, support, and mentoring as needed. Visit day and residential programs to observe and assure overall environmental assessment, comprehensive assessment, assessment of staff skills, and designing/facilitating trainings, attain general awareness and understanding of what is effective versus non-effective, etc. Allow the self to know what behaviors are active and not being documented or tracked, etc. Assure comprehensive understanding of program behavior reporting, intervention implementation practices for appropriate and timely interventions to detect omissions, safety concerns in the form of aggressive behaviors or any other rule-violating behaviors, and prevent crisis, etc. Develop a working knowledge of DDD regulations and Agency Policies and Procedures. Assure the completion of all required behavioral-specific documentation/records and assignments pertaining to service recipients in accordance with agency DDD, CMS, DHS, CCW, and/or other funding sources standards and requirements. Facilitate behaviorist Administrative Orientation and ongoing training on agency policies and procedures. Secure the signed orientation documentation, file, and distribute as required. Responsible for auditing behavioral training records regularly, registering behaviorists for trainings, and ensuring that they are fully trained in all DDD trainings and meet the criteria of a minimum of 12 Hours of Professional Development completed annually, State trainings, etc. Assure proper recertifications, monitoring attendance, and addressing training attendance performance in a timely manner. Complete all supervisory trainings as designated and attend professional development management workshops as directed. Flexible to support staff, program, department, or agency in completing outstanding projects, tasks, or operational needs and serve on agency committees as assigned. Monitor and ensure compliance with all personnel and program policies/procedures related to behaviorists and administrative requirements. Seek guidance from the immediate supervisor on managerial and supervisory matters for desired administrative outcomes. Assure required administrative and HR authorizations prior to executing personnel actions. Foster and maintain positive employee/management relations; develop an atmosphere of cooperation and teamwork. Schedule and facilitate monthly behaviorists’ meetings to provide training, ensure a productive flow of communications, and to address service recipients and programmatic/case load-related issues. Provide supervision, coaching, mentoring, training, and direction to Behavior Specialists, Registered Behavioral Technicians (RBTs). Promote teamwork and trust through effective leadership and role modeling. Monitor and ensure that behaviorists are following assigned schedules as well as clocking in/out payroll procedures. Design trainings for Behavior Specialist, Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT), increased focus on behavior, etc. Ensure that staff receive high-quality customized behavioral skills training that are relevant to the behavioral needs of the service recipients. Assure staff development resources and that opportunities are provided to all assigned staff as indicated. Oversee the assembly of a successful staffing team. Understand and comply with the Agency's mission and strategic plans. Assure that program goals align with the agency’s mission. Partner with Agency Support Staff to enhance the quality of services and meet the Program, department, and Agency goals and objectives. Follow through on recommendations from Nurses, Behaviorists, Maintenance Dept, Transportation Dept, Case managers, Day Habilitation auditors, etc. Respect the confidentiality of all information pertaining to service recipients, employees, and others throughout the Agency. Active involvement in the Pre-Admission process. Assure behavioral plans align with DDD, CMS, Supports Program Standards, and Agency Standards etc. Ensure each program is fully prepared for a successful audit inspection. Assure each service recipient has a behavior support plan as needed. Review provided information related to the individual, including the PCPT, behavior plans, behavior data sheets, sleep logs, environmental strategies, previous ISP(s), available assessments, and evaluation data, as appropriate/relevant. Actively participates in the planning of behavioral and service plan team meetings and works cooperatively in achieving consensus in the spirit of the behavior plan/ISP operating principles. Participate in IDT, ISP process and assure identified goals are accomplished in accordance with Agency policies. Ensure correct implementation of ISP objectives and Behavior Plans as written. Oversee the implementation of Behavior plans. Ensure recording of behavioral data (in Therap) relative to assigned outcomes for service recipients. Notify the Support Team and/or request a special team meeting to be scheduled whenever there is a significant change in the individual’s status. Review, periodically, the ISP document and report inconsistencies in service recipients’ behavioral support needs to appropriate agency personnel. Attend and participate in all service and professional meetings, conferences, seminars, workshops, and committees as assigned. Assure timely, thorough, and effective communications regarding service recipients to all appropriate parties, including but not limited to program staff, supervisors, directors and/or administration. Assure timely, thorough, and effective communications regarding program, behaviorist operations, to all appropriate parties, including but not limited to program staff, supervisor, director, and/or executive designee. Responsible for ensuring that, upon notification of a qualifying or active incident, appropriate measures are taken consistently with agency policies, procedures, and training, and support is directed toward the behaviorist and the service recipient involved in a crisis. Provide guidance, direction, intervention, etc., and ensure that incidents meeting the criteria of Unusual Incident Reports are reported through automated UIR/GER documentation, standardized notifications are activated as indicated through DDD circular and Arc of Union County trainings. Responsible for ensuring that upon notification of a behaviorist accident at work, appropriate measures are taken consistently with agency policies and procedures. Provide guidance, direction, and assure the claim is reported through standardized notification, including Employee Accident Report, Root Cause Analysis documentation, etc. Actively support all agency policies and procedures to all internal and external contacts. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the Departmental Operational Plan, Agency Strategic Plan, and Human Resource Policies. Assure the appropriate review, reporting, and investigation of all unusual incidents, allegations, or charges pertaining to service recipients, behaviorists, or programs. As part of the supervisory and monitoring responsibilities of this position, the incumbent may be required to train behaviorists as directed. Serve as backup as directed for other Behaviorists' Case Loads. Inform supervisor or designate and update records in a timely manner regarding the guardian’s refusal to comply with agency service delivery polices/procedures, provision of required documents, or declination to consent to service delivery. Initiate “on call” procedures with respect to arising incidents, including 911 emergency calls, life-threatening incidents, and/or operational breakdowns, etc., and complete Unusual Incident Reports (UIR) in a timely manner consistent with agency policy and state law. Responsible for reporting to the immediate Supervisor or through the chain of command any suspected incidents of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of service recipients and completing Unusual Incident Reports (UIR) promptly, consistent with agency policy and state law. Perform duties according to the methods, manner, and spirit of the ideals of the field of Human Services and within profession/job-specific guidelines, including wearing appropriate attire, being a role model for staff, service recipients, etc. Must fully cooperate with all investigations, inspections, etc., internally and externally, including full cooperation with the Department of Human Services, the Division of Developmental Disabilities, or any other duly authorized person regarding the care and service given to individuals served by this Agency. ADA Expectations This position requires an employee to perform duties in an indoor and or outside setting where exposure to weather elements, dirt, and dust, unpleasant smells, and/or loud noises are possible including occasional temperature fluctuations depending on the climate/season/weather. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Physical Demands: The physical demands for this position must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be regularly required to maintain a stationary position (standing and sitting), move/traverse, kneel, bend, reach with hands and arms for extended periods of time, twist, carry, lift up to 35 pounds, squat and drive a 6-person passenger van, may require operating manual devices such as hydraulic lifts, wheelchair lifts, vehicle doors, etc. for the purpose of transporting service recipients. Agility with wrist and finger dexterity to access, key, and sort electronic information or file documents, ability to view a computer and/or electronic device for extended periods and other physical duties as directed by your supervisor and/or Director. Ability to apply Agency Training Crisis Management Verbal and Physical Techniques during a crisis, consistent with criteria as trained and in accordance with agency policies and procedures. The essential Cognitive Functions of this position may include the ability to analyze, compute, hear, and repeat information, take notes, read documents, generate written information, independently problem solve, tolerate interruptions, maintain positive public relations, organize, verbally communicate, and converse with a diverse group of people, among others. The Arc of Union County will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with a disability so that they can perform the essential functions of a job unless doing so causes a direct threat to these individuals or others in the workplace, and the threat cannot be eliminated by reasonable accommodation or if the accommodation creates an undue hardship to The Arc of Union County. The Arc of Union County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against due to a disability. Work Environment: The agency offers safety trainings such as Universal Precautions/Infectious diseases, COVID-19 Education and Safety Practices, among others, to promote a safe environment for all employees and service recipients, including visitors. Personal Protective Equipment and necessary supplies such as disinfectants are supplied to all employees free or charge. Each employee is responsible for completing the offered training and implementing the health and safety protocols and mitigation practices consistently. The agency may assign employees to any work site it deems necessary in its sole discretion. This is an administrative position; you are required to communicate abrupt absence directly to your supervisor/operation management and verbally hand over (not necessary physically) programs to your supervisor for the smooth operation of programs and the safety and well-being of the service recipients. This position requires four (4) weeks’ notice before leaving or resignation.

Keywords: The Arc Of Union County, Reading , Assistant Director Behavior Support, Clinical, Healthcare , Springfield, Pennsylvania