OVERVIEW:
The Center Director is responsible for the complete oversite and management of the ABA center. The CD is also responsible for the safe, ethical and professional delivery of early intervention behavior therapy to the clients.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Clinical Directors report directly to the Chief Clinical Officer. Clinical Directors manage a reduced caseload in addition to their supervisory responsibilities.
- Create personalized treatment plans for early learners with measurable goals in accordance with the Thrive Behavior Centers Treatment Model, which includes but is not limited to the following:
- Create a comprehensive analysis of the client’s needs based the science of Applied Behavior Analysis, medical necessity, information from parents, diagnostic or educational evaluations and reports, behavior analytic assessments, and additional information provided.
- Determine treatment goals of client’s current skill level, progress, and behaviors which may be a danger to the client and/or others, and/or inhibit the client’s ability to learn based on comprehensive analysis.
- Implement TBC Clinical Policies and Procedures to ensure effective therapy and client progress.
- Develop skill acquisition goals that build on a client’s existing skills using evidence-based ABA techniques and strategies, applied the clients’ core deficits based on their DSM-V diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders (medical necessity).
- Develop a function-based Behavior Intervention Plan for the reduction of maladaptive behaviors, functional replacement behavior goals and skill acquisition targets for learning readiness skills.
- Create useful, practical parent training goals which teach the core principles of ABA and the practical application of ABA strategies and techniques.
- Use appropriate assessments tools (VB-MAPP, ABLLS-R, PEAK, FBA, etc.) to evaluate a client’s current skill level and progress and to meet funder requirements.
- Provide ongoing and responsive case management which meets the client’s unique needs.
- Appropriately supervise client in session with Behavior Technician (BT) to ensure client progress, continually assess effectiveness of interventions, and maintain current, viable protocols, goals, and targets for client in accordance with the BACB’s supervision guidelines and ethical code and TBC Clinical Policies and Procedures.
- Add, modify, and update client goals, protocols and programs based on client response to interventions.
- Ensure client is in the least restrictive learning environment based on their needs.
- Provide thorough, timely program modifications, progress updates, and insurance authorization reports.
- Provide direct ABA therapy to clients as needed.
- Assist clients with physical needs and personal care including lifting (up to 50 lbs.), positioning, feeding, toileting, and personal hygiene.
- Demonstrate leadership qualities while providing effective training and learning opportunities for employees.
- Provide effective training and supervision for Behavior Technicians, Behavior Analyst Interns, and other employees using behavior analytic principles, strategies, techniques.
- Assess initial and ongoing competency in therapeutic skills, appropriate client engagement and session activities.
- Provide supervision and appropriate learning opportunities for Behavior Analyst Interns who are in the process of acquiring BCBA certification.
- Provide practical and compassionate parent education and training to assist families in supporting the client’s needs.
- Listen and respond to parent concerns with evidence-based information.
- Provide referrals, resources, and other support when appropriate.
- Communicate effectively and efficiently to support client and family’s needs.
- Provide regular parent training and education sessions that are useful to the parents.
- Provide regular opportunities for progress updates and session observations.
- Use Behavior Skills Training techniques to teach ABA strategies and techniques to help facilitate the generalization and maintenance of skills.
- Create goals for parents that will help increase independence and generalization for client and systematically target those goals to increase parent independence while collecting data showing effectiveness of parent interventions.
- Demonstrate understanding of initial and ongoing authorization requirements of clients’ funders to obtain and maintain medically necessary ABA therapy services for the client.
- Demonstrate fluency in the use of Central Reach Clinical Management Software to maintain client programs, protocols, datasheets, etc.
- Model behaviors consistent with the mission and core values of Thrive Behavior Centers. Model behavior consistent with the BACB ethical code, TBC policies and procedures, privacy regulations and respect for client dignity.
- Manage clinical schedule to ensure optimal clinical outcomes, including but not limited to the following:
- Track and evaluate usage of client billable hours to ensure maximum usage and optimal client outcomes (supervision, parent training, evaluations/assessments/authorization reports).*
- Track, evaluate, and maximize supervision of behavior technicians in accordance with TBC and BACB guidelines.
- Track and evaluate client progress to determine and implement strategies that maximize skill acquisition, generalization, and maintenance.
- Support Chief Clinical Officer and other members of the leadership team by completing all assigned tasks and requirements (including billable hour requirements) thoroughly and in a timely manner.
- Any additional tasks as assigned.
- Effectively lead your center to ensure client and employee wellbeing.
- Demonstrate leadership skills that align with TBC’s mission and core values.
- Oversee, evaluate, and optimize clinical staff (Clinical Supervisors, Behavior Technicians, Behavior Analyst Interns, etc.) morale, performance, retention, and opportunities for professional development.
- Develop and/or oversee the development of regular, relevant, and effective ABA employee training to increase the therapeutic competency of all clinical staff.
- Implement regularly scheduled clinical competency assessments and proactive performance reviews to assess individual staff members strengths and weaknesses for additional training opportunities.
- Develop, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of employee performance management as needed.
- Identify and mentor staff members who demonstrate potential for growth and additional responsibilities.
- Model and promote teamwork, effective and appropriate communication, feedback, and responses to feedback.
- Address interpersonal challenges between staff members quickly and efficiently, while implementing the mission and core values of TBC.
- Identify and utilize opportunities to obtain feedback from staff regarding center morale, clinical support, TBC policies and procedures. Use information gathered to present strategies to CCO to ensure responsive and effective leadership.
- Ensure all certified clinical staff is appropriately supervised to gain or maintain relevant certifications.
- Ensure all Behavior Technicians are receiving the appropriate amount and type of clinical supervision, along with the ongoing and timely assessment of clinical competency necessary to ensure the maintenance of each BT’s Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification
- Ensure Behavior Analyst Interns receive appropriate learning opportunities, supervision, and guidance to fulfill the experience standards for BCBA certification as required by the BACB.
- Oversee Clinical Supervisors by ensuring clients are receiving personalized, effective, developmentally appropriate ABA therapy based on TBC Clinical Policies and Procedures.
- Ensure all client authorization reports for all clients in the center are completed to TBC standards and are submitted on time to avoid disruption of services or unpaid claims.
- Evaluate clinical progress via regular assessment of Clinical Supervisor’s analysis in authorization reports, a regular check of client goal and target maintenance and other assessment procedures.
- Evaluate Clinical Supervisor’s reports regarding utilization of billable hours, and other time and resources.
- Collaborate with the Chief Operating Officer and the operations team to ensure smooth functioning of center, including but not limited to the following:
- Utilize center resources effectively and remain within budget constraints.
- Follow all TBC Operational Policies and Procedures.
- Complete any additional assigned tasks as directed.
PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS
The performance of the Clinical Director will be assessed against specific measurable outcomes to ensure alignment with clinical operational objectives and high standards of service delivery. Performance will be measured using the following key metrics:
- Policies and Procedures for Responsibilities
- Are current and well documented
- Professional Business Relationships
- With direct reports, cross team members, and management. Also with outside service providers, trade professionals, auditors, and business contacts.
- Operational Compliance and Accuracy
- Center Treatment Plans; Center Supervision; Center Caregiver Training.
- Staff Management
- Manage by walking around – provide feedback in a positive and collaborative way encouraging staff in proper professional behavior and conduct.
- Training and Development: Collaborate with Center Training Coordinator to ensure staff performance and skills are at appropriate levels for their position and plans of growth are in place and being implemented. Support and develop clinical supervisors as they master their trade and work with them towards any career advancement goals.
- Cross-functional Collaboration and Communication
- Internal Team Feedback
- Resolution Time for Queries: Maintain an average response time of 24 hours or less to address questions/needs.
Regular performance audits, alongside real-time data tracking and ongoing evaluations, will be used to measure these metrics and support our Clinical Operations in achieving continuous improvement and success in the center and as a company.
EXPECTATIONS FOR EMPLOYEES
- Supports and advances Thrive’s mission, vision, values and culture. Shows professionalism, empathy and respect in all interactions with members, internal and external.
- Takes personal responsibility to actively listen to the members, understand their needs and take initiative to help the member.
- Take ownership of job duties. Offer team members assistance when necessary to help develop a fully competent and cohesive workforce. Recommends and develops process improvements and procedures to enhance productivity and improve service.
- Responsible for personal development through training, collaboration and teamwork. Understands and adheres to all policies, procedures and regulations. Maintains knowledge of regulations appropriate for position and attends all training as it relates to position related regulations. Passes annual compliance requirements.
- Demonstrates professionalism in dress, tone, flexibility and communication.
- Consistently acts as part of a cohesive team, demonstrating excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to interact positively with other employees.
Qualifications
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The individual must be able to successfully pass background checks.
EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION:
Masters’ Degree in ABA, Special Education, or another related field. Current BCBA certification and LBA license. Current CPR/AED and/or BLS certification.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE:
Mastery knowledge of ABA science and techniques required of a BCBA. Including assessments, treatment plans, supervision, de-escalation, titration to name a few.
EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
At least 2 years of experience as a practicing BCBA. At least one year of experience with early intervention (managing client cases who are working on acquiring early learner skills including functional communication, play and adaptive skills) with children with autism. Supervisory/leadership experience preferred.
SKILLS/ABILITIES:
All skills of a BCBA at Thrive. Ability to motivate and influence others. Significant level of diplomacy and trust. Excellent oral and written communications abilities. Professional image that promotes Thrive’s culture. Excellent judgment and decision-making skills. Solid interpersonal abilities. Excellent presentation and organizational skills. Ability to write clear, concise emails, facilitate meetings.