Director Behavior Support Services (BSS)

Skills of Central PA•Altoona, PA

53d•Onsite

About The Position

Skills of Central PA (Skills) is a non-profit health and human services organization that provides services and support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health challenges throughout central Pennsylvania. Skills was founded in 1960 so that people with disabilities could have paid work, gain social skills, and become more independent in the community. Today, Skills is one of the largest human service providers in central Pennsylvania, offering services in 17 counties throughout the region and employing more than 1,100 people in a variety of professional, clinical, and direct support roles. If you're looking for a place where you can grow your career while helping people, give Skills a closer look! We are seeking a Full Time Director of Behavior Support Services. This position is based out of our Altoona, Pa office and will be responsible for administrative oversight and daily operation of the Behavior Support Services Department throughout our service area. Assures that program services provide for the health, welfare and safety of the people we support. Provides the support and assistance to people so they can achieve those skills necessary to live independently and to create conditions within the community to facilitate growth and self-awareness.

Requirements

Master’s degree in human services or closely related field.
Five years in a supervisory position within the developmental disabilities and/or human services industry.
Knowledge of Pennsylvania state and county intellectual disabilities system
Knowledge of ODP Multi-Year Plan
Knowledge of the principles of Everyday Lives
Knowledge of the principles of Self Determination
Clinical Knowledge of the principles of behavioral intervention and dual diagnosis
Valid Drivers License

Responsibilities

Educates staff to ensure and maintain the health, welfare and safety of the people we support consistent with the principles of Everyday Lives.
Ensures an environment that promotes general health and when applicable healing from injury or illness; ensure assistance from medical professionals as needed; provides awareness of potential side effects of medication and communicates these to staff, people receiving services, family members, and appropriate team members;
Enhances the lives of people to include assuring the protection from abuse or neglect; promoting positive self-esteem; developing communication and relationship skills; encouraging and enhancing personal decision-making, maintaining communication with family and friends; and assisting consumers in enhancing their relationships with family and/or personal friends.
Interviews and recommends hires for assigned job classifications.
Controls department costs; participates in preparing department financial budgets; conforms to budget parameters; safeguards company assets and resources; analyzes applicable and available financial data.
Represents the Behavior Support Service program with Federal, State and Local governmental agencies and funding source representatives.
Monitors the status of policy manuals, admission/discharge practices, implementation of person centered planning principles; compliance with and protection of confidentiality and rights, maintenance of records for medical, psychiatric and support services; ensures that documentation is clear, concise and objective.
Complies with human resources and program policies and other directives.
Assists with proposal development when assigned.
Assists with the preparation of program publications when assigned.
Assumes the responsibility to assist and/or complete duties of Behavior Support Services employees as applicable or when necessary.
Directs (supervises), plans, and coordinates the work of assigned employees.
Evaluates job performance of assigned employees.
Counsels, disciplines, and recommends discharges of assigned employees when necessary.
Maintains applicable departmental productivity standards of performance to ensure efficient work processes and work flow.
Processes and/or approves assigned employees’ payroll and time records.
Develops and maintains department quality assurance and customer service improvement programs.
Responsible for the clinical oversight of the Behavior Support Services Department.
Provides clinical supervision for Behavior Support Specialists in designing and implementing specific interventions intended to stabilize the persons receiving services. Ensure support plans are written in clear, measurable, and observable terms in person centered strengths-based language.
Support staff and family’s efforts to stabilize the person by providing therapeutic program design, education, information, guidance, modeling, monitoring and assessment.
Conducts monthly team meeting with Behavior Support Services personnel.
Complies with applicable laws, regulations, etc.
Maintains appropriate level of on-going employee communications.
Develops and maintains records, files, prepares reports, and complies with automated data system requirements including monthly billings as required.
Coordinates recommended changes in assigned employee job descriptions with the Human Resources Department.
Participates in continuing education programs; attends scheduled and mandatory meetings; and participates in assigned ad hoc and/or regular committee assignments.
Orients and trains assigned employees and coordinates appropriate in-service educational programs.
Participates in professional and community organizations to further career growth and stability; maintains a current level of knowledge of trends and developments regarding best practices.
Implements networks of support within the company by training, encouraging and clinically supporting staff to respect the uniqueness of the people we support; employing staff trained to provide therapeutically appropriate support in challenging situations, and facilitating professional sharing and communication of Dual Diagnosis issues among company employees.
Participates when assigned in developing company strategic plans; participates as a management team member in fulfilling the company’s Strategic Business Plan.
Visits assigned worksites on a regular basis to ascertain problem areas and maintain a management presence in program departments.
Responds to Reportable Incidents in accordance with regulations/policies. Serves as Incident Manager Representative.