Director of Behavioral Programs

Eisenhower Center•Ann Arbor, MI

About The Position

The Director of Behavioral Programs serves as the strategic and operational leader responsible for designing, implementing, and sustaining a comprehensive behavioral support system across the entire campus. This role extends beyond traditional BCBA functions by building an integrated behavioral framework that supports individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD), mental illness (MI), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and traumatic brain injury (TBI). This role ensures that behavioral supports are proactive, data-driven, and person-centered, consistently implemented across residential, clinical, and program environments and embedded into staff training, daily care practices, and organizational culture. This position creates a layered behavioral support model, incorporating staff development, enhanced staffing strategies, behavioral programming, and structured activities tailored to diverse resident needs.

Requirements

Master’s Degree (or higher) in Applied Behavior Analysis, Psychology, Special Education, or related field
Licensure: Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and/or Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) - required
Minimum 3–5 years of experience in ASD, I/DD, and/or mental health populations – required

Nice To Haves

Behavioral programming in residential or inpatient settings – strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Develop and oversee a campus-wide behavioral support model
Establish standardized frameworks for Behavioral assessment (FBA), Intervention planning (BIP/BTP) and Data collection and outcome tracking
Design tiered behavioral support systems, including universal supports, targeted interventions, and intensive supports
Create systems that ensure continuity of behavioral care across all departments and shifts
Lead the development of trauma-informed and least-restrictive programming models
Build and lead a formal behavioral training program for all staff levels
Develop curriculum and competency standards in understanding behavior and function, crisis prevention and de-escalation, implementation of BIPs/BTPs, appropriate use of restrictive and non-restrictive interventions, and documentation and data accuracy
Ensure ongoing training, recertification, and skill validation
Provide in-the-moment coaching and modeling within residential settings
Establish Behavioral Champions / Lead Staff roles within units
Evaluate staff performance related to behavior support and implement improvement plans
Design and oversee Behavior Technician (BT/RBT) support models
Develop criteria and protocols for residents approved for Enhanced staffing and Intensive behavioral monitoring
Ensure behavioral staff are properly trained and effectively utilized, aligned with treatment goals
Create staffing models that balance safety, independence, and therapeutic value
Partner with Residential, Nursing, Clinical, and Therapeutic departments to align behavioral programming with medical and clinical needs, and ensure consistency in interventions across environments
Participate in and lead interdisciplinary treatment planning
Ensure behavioral supports are integrated into daily routines, activities programming and environmental design
Develop and implement structured, behaviorally appropriate activity programs, including sensory-based programming, skill-building activities, and social and adaptive functioning groups
Ensure activities are matched to behavioral profiles, reinforcing and engaging, and designed to reduce maladaptive behaviors
Collaborate with recreation and therapy teams to align programming
Establish a robust data infrastructure to track behavioral incidents, intervention effectiveness, staff compliance and resident outcomes
Use analytics to identify trends and systemic issues, drive program improvements, and demonstrate measurable outcomes
Present behavioral performance metrics to leadership
Ensure all behavioral programming complies with Michigan Mental Health Code, MDHHS and CMH requirements, and Organizational policies
Oversee Behavior Treatment Plan Review Committee (BTPRC) processes and documentation accuracy and audit readiness
Lead incident reviews and root cause analyses
Develop corrective action plans and monitor effectiveness
Supervise behavioral staff (e.g., BCBAs, Behavior Specialists, BTs/RBTs, Clinical Psychologists)
Conduct program audits to ensure fidelity of implementation and consistency across shifts and units
Build a culture of accountability, clinical excellence, and continuous learning
Serve as the organization’s primary authority on behavioral systems and strategy