VP Behavioral Services

Services For The Underserved, Inc.•New York, NY

About The Position

The VP of Behavioral Services is a senior leadership position responsible for leading S:US’s Developmental Disabilities Division’s behavioral health services. The role directs and mentors clinical staff and therapists, overseeing the development, implementation, and management of behavioral health programs and services. It is responsible for delivering high-quality, coordinated clinical services within each professional discipline’s scope of practice and applicable NYS Education Department Office of the Professions standards. The role promotes respectful, dignified, person-centered supports that foster self-determination, independence, self-awareness, and problem-solving. It develops strategic and treatment plans aligned with the organization’s mission, oversees clinical teams and budgets, ensures regulatory compliance, and advances quality improvement. The VP also coordinates clinical responses and services across residential programs, supports staff and organizational leaders through guidance and training, and participates in senior and executive leadership activities as needed.

Requirements

LCSW and a master’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or another human service field.
More than five years of experience working with people with IDD and behavioral health needs.
Good working knowledge of ICF and IRA OPWDD regulations, especially Life Safety, Incident Reporting Procedures, and behavioral health OPWDD regulations.
Independent and organized work skills, with strong communication and writing skills.
Ability to work cooperatively as a clinical team member.
Ability to handle unexpected situations and respond effectively to challenges, deadlines, and emergencies.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement strategic and treatment plans for behavioral health services that align with the organization’s mission and vision.
Manage and oversee the behavioral health team, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and other mental health professionals.
Ensure compliance with applicable state and federal behavioral health regulations and standards.
Develop and manage behavioral health service budgets, including staffing, equipment, and supplies.
Develop and implement quality improvement initiatives to ensure services are safe, effective, and person-centered.
Develop and maintain relationships with community-based organizations and collaborate on initiatives to improve community health and well-being.
Arrange for clinical diminution upon request.
Provide guidance and support to staff and organizational leadership, including mentoring, training, and professional development.
Participate in Senior Leadership and Executive Leadership meetings as needed and provide updates on behavioral health service performance and initiatives.
Design plans of action to address immediate dangers or threats involving safety.
Coordinate services to ensure policies and procedures are implemented uniformly across residential programs, as applicable.
Ensure ongoing compliance and service delivery by the Assistant Director of Behavioral Services, Behavior Intervention Specialists, and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs).
Ensure quality supervision of BCBAs, BCaBAs, RBTs, and people pursuing certification, in accordance with BACB and NYS Licensing Board guidelines.
Interpret changes to relevant regulatory standards and revise or update divisional policies and procedures as needed.
Train Behavior Intervention Specialists, RBTs, social work interns, and other staff on new or revised regulations, SED requirements, and agency policies.
Coordinate RBT scheduling and oversight to meet program and division needs.
Ensure effective clinical team collaboration, particularly during house crises involving RBTs.
Chair and/or participate in assigned committees, including the Human Rights Committee, Informed Consent Committee, and Intake Committee.
Ensure compliance with consents for restrictive interventions across the DD Division.
Ensure psychiatric referrals are reviewed and receive appropriate follow-up.
Conduct quarterly internal audits of a sample of residences.
Liaise with hospitals and CSIDD regarding behavioral and psychiatric emergencies.
Provide training and oversight in the implementation of Mand, leisure skills, and additional principles of ABA training.
Serve as the point person for complex psychiatric needs across divisions.
Ensure appropriate staffing coverage for BIS/BCBA staff on leave.
Coordinate meetings for high-needs residences and complex individuals to support a whole-team approach to care strategies.
Coordinate with leaders in other disciplines and programs to streamline approaches for supporting people living with S:US.
Coordinate and oversee IPSIDD billable services and training in assessment techniques and behavior counseling services.
Oversee BIS responses to IRC requests and follow-ups.
Act as the backup on-call person for DD Division behavioral and psychiatric emergencies.
Complete the division’s weekly high-needs report with the Nursing Department.
Work with the Intake Committee and senior leadership to prepare High Needs Funding applications.
Participate in monthly enhanced supervision meetings to provide updates on behavioral status and opportunities to decrease supervision.
Oversee restrictive interventions, including PRN medications, GPS devices, and enhanced supervision levels.
Provide technical assistance to all OM1 programs as needed.