Program Manager, Severe Behavior Services, Irvine-1

Easterseals Southern California transforms lives every day. For over a century, Easterseals has championed inclusion and independence—delivering essential services like early childhood programs, autism services, employment and independent living support to more than 29,000 people each year. Through advocacy and education, we break barriers and create opportunities for the one-in-four Americans with disabilities. 

74k-83k

OVERVIEW OF POSITION: Under supervision by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (Assoc. Clinical Supervisor, Clinical Supervisor, or Director of Severe Behavior Services), provides specialized behavior intervention services to individuals with severe challenging behaviors diagnosed with autism, developmental delays, developmental disabilities and/or diagnosis; supervises direct reports, and provides program management for assigned region/team in coordination with the BCBA. Ensures high quality services for participants and that all treatment provided follows protocols established and approved by ESSC. Supports both, center and home-based services and operations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION:

• Manages, provides work-direction, quality and clinical supervision to SBS Behavior Technicians to ensure that associates follow established (ABA) procedures, and implement treatment plans according to ESSC approved practices/protocols (assessments, intervention activities, experimental functional analysis, caregiver education/training) for individuals with severe challenging behaviors, monitoring participant progress. Guides, coaches, and reinforces the SBS team where required.
• Handles own case load providing treatment to individuals with severe challenging behaviors. Develops and delivers specific intervention activities. Provides parent/caregiver education according to treatment plan or other individualized assessments. Meets individual productivity requirements set forth in annual budget.
• Responsible for the integrity of documentation for assigned program. Ensures that all records (such as evaluations, treatment notes, progress reports, exit summaries, etc.) are complete, correct, and timely updated by each SBS behavior technician. Performs data reliability and fidelity checks regularly.
• Assists the BCBA in creating and delivering specific intervention activities, clinical research protocols, program and quality development strategies. Reports regularly on programs results; escalates complex issues or concerns to BCBA as needed.
• Plans with own SBS team regarding treatment updates for each participant and family served within the program, and other relevant matters. Attends staff meetings, in-services, treatment planning, trainings, and other meetings, as requested.
• Identifies, coordinates, and delivers on-going competency-based training to direct reports, including new hires. Has full authority for personnel actions. Ensures associate responsibilities, authorities, and accountabilities are clearly defined and understood. Manages and evaluates the performance and productivity of staff in assigned region.
• Maintains frequent, professional, and courteous communications with participants and families. Escalates parental concerns and needs immediately to direct supervisor.
• Remains current regarding new research, current trends and developments in autism, ABA, special education, and related fields.
• Responsible to support Behavior Technicians and Program Managers at least (2) 4- hour shifts per week, in clinic.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION:

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis.
• Must have and maintain current CPR certification card.
• Crisis Management Training is required (MCPP) Intermediate and (MCPP) Advanced. Training will be provided during onboarding activities after employment begins. Continued employment with Easterseals Severe Behavior Services is contingent upon successfully passing Crisis Management Training at both the Intermediate and Advanced levels.

EXPERIENCE:

• 2 years of professional experience working with individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), in a multi-disciplinary team setting. Typically, experience in managing severe behavior problems such as frequent property destruction, aggression toward others, SIB, etc.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Strong knowledge of evidence-based practices, scientifically-validated methodologies and analytic approaches found to benefit individuals with ASD; familiar with current research findings.
• Familiar with the approaches to intervention based on the science of Applied Behavior Analysis. Competent in assisting and leading functional behavioral assessments including descriptive analysis and experimental functional analysis. Competent in providing training and implementing function-based intervention plans including Functional Communication Training (FCT), Behavior Skills Training (BST), antecedent/and consequence interventions.
• Strong clinical, administrative, and leadership skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.).
• Able to interpret and implement policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Able to consistently demonstrate good judgment and decision-making skills.
• Ability to maintain customer service orientation and professionalism in all interactions.
• Ability to communicate effectively, through oral and written skills, and work cooperatively with a variety of individuals and groups. Must relate well to participants and their families and maintain positive affect.
• Ability to exercise discretion and maintain a high level of confidentiality to handle sensitive and confidential situations and documentation.
• Ability to pass a post-offer physical examination and a TB test.
• Ability to provide proof of required vaccinations or positive titer showing immunity. A signed declination may be acceptable for certain vaccinations.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a criminal record/fingerprint clearance from the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation per Easterseals Southern California and/or program requirements.
• Ability to travel locally; maintain driving record in compliance with Transportation Safety Standards; maintain auto insurance and vehicle registration.
• Must pass all drug testing required by ESSC.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH ADA:

Carrying/Lifting: Occasional / 0-30 lbs. & Occasional / Up to 70 lbs.
Standing: Occasional / Up to 3 hours per day
Sitting: Constant / Up to 8 hours per day
Walking: Occasional / Up to 3 hours per day
Repetitive Motion/Activity: Keyboard activity, telephone use, writing. Occasional standing, bending, reaching, stooping, squatting, kneeling, grasping, and twisting
Visual Acuity: Ability to view computer monitor and read newsprint
Travel: Up to 50% of time
Environmental Exposure: Regular exposure to unpleasant or hazardous working conditions (noise, heat, dust, bodily fluids, etc.)