START Services Director

Under minimal supervision, this position provides quality, clinical supervision and programmatic support for the START (Systemic, Therapeutic, Assessment, Resource, and Treatment) clinical team(s). Collaborates with other members of the START leadership team(s) in Southern California to monitor the quality and delivery of crisis support services using the START service model for individuals at risk for acute crisis, loss of residential placement, and/or individuals who are currently experiencing crisis. Provides training to build capacity within and outside of ESSC system. Provides back-up on-call support and guidance to the 24/7 crisis line. Serves as a liaison to community partners and stakeholders while providing consultation to Program Director, Clinical Director, and Medical Director of START Services, community providers, and psychologists. In all responsibilities, the position demonstrates a strong commitment to ESSC’s mission and values by supporting a high‑quality, person‑centered service environment.

Hiring range: $116k/yr - $126k/yr

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Supervises START Program Director(s), START Clinical Director(s), and START Administrator. Supports the supervised associates in meeting and excelling in their job responsibilities reflecting the START model.
• Ensures associate responsibilities, authorities, and accountabilities are clearly defined, understood, and carried out. Manages and evaluates the performance and productivity of all START associates.
• Works with various management and Human Resources in the recruitment/selection process of new program associates. Oversees associates involved in the recruitment/selection process as needed.
• Collaborates with other members of the START and Consultation Services leadership team to monitor quality of START service delivery, support cross-functional interdisciplinary system support (e.g., ECM, SBS, Living Options, ABA, etc.), and assure fidelity to the START model, providing support to the clinical team as needed through supervision and conducting Clinical Education Teams (CETs) and Community Education Trainings.
• Chairs, attends, and/or coordinates the START Advisory Council quarterly.
• Attends and leads, as assigned, START team daily triage to review potential crises and provide support.
• Provides group clinical supervision to the START Clinical Directors, Program Directors, Associate Program Directors and Clinical Team Leads.
• Provides in-person supervision/on-site clinical consultation, as needed for persons receiving START therapeutic services.
• Works with the Medical Director and other consultants to provide scheduled clinical consultation to START team members on START persons with complex presentations.
• Coordinates and conducts trainings utilizing expertise of psychologists and psychiatrists, team leaders, and specialists within the community.
• Prepares and provides specialized training and instructional materials including staff development training, as assigned by Regional Vice President of Consultation Services.
• Establishes and maintains community linkages, including community presentations and using START/SIRS data to drive training and outcome discussion. Through linkages and community efforts, identifies and gathers resources for the START clinical team.
• Serves as a liaison to community network partners, attending community events and meetings.
• Maintains communication with other regional and national START Clinical/Program Directors. Attends scheduled NCSS Clinical/Program Director Practice Groups, as needed. Participates in the National Center for START Services (NCSS) network, which brings together projects from across North America through an online resource center, conference calls, select study groups, and a meeting at an annual conference as recommended.
• Enters, monitors, and assures on-time data entry for all team members in the START Information Reporting System (SIRS) and ESSC's electronic health record system. Uses data to inform programmatic decision-making.
• Shares on-call responsibilities as an administrator on call (AOC) and/or crisis agent to ensure 24/7 response to crisis situations based on program need.
• Participates in and completes the START Coordinator Certification training process, and assists START team members with preparation for START Coordinator certification.
• Attends conferences and trainings to remain current regarding new research, current trends and development with intellectual and developmental disabilities, behavioral health, special education, and related fields.
• Completes and maintains current training requirements of Easterseals of Southern California and National Center for START Services.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION:

• Ph.D. in psychology and licensed by the state’s/province’s Psychology Board.
• Preferred to have a certificate or license (e.g., BCBA, LMFT, LCSW, etc.).
• Must have and maintain current CPR certification card.
• Must be a certified START Clinical Director within 12 months of employment as team leader and maintain ongoing recertification per START program requirement.

EXPERIENCE:

• 10 years of professional experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities and behavioral health needs, in a multi and interdisciplinary team settings.
• At least 6 years of supervisory experience.
• Typically, experience in managing complex behavior challenges such as frequent property destruction, aggression towards others, SIB, PICA, suicidal ideation, homicidal ideation, etc.
• Extensive experience in intellectual and developmental disabilities, specifically with people who have IDD and behavioral health needs. Experience developing and implementing positive behavior support plans preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Expert knowledge of scientifically validated methodologies and approaches found to benefit individuals with developmental disabilities and behavioral health needs, familiar with current related research findings.
• Strong clinical, administrative, training, 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 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 documentations.
• 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 of Southern California and/or program requirements.
• Has access to reliable transportation to meet the demands of the START Team(s) across Southern California.
• Ability to travel to serve all START participants and program needs; maintain a 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 / Up to 30 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.

• Travel:

May require up to 50% of time, across all START contracted regions in Southern California.

• 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.

• Environmental Exposure:

Regular exposure to unpleasant or hazardous working conditions

(noise, heat, dust, bodily fluids, etc.).