Associate Program Director, START

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.

Starting Salary: $81,900+/yr

OVERVIEW OF POSITION

Under limited supervision, provides clinical leadership, supervision, and support to the START (Systemic, Therapeutic, Assessment, Resource, and Treatment) team. Collaborates with START leadership to ensure the quality and effectiveness of crisis support services delivered through the START model for individuals at risk of acute crisis, loss of residential placement, or those currently experiencing crisis. Builds and maintains strong relationships with community partners and stakeholders to enhance service coordination and communication.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assists in supervising the Clinical Team Lead, START Coordinators, START Therapeutic Coaching Lead, and START Therapeutic Coaches.
• Ensures associate responsibilities, authorities, and accountabilities are clearly defined and understood; manages and evaluates performance and productivity.
• Works with the Director of Consultation Services and Human Resources in the recruitment and selection of new program associates; oversees associates involved in the process as needed.
• Provides support to the clinical team as required.
• Assists in establishing community linkages and serves as liaison to community network partners.
• Represents the START team in the community to strengthen partnerships and collaboration.
• Coordinates trainings utilizing expertise of psychologists, psychiatrists, team leaders, and community specialists.
• Leads and/or attends staff meetings and daily triage meetings; prepares and delivers specialized training and instructional materials, including staff development training, as assigned by the Director of Consultation Services.
• Participates in and completes the START Coordinator Certification training process.
• Collaborates with START leadership to monitor service quality and ensure fidelity to the START model.
• Shares on-call responsibilities to provide 24/7 crisis response: telephonic within one hour and in-person within 24 hours.
• Assists in responding to requests from state agencies for data and program information.
• Enters, monitors and assures data entry for all team members in the START Information Reporting System; uses data to inform program decisions.
• Attends conferences and trainings to stay current on research, trends, and developments related to intellectual and developmental disabilities, special education, and related fields.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION

• Master’s Degree in social work, psychology, counseling or human service field.
• Preferred to have a certificate or license (e.g., BCBA, OT, LMFT, LCSW, etc.).
• Must have and maintain current CPR certification card.
• Must be a certified START Coordinator within 12 months of employment as team leader.

EXPERIENCE

• 5 years of professional experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities and behavioral health needs, in a multi-disciplinary team setting.
• 2 years of supervisory experience. Typically, experience in managing severe behavior problems such as frequent property destruction, aggression towards others, SIB, PICA, etc.

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, 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 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.
• Ability to travel locally; 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

Occasional / Up to 30 lbs.

Occasional / Up to 3 hours per day.

Constant / Up to 8 hours per day.

Occasional / Up to 3 hours per day.

May require up to 50% of time.

Keyboard activity, telephone use, writing.

Ability to view computer monitor and read newsprint.

Regular exposure to unpleasant or hazardous working conditions

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