Clinical Director OPWDD- Crisis Services

POSITION SUMMARY

CSIDD (Crisis Services for Individuals with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities)/ NY START (Systemic, Therapeutic, Assessment, Resources and Treatment) works collaboratively with the system of support to improve the lives of individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and co-existing behavioral health needs/mental health concerns. Under the supervision of the Senior Director of Clinical and Crisis Services, the Clinical Director is responsible for clinical training, consultation, and behavior support services for the assigned treatment team, supporting individuals with a developmental disability and behavioral health needs.

DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Works collaboratively with the Senior Director of Clinical & Crisis Services and the Assistant Director of CSIDD on developing community relationships and linkages.
• Collaborates with the Senior Director of Clinical & Crisis Services and the Assistant Director of CSIDD on the development and implementation of CSIDD/NYSTART Best Practices and Policies and Procedures.
• Assists the Senior Director of Clinical & Crisis Services and the Assistant Director of CSIDD with growth of the programs via networking internally and externally in conjunction with other departments.
• Provides clinical supervision, training, and consultation to CSIDD team members.
• Assists with orientation/clinical training/development of new team members, existing team members and provides training and consultation to staff, families and providers.
• Assists START Coordinators with preparation for START Coordinator certification.
• Provides review/feedback of treatment plans and other documents created by CSIDD Coordinators.
• Work with the Medical Director to provide weekly clinical consult to Coordinators/Team Leads on START individuals with complex presentations.
• Provides clinical support and consultation for the Resource Center including, but not limited to, participation in review of potential new and/or emergency admissions.
• Plans and facilitates monthly Clinical Education Team Trainings. Works with NYSTART Medical Director and Psychologist to create public trainings and collaborates with community members on ID/DD individuals with behavioral complexities to increase competency and confidence of the systems that support these individuals.
• Develops positive support and interaction plans as necessary for guests at the Resource Center who require more extensive safety measures.
• Provides on-site consultation as needed for persons receiving START therapeutic supports.
• Enters, monitors and assures data entry for all team members in the START Information Reporting System.  Uses collected data to make informed programmatic decisions.
• Shares on-call responsibilities to ensure 24/7 response to crisis situations within 1 (one) hour of call telephonically and within 2 (two) hours of call for face to face.

• Adheres to flexible schedule that reflects the needs of the program.
• Attends in-service training programs, clinical and academic conferences and workshops and other educational presentations to maintain current knowledge of relevant clinical issues and techniques.

• Ensures that all required documentation (paper and electronic) is completed /processed appropriately, in a timely manner, and meets quality and compliance thresholds.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Responsibilities of All FREE Employees

• Always communicates in a respectful manner with all people including the people we support, supervisors, other valued team members, and members of the community.

• Complies fully with FREE’s confidentiality policies by holding in strictest confidence all information pertaining to members, residents, the people we support and their families, clients, providers, contractors, and employees.
• Meets all safety training requirements; adheres to all safety policies and reports any and all unsafe conditions; takes measures to prevent accidents and/or eliminate conditions that pose a safety or health risk.
• Coordinates, supports, attends and participates in all required events/ meetings/ reviews/ committees, including ones outside of standard working hours.
• Meets all job requirements and stays in compliance.
• Adheres to FREE’s standard of ethical behavior as outlined in the Employee Handbook and Code of Conduct as well as applicable laws and regulations.

Responsibilities of FREE Employees in Leadership/Management Positions:

• Ensures compliance with FREE policies, procedures, and operating standards. 
• Implements a continuous quality improvement process for department services and administrative functions.
• Assists in the development, implementation and administration of Human Resources policies and programs including compliance with Equal Employment Opportunities and Affirmative Action Programs.

Please note the above duties, responsibilities, and essential functions are a non-exhaustive list, and may be changed by FREE at any time, with or without notice to the employee.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education:
  • Master’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology or another related field required
• Experience:
  • Minimum of 5 (five) years clinical experience working with IDD/MI population
  • Extensive experience in intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), specifically with people who have IDD and behavioral health needs
  • Experience developing and implementing positive behavior support plans preferred
  • Previous experience working on the START Team preferred
• Specialized Training, Licenses, Certifications:
  • LCSW, Licensed Psychologist or another related licensure required
    • Licensure must be current and valid to practice in New York State
  • Must be a certified coordinator or can complete the START Coordinator certification process within 6-12 months of hiring
• Knowledge, Skills, Competencies, and Abilities:
  • Computer literacy required; familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite
  • Knowledge of OPWDD, OMH, NCSS, and CSIDD practices, policies and regulations
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment with flexibility, keeping others informed and anticipating needs is essential
  • Must be efficient, well organized, and have excellent communication skills
• Other Requirements:
  • Valid NYS Driver’s License and satisfy criteria to be a driver for FREE

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This role is performed in-person, some travel is required between FREE Network and other relevant locations.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Employee is required to sit, walk and stand for prolonged period of time (at least 8 hours).
• Employee is required to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.

• Employee is required to operate standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, fax and filing cabinets.
• Employee is required to reach with hands and arms.
• Employee is required to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch or stand on a stool as needed.
• Employee might be required to lift/move light items.

Notwithstanding the above listed physical requirements of this position, FREE will provide reasonable accommodations to allow employees to perform the essential functions of the position, provided such reasonable accommodations do not cause undue hardship on FREE.