Clinical Director of START Programs

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Clinical Director of START Programs provides clinical leadership for START services supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and co-occurring behavioral health needs. The Director supervises START Coordinators, guides complex clinical work, strengthens community capacity, and promotes fidelity to the START model.

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic & Mission-Aligned Leadership

• Provides clinical Direction for START services in alignment with program goals and model standards
• Advises the Sr. Director on clinical priorities, service needs, outcomes, and program development.
• Uses service data and clinical trends to guide decisions, training, and capacity-building efforts.

People Leadership & Culture

• Supervises START Coordinators through clear expectations, coaching, development, and accountability.
• Provides clinical consultation on complex presentations, records, evaluations, and support strategies.
• Prepares Coordinators for START certification and develops team competency through training.

Operational & Financial Stewardship

• Plans and facilitates Clinical Education Team meetings and other clinical case consultations.
• Oversees timely, accurate START documentation and data entry across the clinical team.
• Provides onsite observation, consultation, and backup crisis support based on program needs.

Quality, Compliance & Risk Management

• Reviews clinical documentation and promotes consistent, trauma-informed, evidence-based practice.
• Guides development of positive support and interaction plans for individuals with complex needs.
• Monitors clinical quality, model fidelity, service risks, and improvement opportunities.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Leadership

• Partners with the Medical Director on clinical consultation for complex START recipients.
• Provides training and consultation to families, providers, and community partners.
• Builds community relationships and supports Coordinators in team and systems-level collaboration.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

ORGANIZATION STANDARDS:

Professionalism and Communication

Demonstrates clear, respectful, and professional communication in both verbal and written interactions, with a focus on collaboration and solution-oriented dialogue. Shares information responsibly and addresses concerns constructively while maintaining a positive, professional demeanor—even in challenging situations.

Time & Priority Management

Effectively manages workload by prioritizing tasks, planning proactively, and addressing challenges to meet deadlines and responsibilities. Maintains a solution-focused approach and professional composure while balancing competing priorities.

Reliability & Accountability & Ownership

Demonstrates dependability by consistently meeting commitments, deadlines, and responsibilities while taking ownership of work and outcomes. Acts with integrity, follows through on obligations, and addresses mistakes proactively to support a culture of accountability and trust.

Adaptability and Change Agility

Demonstrates adaptability by embracing new processes, priorities, and organizational changes with resilience and a willingness to learn. Adjusts work approaches as needed and supports others through change with a constructive, solution-focused mindset.

Organizational Alignment and Mission Focus

Demonstrates behaviors aligned with the organization’s mission, values, and professional standards while supporting goals and initiatives through actions and attitude. Consistently follows policies and ethical guidelines, maintains confidentiality, and contributes to a culture of professionalism, respect, and service.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Master's degree in psychology or a related clinical field and applicable professional licensure required.
• Access to consultation from a licensed clinical psychologist, as required by the START model.
• Extensive experience serving people with IDD and co-occurring behavioral health needs required.
• Training and experience in assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based clinical interventions.
• START Coordinator certification required within twelve (12) months of hire.
• Strong clinical judgment, organization, communication, training, and systems-collaboration skills.

Driver Level: Level 2 - Routine driving for work, errands, or transporting others; may be infrequent or on an irregular basis. Personal insurance and valid driver's license required.

Position Flexibility: Primarily Onsite with Defined Remote Flexibility: This position is primarily onsite, with limited, pre-approved remote work permitted. Remote work arrangements must be formally documented in writing, maintained in the employee's file, approved by HR, and any changes or exceptions must be communicated to HR.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Sitting and standing for extended periods, including during meetings, observations, and travel.
• Keyboarding and lifting or carrying up to twenty (20) pounds.
• Driving and travel between agency and community locations as required.

All the above duties and responsibilities are considered essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. This job description is not to be construed as a detailed statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. Employees may be required to perform any other job-related instructions as requested by their supervisors, subject to reasonable accommodation.

EEO race, color, religion, sex, parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit-based factors.