Director of Behavioral Programs

Director of Behavioral Programs

Job Category: Behavior Analyst & Tech Requisition Number: BEHAV001832

Full-Time Salary: $107,000 USD per year

Location: Eisenhower Center Ann Arbor, MI 48108, USA

Description

The Director of Behavioral Programs serves as the strategic and operational leader responsible for designing, implementing, and sustaining a comprehensive behavioral support system across the entire campus. This role extends beyond traditional BCBA functions by building an integrated behavioral framework that supports individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD), Mental Illness (MI), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). This role ensures that behavioral supports are proactive, data-driven, and person-centered, consistently implemented across residential, clinical, and program environments and embedded into staff training, daily care practices, and organizational culture. This position creates a layered behavioral support model, incorporating staff development, enhanced staffing strategies, behavioral programming, and structured activities tailored to diverse resident needs.

Program Development & Behavioral Systems Design

Develop and oversee a campus-wide behavioral support model. Establish standardized frameworks for Behavioral assessment (FBA), Intervention planning (BIP/BTP) and Data collection and outcome tracking. Design tiered behavioral support systems, including: Universal supports (all residents), Targeted interventions (moderate behavioral needs), Intensive supports (enhanced staffing / high-risk behaviors). Create systems that ensure continuity of behavioral care across all departments and shifts. Lead the development of trauma-informed and least-restrictive programming models.

Staff Training, Coaching & Workforce Development

Build and lead a formal behavioral training program for all staff levels. Develop curriculum and competency standards in: Understanding behavior and function, Crisis prevention and de-escalation, Implementation of BIPs/BTPs, Appropriate use of restrictive and non-restrictive interventions, Documentation and data accuracy. Ensure ongoing training, recertification, and skill validation. Provide in-the-moment coaching and modeling within residential settings. Establish Behavioral Champions / Lead Staff roles within units. Evaluate staff performance related to behavior support and implement improvement plans.

Behavioral Support Services & Enhanced Staffing Programs

Design and oversee Behavior Technician (BT/RBT) support models. Develop criteria and protocols for residents approved for Enhanced staffing and Intensive behavioral monitoring. Ensure behavioral staff are properly trained and effectively utilized, aligned with treatment goals. Create staffing models that balance safety, independence, and therapeutic value.

Residential & Clinical Integration

Partner with Residential, Nursing, Clinical, and Therapeutic departments to align behavioral programming with medical and clinical needs, and ensure consistency in interventions across environments. Participate in and lead interdisciplinary treatment planning. Ensure behavioral supports are integrated into daily routines, activities programming and environmental design.

Behavioral Programming & Therapeutic Activities

Develop and implement structured, behaviorally appropriate activity programs, including: Sensory-based programming, Skill-building activities, Social and adaptive functioning groups. Ensure activities are: Matched to behavioral profiles, Reinforcing and engaging, Designed to reduce maladaptive behaviors. Collaborate with recreation and therapy teams to align programming.

Data, Outcomes & Continuous Improvement

Establish a robust data infrastructure to track behavioral incidents, intervention effectiveness, staff compliance and resident outcomes. Use analytics to: Identify trends and systemic issues, Drive program improvements, Demonstrate measurable outcomes. Present behavioral performance metrics to leadership.

Compliance & Risk Management

Ensure all behavioral programming complies with: Michigan Mental Health Code, MDHHS and CMH requirements, Organizational policies. Oversee: Behavior Treatment Plan Review Committee (BTPRC) processes, Documentation accuracy and audit readiness. Lead incident reviews and root cause analyses. Develop corrective action plans and monitor effectiveness.

Leadership & Program Oversight

Supervise behavioral staff (e.g., BCBAs, Behavior Specialists, BTs/RBTs, Clinical Psychologists). Conduct program audits to ensure fidelity of implementation and consistency across shifts and units. Build a culture of: Accountability, Clinical excellence, Continuous learning. Serve as the organization's primary authority on behavioral systems and strategy.

Qualifications

Master's Degree (or higher) in Applied Behavior Analysis, Psychology, Special Education, or related field. Licensure: Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and/or Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) -required. Minimum 3–5 years of experience in: Behavioral programming in residential or inpatient settings –strongly preferred, ASD, I/DD, and/or mental health populations –required.

Behaviors

Team Player: Works well as a member of a group. Leader: Inspires teammates to follow them. Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well. Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity.

Motivations

Goal Completion: Inspired to perform well by the completion of tasks. Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization.

Education

Masters or better.

Licenses & Certifications

Required: Driver's License. Preferred: Board Cert Beh Analyst.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.