Program Specialist at New England Center for Children Inc – Southborough, Massachusetts

The Program Specialist is responsible for the management of the clinical, educational and training needs of a team of staff and individuals in the residential program.

The Program Specialist’s essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to; demonstration of leadership, functioning as an effective staff supervisor, mentor and trainer, effective communication, clinical supervision, educational supervision, and the completion of a variety of administrative tasks. The coordinators, specialists and director are responsible for the supervision of staff and systems that support the team’s operation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

To demonstrate leadership of the team and promote team work, the program specialist will:

• Model a positive, professional and calm demeanor
• Follows NECC Employee Code of Conduct, Code of Ethics, and guidelines for professional excellence.
• Works cooperatively with coordinators, counselors and members of other departments
• Seeks and incorporates feedback from peers, supervisors, and other departments

The program specialist will function as an effective supervisor, staff mentor and trainer for staff. In this function, they will:

• Provides clear leadership and direction for counselors and coordinators.

• Supervise all team members, which includes Program Coordinator, counselors and the awake overnight professionals at the completion of all job responsibilities.

• Oversee all administrative personnel functions.
• Delegate and supervise team roles and cases.
• Conduct ongoing observations and complete evaluations of all team members.
• Deliver effective feedback to maintain performance and maintain staff morale

• Provides direct training on educational and behavior programs as needed
• Ensures that all staff attend training sessions provided in the areas of Applied Behavior Analysis, physical intervention techniques, how to run skill acquisition programs and behavioral programs, medical and family services.
• Provides regular supervision with both positive and constructive feedback delivered in a clear and supportive manner.

The program specialist communicates effectively with staff, peers, other departments and families.

• Provides prompt communication to program director regarding both individual and family issues.
• Coordinates all communication with families and provides family training as needed
• Responsible for recruiting input from families in preparation for the ISP meeting.
• Communicates with staff and provides timely follow-up to any issues
• Participates in department planning.

The program specialist completes or oversees the completion of all clinical and educational responsibilities for a team.

• Clinical and educational responsibility for existing case load
• Oversees the health and safety of the staff and individuals.
• Follows standards for best clinical practice related to the reduction of problem behavior and staff and individual safety
• Develops curriculum and behavioral programs to meet each individual’s needs.
• In collaboration with the Program Coordinator, ensure all objectives on the ISP are being addressed, that all appropriate curriculum is active on ACE, with ongoing data, and monitors individual progress.
• Provides direction and feedback and serves as a resource for case manager responsibilities during MBO and other educational discussions
• Assures individual clinical and educational programs are effective and modified in a timely manner.
• Coordinate with individuals, families, and staff to assess skill needs and propose ISP objectives.
• Ensures that all counselors are trained on the NECC Core Skill Assessment
• Ensures that NECC protocols and assessments are being implemented on the appropriate schedule (e.g. CSA, PA, etc.)
• Familiarity with current research in best practice in behavior analysis and education.
• Promotes participation in ongoing research and NECC’s applied research program
• Is fluent with and completes assessments as needed to develop individual behavior programs
• Ensures that all staff are trained in protective measures

The program specialist prioritizes and completes administrative responsibilities:

• Documents feedback as needed
• Completes all assigned staff evaluations and submits to HR per identified timelines
• Oversees the Program Coordinator to ensure team specific and van Calm-p lesson plans are trained and updated.
• Complete all DDS reports, including restraint reports, following DDS guidelines.
• Participate in formal school-wide trainings [ABA, CALM, etc.]

All Program Specialist positions at NECC include but are not limited to:

• Driving between the school and residence, and to other school-related trips and appointments
• The operation of household appliances and school equipment
• Implementation of all safety and emergency procedures

Qualifications

• Applicants must possess a Master’s Degree or Ph.D. in Behavior Analysis or Education with extensive practical training and experience in Applied Behavior Analysis.
• BCBA or BCBA eligibility is preferred.
• Experience in staff training and supervision is required.
• The ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary team.