TENTATIVE

Occ. Code 5298900

DIRECTOR AUTISM PROGRAM, M-3

New York State Department of Civil Service

Classification Standard

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF CLASS

Positions in this title series direct, develop, manage, and evaluate a comprehensive program designed to increase the functional level of persons with autism.  Incumbents are responsible for:  preparing and monitoring the programs budget; recruiting, selecting, and training all program staff; directly and indirectly supervising the activities of professional and paraprofessional staff that are charged with providing a full range of residential and programmatic services; and communicating with staff, families, and the public regarding the condition and treatment of autism, the goals of the program, and the progress of the individuals in the program. 

This position is classified at the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD).  All incumbents at OMRDD assist in the total care of persons with disabilities and perform various duties and functions in conjunction with the overall operation of a facility and/or location to which they are assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

DIRECTOR AUTISM PROGRAM:  director; develops, organizes, and directs all  program activities for individuals with autism within assigned DDSO; establishes policy and sets priorities within budgetary allowances.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

Direct, develop, manage, and evaluate a program to address the needs of individuals with autism.

• Establish policies, procedures, and guidelines for all aspects of the treatment program.

• Collaborate with the Director of the Institute for Basic Research to develop methods for documenting therapies and treatments; non-invasive monitoring of individuals with autism in the program; and for reporting on the progress of the individuals in the program.

• Maintain contact with other technical and professional staff both in and out of the facility and in the nation to continuously update program staff and resources with current knowledge about the treatment of autism.

Directly and through subordinate staff, assess the needs of individuals with autism and establish appropriate individualized treatment goals and objectives.

• Continually evaluate and monitor achievement of goals, making necessary adjustments.

• Coordinate and integrate treatment plans with other services in the developmental center and with appropriate community services.

• Identify and/or develop opportunities to transition individuals whose behavior has been stabilized into the community or less restrictive DDSO settings.

Prepare annual budget requests and monitor the use of financial and other resources allocated to the program.

Develop good community relations through continuous contact with professional and lay organizations, parent and advocacy groups, and the general public regarding the condition and treatment of autism and the goals of the autism program.

Supervise subordinate staff.

• Responsible for the recruitment and selection of staff.

• Provide supervision, guidance, and oversight to subordinate staff, and intervene and resolve problems as necessary.

• Determine and oversee staff assignments. 

• Approve leave and track time and attendance.

• Review, monitor, and evaluate staff performance. 

• Complete performance evaluations.

• Identify training needs and arrange for provision of training.

• Manage and direct program activities by setting priorities and deadlines.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Open Competitive:  a Masters Degree, or current clinical licensure and registration in a human services field; and either four years administrative experience in the provision of services to individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.  One year of this experience must have included responsibility for the management of residential and clinical programs in the management of an autism unit; or two years experience in the management of a special population unit, such as a secure unit, adolescent unit, behavioral unit, or multiply disabled unit.  Management duties must have included the planning, oversight, supervision, coordination and operation of programs.

Date:  7/09

NOTE: Classification Standards illustrate the nature, extent and scope of duties and responsibilities of the classes they describe.  Standards cannot and do not include all of the work that might be appropriately performed by a class.  The minimum qualifications above are those which were required for appointment at the time the Classification Standard was written.  Please contact the Division of Staffing Services for current information on minimum qualification requirements for appointment or examination.