Director, Youth Autism Services

Position: Director of Youth Autism Services (YAS)Department: Youth Autism ServicesReports To: Vice President of Programs / Chief Program OfficerSalary: $75k-$85KPosition Type: Full-Time, ExemptSchedule: Monday–Friday; schedule may vary based on program needs, meetings, community activities, emergencies, and participant/family needsLocation: The League for People with DisabilitiesPOSITION SUMMARYThe Director of Youth Autism Services (YAS) provides strategic, operational, clinical-support, and administrative leadership for The League for People with Disabilities' Youth Autism Services programs. The Director is responsible for ensuring that services are person-centered, participant-focused, safe, effective, culturally responsive, and compliant with applicable Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) requirements, Medicaid requirements, licensing standards, contractual obligations, and The League's policies and procedures.The Director leads the development, implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of services designed to support children, adolescents, and young adults with autism and other developmental disabilities in achieving greater independence, self-sufficiency, meaningful participation, and quality of life.This position serves as a key leader between participants, families, employees, clinical/support teams, community partners, and organizational leadership. The Director is expected to create a culture of accountability, independence, mutual respect, participant focus, and quality while ensuring that staff have the training, resources, supervision, and support necessary to provide excellent services.The successful candidate will be a visible, collaborative, solutions-oriented leader who understands autism services, developmental disabilities, person-centered planning, staff development, compliance, documentation, risk management, and family engagement.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Program Leadership & Strategic DirectionProvide overall leadership and direction for Youth Autism Services.Develop and implement departmental goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and performance standards.Ensure YAS programs operate consistently with The League's mission, vision, values, strategic priorities, and participant-centered philosophy.Evaluate program effectiveness and identify opportunities for growth, innovation, and service improvement.Develop and maintain systems that promote high-quality services and positive participant outcomes.Participate in organizational strategic planning and contribute to agency-wide initiatives.Serve as a subject matter leader regarding autism services, developmental disabilities, participant rights, and community-based supports.Identify emerging service needs and recommend new programs, partnerships, staffing models, and resources.Promote inclusive opportunities for participants to engage in community, recreational, educational, vocational, and social activities.DDA, Medicaid & Regulatory ComplianceMaintain operational compliance with applicable Maryland DDA regulations, Medicaid requirements, licensing standards, contractual requirements, and organizational policies.Ensure required documentation, assessments, service plans, progress notes, incident reports, staff records, and other compliance documents are accurate, timely, complete, and maintained appropriately.Monitor program practices to ensure services are delivered according to approved plans and authorized services.Prepare the department for DDA, Medicaid, licensing, accreditation, contractual, and internal audits/reviews.Develop and implement corrective action plans when deficiencies are identified.Monitor completion of corrective actions and ensure deficiencies are resolved within required timeframes.Maintain current knowledge of regulatory changes affecting YAS.Ensure staff receive required training and maintain required certifications and credentials.Partner with Human Resources and Compliance to address training, credentialing, background checks, employee files, and regulatory requirements.Ensure participant rights are protected and that services are provided in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and organizational policies.Promote the least restrictive and most integrated service environment appropriate to each participant. Person-Centered & Participant-Focused ServicesEnsure all services are driven by participant needs, preferences, strengths, goals, and desired outcomes.Promote meaningful participant choice and self-determination.Ensure staff understand and implement each participant's approved service plan and individualized goals.Monitor participant progress and ensure services are adjusted when needs or goals change.Promote independence and skill development rather than unnecessary dependence on staff.Ensure participant dignity, privacy, confidentiality, safety, and rights are respected at all times.Encourage meaningful community integration and participation.Review participant satisfaction and use feedback to improve service delivery.Ensure families and authorized representatives are appropriately engaged in service planning and communication. Autism Services & Clinical CollaborationProvide leadership regarding evidence-informed practices and effective supports for individuals with autism and developmental disabilities.Collaborate with behavior analysts, clinicians, therapists, nurses, case managers, educators, and other professionals as appropriate.Ensure staff understand individualized behavioral, communication, sensory, medical, and support needs.Promote consistent implementation of approved behavior support strategies and participant-specific interventions.Ensure restrictive interventions, when applicable, are implemented only as legally and organizationally authorized and appropriately documented.Monitor behavioral and service trends and work with clinical personnel to address emerging concerns.Support interdisciplinary collaboration and communication.Encourage trauma-informed, strengths-based, and dignity-centered approaches.Staff Leadership & SupervisionRecruit, interview, select, onboard, supervise, coach, and evaluate YAS employees in collaboration with Human Resources.Establish clear expectations for performance, professionalism, attendance, documentation, participant support, and customer service.Ensure appropriate staffing levels based on program needs, participant needs, authorized services, and operational requirements.Develop staffing plans that support continuity of care and minimize unnecessary disruptions to participants.Conduct regular supervision and leadership meetings.Hold managers and supervisors accountable for program performance and employee management.Address employee performance concerns promptly and consistently.Partner with Human Resources regarding disciplinary actions, employee relations, investigations, performance improvement plans, and separations.Promote employee engagement, retention, professional development, and succession planning.Recognize employees who demonstrate exceptional performance and commitment to participants.Create a workplace culture grounded in accountability, respect, inclusion, teamwork, and professional growth.Training & Professional DevelopmentIdentify department-wide training needs.Ensure employees complete required DDA, organizational, safety, participant-specific, and regulatory training.Partner with Human Resources and Training personnel to maintain employee training compliance.Develop or facilitate training related to autism, developmental disabilities, person-centered services, behavior support, participant rights, documentation, communication, safety, and professional boundaries.Establish competency expectations for direct support and supervisory staff.Monitor training completion and address deficiencies promptly.Promote continuous learning and professional development. Quality Assurance & Performance ImprovementEstablish and monitor measurable program performance indicators.Review participant outcomes, service quality, staffing performance, documentation, incidents, complaints, and satisfaction data.Identify trends and develop improvement strategies.Conduct regular program reviews and internal audits.Ensure deficiencies are addressed through documented corrective action and follow-up.Promote a continuous quality improvement culture throughout YAS.Track department metrics and provide regular reports to executive leadership.Develop action plans when performance expectations are not met. Incident Management, Risk & SafetyEnsure timely reporting, investigation, documentation, and follow-up of incidents.Review serious incidents and identify opportunities to reduce future risk.Ensure mandated reporting requirements are followed.Escalate serious safety, abuse, neglect, exploitation, medical, behavioral, or other critical concerns appropriately.Maintain emergency preparedness and business continuity procedures.Ensure staff understand emergency procedures, participant-specific safety plans, and crisis response expectations.Monitor environmental and operational safety.Partner with organizational leadership regarding risk management and corrective action.Family & Stakeholder EngagementEstablish professional, respectful, and responsive relationships with participants, families, guardians, and authorized representatives.Respond to concerns in a timely and solutions-focused manner.Facilitate communication between families and program personnel.Participate in meetings with families, schools, providers, case managers, and community partners as appropriate.Promote transparency and collaboration when addressing participant concerns.Ensure family feedback is considered in program improvement while maintaining participant rights and confidentiality. Documentation & Records ManagementEnsure participant records are complete, accurate, timely, secure, and maintained according to organizational and regulatory requirements.Monitor documentation for quality, accuracy, and compliance.Ensure required progress notes, service documentation, incident reports, assessments, plans, and other records are completed within established timelines.Review documentation trends and implement corrective action when necessary.Protect confidential participant and employee information in accordance with applicable privacy requirements.Utilize electronic systems effectively for documentation, communication, scheduling, reporting, and compliance tracking. Budget & Fiscal ManagementAssist with development and management of the YAS departmental budget.Monitor expenditures and staffing costs.Ensure resources are used responsibly and in alignment with program needs.Monitor authorized services and operational expenses.Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising participant safety or service quality.Participate in budget forecasting and financial planning.Review departmental productivity and financial performance with executive leadership. Community Partnerships & Program DevelopmentDevelop and maintain relationships with schools, healthcare providers, community organizations, DDA personnel, families, advocacy organizations, and other service partners.Identify opportunities for collaborative programming and community integration.Represent The League professionally within the community.Participate in meetings, conferences, trainings, and professional associations as appropriate.Identify potential funding, partnership, and program-development opportunities.Organizational LeadershipParticipate as a member of the organization's leadership team.Collaborate with Human Resources, Finance, Quality Assurance, Nursing, Transportation, Development, and other departments.Support organization-wide policies, initiatives, and strategic objectives.Participate in leadership meetings and committees as assigned.Serve as a professional representative of The League.Promote The League's mission and core values in all interactions.CORE COMPETENCIESThe successful Director will demonstrate:LeadershipAbility to lead through change, establish accountability, develop staff, make sound decisions, and build a high-performing team.Participant FocusCommitment to protecting participant rights, promoting independence, honoring individual choice, and improving quality of life.Autism & Developmental Disability KnowledgeUnderstanding of autism, developmental disabilities, person-centered practices, behavioral supports, community integration, and individualized service delivery.Regulatory & Compliance KnowledgeAbility to interpret and implement applicable DDA, Medicaid, licensing, contractual, and organizational requirementsmunicationStrong verbal, written, interpersonal, conflict-resolution, and presentation skills.Problem SolvingAbility to assess complex situations, identify root causes, develop solutions, and make timely decisions.AccountabilityAbility to establish expectations, monitor performance, address deficiencies, and follow through on commitments.CollaborationAbility to work effectively with participants, families, employees, clinicians, community partners, and executive leadership.AdaptabilityAbility to respond effectively to changing participant needs, staffing challenges, regulatory requirements, and organizational priorities.TechnologyAbility to learn and effectively utilize electronic health/record systems, HR systems, scheduling systems, Microsoft Office, email, reporting platforms, and other organizational technology.REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONSMaster's Degree in related field required. The following licenses are preferred: BCBA, LCPC, or LCSW-CMinimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience working with individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, behavioral health needs, or related populations.Minimum of 3 years of supervisory or management experience in a human services, developmental disabilities, behavioral health, education, healthcare, or related environment.Demonstrated experience managing programs, staff, budgets, compliance, and/or quality assurance.Working knowledge of person-centered planning and community-based services.Working knowledge of applicable DDA and Medicaid service requirements.Strong organizational and documentation skills.Demonstrated ability to supervise and develop employees.Ability to communicate effectively with individuals with disabilities, families, employees, and professional partners.Ability to successfully complete required background checks and other pre-employment requirements.Valid driver's license and reliable transportation may be required based on program responsibilities and organizational needs.PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONSMaster's degree in a related discipline.Experience working directly with Youth Autism Services.Experience with Maryland DDA-funded services.Experience with Medicaid-funded programs.Experience with behavioral health or Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services.Experience preparing for DDA, Medicaid, licensing, accreditation, or contractual audits.Experience with electronic health records and/or human services information systems.Experience developing and monitoring corrective action plans.Experience with program development and expansion.Experience managing multiple program sites or service locations.PHYSICAL & ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTSThe physical requirements listed below represent the general physical capabilities necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.The position may require the ability to:Sit, stand, walk, bend, reach, and move throughout program and office environments.Use a computer, telephone, mobile device, and other standard office equipmentmunicate effectively with participants, families, employees, and community partners.Attend meetings at various locations.Travel between program sites or community locations when required.Work in environments that may include varying levels of noise, activity, sensory stimulation, or behavioral needs.Respond appropriately to emergency situations consistent with training and job responsibilities.Occasionally work outside of normal business hours based on program needs.The League is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), applicable Maryland law, and organizational policy.WORK ENVIRONMENTThe Director may work in:Administrative officesYouth Autism Services program locationsCommunity settingsParticipant homes when program responsibilities requireSchools or partner locationsMeetings, conferences, and training environmentsThe work environment may involve interaction with individuals who have a variety of communication, sensory, behavioral, medical, and support needs.ADA & INCLUSIVE EMPLOYMENT STATEMENTThe League for People with Disabilities is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities.Employment decisions are based on qualifications, experience, job-related competencies, organizational needs, and other lawful employment considerations. The League does not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations when appropriate and required by law.Applicants and employees may request reasonable accommodations during the application, interview, onboarding, and employment processes.This job description identifies the essential functions and general responsibilities of the position. It is not intended to create an employment contract or represent an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or working conditions. Management reserves the right to modify duties based on legitimate business, participant, regulatory, and organizational needs.DDA & PERSON-CENTERED SERVICE COMMITMENTThe Director is expected to ensure that Youth Autism Services operates in a manner that promotes:Individual choice and self-determinationParticipant dignity and respectIndependence and skill developmentCommunity integrationMeaningful relationships and activitiesParticipant health and safetyProtection from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and discriminationFamily and stakeholder collaborationPositive participant outcomesLeast restrictive and most integrated servicesAccountability and high-quality service deliveryTHE LEAGUE CORE VALUESACCOUNTABILITYWe take responsibility for our actions, decisions, and commitments.INDEPENDENCEWe support individuals in developing the skills, confidence, and opportunities necessary to live meaningful and self-directed lives.MUTUAL RESPECTWe treat participants, families, coworkers, and community partners with dignity, professionalism, and respect.PARTICIPANT FOCUSWe put the needs, preferences, rights, goals, and quality of life of the people we serve at the center of our work.QUALITYWe strive for excellence, continuous improvement, compliance, and meaningful outcomes in everything we do.