Developmental Disabilities Forensic Program Administrator

Duties Description

The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) Division of Statewide Services oversees clinical services, as well as the needed assessment and research functions to support the oversight and implementation of those services. The Bureau of Intensive Treatment Services (BITS), under the guidance and direction of the Developmental Disabilities Forensic Program Administrator, provides statewide policy direction on matters involving individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities who present with complex behavioral issues that may also interface with the criminal justice system.

Best practices in the complex and highly specialized field of developmental disabilities are continuously evolving; as such, there is an ongoing need for BITS to research, review and disseminate new information to staff working in the state-operated programs and field offices. This includes researching and disseminating emerging evidence-based forensic/short-term inpatient treatment practices, which directly translates to improving the health and safety of the individuals with developmental disabilities in our care and the safety of OPWDD staff who work directly with this population.

The integration and consistent application of regulatory mandates and rights protections into the planning and delivery of specialty interventions requires an additional degree of professional development of clinical staff, and a significant investment in supervision, training, and oversight activities.

Under the direction of the Director of the Bureau of Intensive Treatment Services, the Assistant Director plans, assists in directing and administering the statewide operations of the Bureau of Intensive Treatment Services and the forensic services system.

• Plans and coordinates in a comprehensive and systematic manner the OPWDD system of service for BITS service recipients. The Assistant Director assists in the development and implementation of agency policy in this area.
• Monitors people who qualify for services and are involved in the criminal justice system (probation, parole, jail, prison, etc.), and ensures that accurate information is disseminated to BITS staff and service providers to ensure people with significant criminal backgrounds can avail themselves of OPWDD supports and services with a goal of reducing further involvement with the criminal justice system and preventing harm to themselves or the public.
• Coordinates the provision of high-quality clinical information to various aspects of the Criminal Justice System concerning individuals with I/DD who become involved in the Criminal Justice System.
• Assures compliance with court orders issued for defendants committed to the custody of the Commissioner of OPWDD as unfit to stand trial or not criminally responsible for their actions.
• Oversees the Statewide Forensic Advisory Committee and reviews local forensic committee determinations/recommendations on requests for court authorizations, changes in status or granting of leaves for individuals committed to OPWDD via the Criminal Procedure Law.
• Oversees the Statewide Admissions Committee which controls all admissions and discharges to all secure campus-based institutions operated by OPWDD.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of programs and services for individuals with I/DD who become involved in the Criminal Justice System.
• Serves as inter‑agency liaison to Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS), Division of Probation and Correctional Alternatives, Office of Mental Health Bureau of Forensic Services, and other criminal justice agencies.
• Conducts the Secure Reviews of OPWDD designated secure facilities. A Secure Facility is a facility “staffed with personnel adequately trained in security methods and is so equipped as to minimize the risk or danger of escapes, and which has been so specifically designated by the commissioner (CPL 330.20(1b)). Therefore, OPWDD has a statutory mandate to provide care in an appropriate secure setting, when necessary or mandated by court.
• Conducts reviews that help to ensure that OPWDD's facilities are compliant with the Commissioner's standards for designation as a secure facility.
• Supports the Director of BITS in agency initiatives, project management tasks, data collection and analysis, and research assignments.
• Supervises the operation of the bureau including direct oversight of a Licensed Psychologist, a Psychologist 1, two Program Operations Specialists 1, two Program Operations Specialists 2, a Mental Hygiene Program Evaluation Specialist 3 and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
• Establishes performance and implementation goals and evaluates same for subordinate staff.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Travels up to 30%.

Telecommuting will be discussed at interview.

There is currently no Civil Service eligible list for this title.

Candidates must be eligible to transfer via Section 52.6 of Civil Service Law.

OR

Candidates who meet the…