Associate Director, Autism Treatment Programs - Adult Services

Job Summary:

The Waisman Center is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge about human development, developmental disabilities, and neurodegenerative diseases throughout the lifespan. One of 15 centers of its kind in the United States, the Waisman Center encompasses laboratories for biomedical and behavioral research, several scientific research cores, and a clinical biomanufacturing facility for the production of pharmaceuticals for early stage human clinical trials. In addition to its research efforts, the Center provides an array of services to people with developmental disabilities, offers numerous educational and outreach programs to young children and their families, and trains scientists and clinicians who will serve our nation in the future.

The Waisman Center Autism Treatment Programs (ATP) in Partnership with UW Health started in 2016. The interdisciplinary teams provide focused behavioral treatment for children, teens, and young adults with an autism diagnosis and their families. Services include parent coaching and individual treatment. The ATP treatment team partners with families for education, coaching and practice to support the development of lifelong skills. Parent coaching focuses on parents learning strategies to teach alternatives to interfering behaviors that present barriers to participation in daily activities; and strategies to support positive family interactions. The ATP treatment program model is founded on the principles and strategies of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), a science based, systematic approach to behavior change and skill development.

The Associate Director for Autism Treatment Programs-Adult Services is responsible for overseeing the development, provision and evaluation of behavioral treatment and mental health services for autistic adults and adults with other developmental disabilities. The person in this position also provides direct service, training and supervision related to treatment planning, behavioral consultation, treatment of co-occurring mental health conditions and parent coaching based on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), psychoeducational and evidence-based approaches to mental health treatment.

This position will focus on developing capacity for adult treatment and support services, training and program dissemination within the Waisman Center Autism Treatment Program and the Waisman University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) and will ultimately disseminate these approaches through training (statewide) and technical assistance. Through these efforts, including contracts from state and local agencies, a much greater proportion of adults and their families will be served.

Responsibilities:

Evaluates patient mental and physical health and establishes and evaluates treatment plans in a clinical, research, or public health and safety setting to promote health and wellness. May instruct students and support community education.

• 20% Evaluates mental and physical health and behavior and treatment readiness; and develops, coordinates, and disseminates treatment plans for clients and their families in collaboration with medical professionals
• 5% Completes reports related to clinical treatment, patient planning, and/or medical care according to established policies and procedures
• 20% Teaches clients and support systems about disorders and helps develop strategies to cope with mental and physical health and behavior problems
• 5% Recommends referrals, schedules logistics, and secures resources for clients to receive medical care or various program assistance to help clients live and work more independently
• 20% Facilitates community education programs and/or support groups to help individuals and community members understand the needs and abilities of people with disabilities
• 10% Provides training and guidance to students or interns as needed
• 10% Provides leadership and management for adult behavioral treatment and support services in the Autism Treatment Programs.
• 5% Develops strategic long-term and short-term plans to evaluate adult treatment services and provide research support by collaborating with other Directors within the Waisman Center.
• 5% Contributes to core functions of the University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), including activities of training/teaching, conducting research, disseminating evidence and best practices, and demonstrating model.

Institutional Statement on Diversity:

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as ine