Danielle Dieterich, MA, JD Supervised Care & Behavioral Health Expert

Professional Experience

Provide technical investigations, analysis, reports, and testimony toward the resolution of claims and litigation involving voluntary and state-run supervised care facilities serving individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities, autism, and co-occurring psychiatric disorders including residential treatment facilities, intermediate care facilities, individualized residential alternatives, community-based programs, and day habilitation programs.

• Responsible for direct oversight of community-based programs including community habilitation, respite services, and in home day habilitation for individuals with Autism, developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and co-occurring psychiatric disorders.
• Provided supervision and oversight to administrative, support, and clinical personnel.
• Ensured required documentation was obtained from care managers to support services provided, including annual level of care and eligibility determination and annual/semi-annual care plans.
• Reviewed individual care plans submitted by care managers for accuracy.
• Developed/reviewed staff action plans including goals and safeguards for staff to follow when working with assigned individuals.
• Provided staff training on community habilitation and respite services including, building a rapport with clients, structuring their scheduled appointments with assigned clients to best meet the client’s needs and preferences, and following the assigned goal plan and safeguards.
• Provided staff training on service delivery documentation, incident reporting, and managing challenging behaviors.
• Trained Behavior Intervention Specialists in all facets of their job responsibilities. This included, development and implementation of the goal planning direct support staff followed with assigned clients, creation and maintenance of daily service records, monthly reports, in home visits, and Behavior Intervention Specialist supervision of direct support staff working one on one with assigned clients.
• Member of implementation team for Electronic Visit Verification in accordance with Federal Regulation.
• Completed monthly billing, preparation, and submission to Senior Director to ensure fiscal responsibility.
• Developed and implemented training methods and policies and procedures within the Family Services Department related to Electronic Visit Verification.
• Reviewed and updated training manual for all new clinical staff in Family Services Department.
• Interviewed and hired staff.
• Completed ongoing performance evaluations and reviews for staff within multiple disciplines.
• Determination of appropriateness for services for individuals applying for services.
• Mandated reporter for allegations of abuse and incidents. Participated in required trainings regarding incident reporting and allegations of abuse. Conducted training with new community based direct support workers and clinicians in the area of incident reporting.

• Responsible for ensuring quality service delivery in accordance with the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) regulations across multiple residential settings to support adults with developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and traumatic brain injury.
• Reviewed monthly billing reports to ensure compliance with Medicaid and governing agency billing and quality standards prior to final submission.
• Reviewed and approved Residential Habilitation Plans prior to their implementation.
• Responsible for the direct supervision and oversight of three Residential Directors.
• Provided 24/7 on call support for emergencies within the residencies.
• Ensured compliance with training requirements for direct support professionals and administrators.
• Ensured proper staff schedules and resident oversight.
• Completed site visits to ensure program compliance and physical plant safety.
• Developed and reviewed Site-Specific Plan of Protective Oversight to ensure all necessary environmental modifications and safeguards are documented as well as modifications to support individual medical/behavioral needs.
• Developed/reviewed fire evacuation plan for residential settings.
• Developed/reviewed Individualized Plan of Protective Oversight to ensure document captured the needs of each individual enrolled in the program including medical needs, behavioral needs, level of supervision, level of support needed to manage finances, medication, and emergency response.
• Oversaw program development of new residential programs for specialized populations including aging out and medically fragile populations.
• Participated in admission screenings for potential residents including review of current assessments, interviewing, and observing the potential resident.
• Participated in the decision-making process to accept/decline potential residents into program based on assessments reviewed, interview, screening, and observation.
• Participated in determining individual’s informed consent status as it relates to home alone and community alone time by reviewing the individual’s behavioral needs, medical needs, safety awareness, and awareness of what to do in an emergency.
• Review allegations and incidents filed on behalf of residents as a member of Incident Review Committee and Significant Incident Review Committee.
• Participated in determining whether reported allegations were substantiated or unsubstantiated and made recommendations for corrective action.

Assistant Vice President  2017 to 2018

• Responsible for the oversight and delivery of clinical services across the Family Residences and Essential Enterprises network.
• Supported individuals diagnosed with Prader-Willi Syndrome, Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities, Autism, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Pica, and other co-occurring medical and/or psychiatric disorders.
• Supported individuals with behavioral challenges including those who fell under the Sex Offender Registry Act.
• Supervised Assistant Directors of Behavior Support.
• Provided administrative supervision to multiple Assistant Directors of Nursing.
• Provided administrative supervision to Licensed Psychologists.
• Provided supervision to program Behavior Intervention Specialists when applicable.
• Served as Corporate Guardian for those individuals for whom the agency has been awarded guardianship.
• Developed programmatic policies and procedures, training curriculum development.
• Development of a medical model residential setting for young adults aging out of a pediatric hospital. Communicated directly with state agency to justify increased budget, family outreach to educate on transition from pediatric setting to adult setting.
• Project management, and compliance with regulatory requirements and guidelines.
• Participated in screenings for potential residents Including review of current assessments, interviewing, and observing the potential resident.
• Participated in decision-making process to accept/decline potential residents based on assessments reviewed, interview, screening, and observations if necessary.
• Worked with Operations Team to develop new residential opportunities for young adults with Developmental/Intellectual Disabilities aging out of Residential Schools or adults with Developmental/Intellectual disabilities pending discharge from State Developmental Centers.
• Provided clinical oversight of new programs.
• Collaborated with Interdisciplinary Team to implement appropriate levels of oversight for individuals with complex needs.
• Participated in both internal and external audits of programs to provide responses regarding programming, service delivery, clinical supports.
• Contributed information to FREE’s Council of Quality Leadership accreditation.
• Served on the Human Rights Committee and reviewed individual rights restrictions to ensure proper justification and implementation.
• Served on the Incident Review Committee – including the review of incidents and program response to these incidents to ensure compliance with best practices.
• Served on the Significant Incident Review Committee to review incidents and allegations of abuse and provided recommendations for program changes when warranted.
• Presented information to Office for People with Developmental Disabilities Forensic Committee regarding individuals with forensic background including those subject to Sex Offender Registry Act.
• Provided 24-hour on-call support to clinicians and residential staff in emergencies.
• Completed site visits to ensure program compliance, and adherence to Behavior Support Plans.

Vice President  2015 to 2017

• Responsible for the oversight of day-to-day operations and services provided to individuals residing in 27 supervised residences within the housing division.
• Directly supervised Assistant Vice Presidents.
• Oversaw the management of residential programs that supported individuals diagnosed with Prader-Willi Syndrome, Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities, Autism, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Pica, and other co-occurring medical and/or psychiatric disorders.
• Supported individuals with behavioral challenges, forensic background, and individuals subject to Sex Offender Registry Act. status.
• Ensured fiscal responsibility and development of annual budgets.
• Ensured compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Developed and enforced policies related to delivery of quality services.
• Served as a member of Incident Review Committee to review critical incidents and program response to ensure that best practices are met.
• Intermediate Care Facility to Individualized Residential Alternative conversions, worked in conjunction with Medicaid Service Coordinators and residential team to convert Intermediate Care Facilities to Individualized Residential Alternatives in accordance with the Olmstead Act.
• Developed program involving initiative to develop specialized housing for medically complex population aging out of pediatric hospital.
• Participated in screenings for potential residents Including review of current assessments, interviewing, and observing the potential resident.
• Participated in decision-making process to accept/decline potential residents based on assessments reviewed, interview, screening, and observations if necessary.
• Collaborated on grant proposal that secured $10,000 grant for a wellness initiative for individuals residing in group homes.
• Involved in the recruitment and hiring of staff.
• Completed staff evaluations, performance reviews, and enforced necessary disciplinary actions and developed action plans for improvement.
• Created Corrective Action Plan if necessary following internal and external fiscal, programmatic, and quality reviews and audits.
• Conducted site visits to ensure program compliance and physical plant safety.
• Provided enhanced oversight to programs that served individuals with specialized needs such as extreme behavioral challenges or enhanced medical needs.
• Conducted staff observations to ensure staff provided correct levels of supervision and that active treatment needs were being met through appropriate activities.

Associate Vice President  2015

• Responsible for the oversight of the day-to-day operations and services provided to individuals residing in 13 intermediate care facilities and 4 individualized residential alternatives.
• Oversaw support of individuals diagnosed with Prader-Willi Syndrome, Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities, Autism, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, and other co-occurring medical and/or psychiatric disorders.
• Oversaw clinical support of individuals with behavioral challenges, forensic background, and subject to Sex Offender Registry Act through behavior management plans.
• Conducted site visits to ensure program compliance and physical plant safety.
• Ensured fiscal responsibility through the development of annual budgets and timely and accurate submission of billing.
• Ensured compliance with federal and state regulations as they pertained to fiscal responsibility, programmatic requirements, and quality standards through delivery of quality services.
• Policy development.
• Direct oversight of clinical directors and operations directors in their implementation of nursing, behavioral, and programmatic oversight in residential programs serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Served as a member of Incident Review Committee to review critical incidents and program response to ensure best practices met.
• Intermediate Care Facility to Individualized Residential Alternatives conversions, collaborated with Medicaid Service Coordinator and residential team to convert Intermediate Care Facilities to Individualized Residential Alternatives in accordance with the Olmstead Act.
• Recruited and hired staff, staff retention through staff appreciation events such as acknowledging staff at ceremonies for longevity and exemplary performance.
• Completed staff evaluations, performance reviews, and enforced necessary disciplinary actions and developed action plans for improvement.
• Created Plans of Corrective Action, if necessary, following internal and external reviews and audits.

Assistant Director of Behavior Support  2013 to 2014

• Responsible for the direct oversight and supervision of residential Behavior Intervention Specialists in 17 residential group homes.
• Oversaw clinical support for individuals diagnosed with Prader-Willi Syndrome, Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities, Autism, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, and other co-occurring medical and/or psychiatric disorders.
• Supported individuals with behavioral challenges, forensic background, SORA status.
• Provided specialized training to staff working with high needs populations.
• Involved in the opening of multiple new residences.
• Participated in screenings for potential residents Including review of current assessments, interviewing, and observing the potential resident.
• Participated in decision-making process to accept/decline potential residents based on assessments reviewed, interview, screening, and observations if necessary.
• Developed Preliminary Behavior Support Plans for new admissions.
• Reviewed and approved documentation to be presented to the Human Rights Committee.
• Requested emergency approval from the Human Rights Committee on behalf of clinicians for approval to implement rights limitation, psychotropic medications, pre-sedation, and/or restrictive behavior plans for an individual where delay in implementation could present a risk to the individual or others.
• Reviewed and approved Functional Behavior Assessments and Behavior Support Plans.
• Provided guidance to staff as well as triage with administration during emergency situations.
• Served as member of Significant Incident Review Committee.
• Co-facilitated monthly department meetings.
• Completed/reviewed Informed Consent Evaluations as it pertained to: pre-requisite skills, financial matters, psychotropic medication, restrictive behavior management plan, sexuality.
• Conducted psychological evaluations under supervision of a licensed psychologist.
• Completed/reviewed Credibility Assessments.
• Completed/reviewed Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales.
• Completed/reviewed Socio-Sexual Knowledge and Aptitude Test.
• Staff hiring.
• Provided new hire/annual training in the areas of: Characteristics of the Population Served, Human Growth and Development, Sexuality, and Suicidal/Homicidal Ideation. Completed training to conduct investigations of Incidents and Allegations of Abuse as a Justice Center certified investigator to complete investigations into allegations of abuse filed on behalf of individuals participating in programs under the auspice of the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities.
• Completed training to conduct investigations of Incidents as an Office of Mental Health Level 1 Investigator to complete investigations of Incidents filed on behalf of individuals participating in programs under the auspices of the Office of Mental Health.

Applied Behavior Specialist  2010 to 2013

• Created and implemented Behavior Support and Symptom Support Plans for adults with developmental disabilities and mental illnesses residing in 24 hour supervised residences and supported apartments under the auspices of both Office for People with Developmental Disabilities and Office of Mental Health.
• Trained staff on implementation of behavior support plans and required documentation.
• Completed Informed Consent Evaluations to determine an individual’s ability to provide consent to: financial matters, restrictive behavior support plan, psychotropic medication, sexuality.
• Completed Socio-Sexual Knowledge and Aptitude Tests with individuals to determine level of understanding and consent status.
• Completed Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales.
• Completed Credibility Assessments.
• Obtained necessary consents from guardians/advocates for restrictive behavior plans and psychotropic medication.
• Presented consents and behavior plans to Human Rights Committee for review and approval.
• Provided new hire/annual training in the areas of: Characteristics of the Population Served, Human Growth and Development, Sexuality, and Suicidal/Homicidal Ideation.
• Provided 24-hour on-call support in an emergency.
• Completed staff observations to ensure compliance with Behavior Plan implementation.
• No longer current, held certification for Strategies for Crisis Intervention and Prevention – Restrictive. Certified to perform non-restrictive and restrictive physical interventions in response to behavioral crises.
• No longer current, held CPR/First Aid Certification.

• Created and implemented Behavior Support and Symptom Support Plans for adults with developmental disabilities and mental illnesses residing in 24 hour supervised residences and supported apartments under the auspices of both Office for People with Developmental Disabilities and Office of Mental Health.
• Trained staff on implementation of behavior support plans and required documentation.
• Completed Informed Consent Evaluations to determine individual’s ability to provide consent to: financial matters, restrictive behavior support plan, psychotropic medication, sexuality.
• Completed Credibility Assessments.
• Completed staff observations to ensure compliance with Behavior Plan Implementation.
• No longer current, held certification for Strategies for Crisis Intervention and Prevention – Restrictive. Certified to perform non-restrictive and restrictive physical interventions in response to behavioral crises.
• No longer current, held CPR/First Aid Certification.

• Drafted Subpoenas to Testify at a deposition in a civil action.
• Drafted subpoenas to produce documents, information, or objects or to permit inspection of premises in a civil action.
• Revised document requests and initial disclosures.
• Researched and wrote multiple memorandums regarding Consolidation of Cases pursuant to Federal Rule 42(a) of Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Pleading Proof; Drafted Plaintiff's First Amended Complaint and Demand for Jury Trial.
• Drafted correspondence with clients, and interviewed clients.

• Created and implemented Behavior Support Plans for adults with developmental disabilities and mental illnesses residing in 24 hour supervised residences and supported apartments under the auspices of both Office for People with Developmental Disabilities and Office of Mental Health.
• Trained staff on implementation of behavior support plans and required documentation.
• Completed Informed Consent Evaluations to determine individual’s ability to provide consent to: financial matters, restrictive behavior support plan, psychotropic medication, sexuality.
• Completed Credibility Assessments.
• Completed staff observations to ensure compliance with Behavior Plan Implementation.

• Substance use/abuse screenings and reports to determine a person’s level of use and recommended plan of treatment.
• Conducted drug testing of parties to a case when ordered by a Judge.

• Created and implemented Behavior Support Plans for adults with developmental disabilities and mental illnesses residing in 24 hour supervised residences and supported apartments under the auspices of both Office for People with Developmental Disabilities and Office of Mental Health.
• Trained staff on implementation of behavior support plans and required documentation.
• Completed Informed Consent Evaluations to determine individual’s ability to provide consent to: financial matters, restrictive behavior support plan, psychotropic medication, sexuality.
• Completed Socio-Sexual Knowledge and Aptitude Tests with individuals to determine level of understanding and consent status.
• Completed Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales.
• Completed Credibility Assessments.
• Obtained necessary consents from guardians/advocates for restrictive behavior plans and psychotropic medication.
• Presented consents and behavior plans to Human Rights Committee for review and approval.
• Provided new hire/annual training in the areas of: Characteristics of the Population Served, Human Growth and Development, Sexuality, and Suicidal/Homicidal Ideation.
• Provided 24 hour on call support in an emergency.
• No longer current, held certification for Strategies for Crisis Intervention and Prevention – Restrictive. Certified to perform non-restrictive and restrictive physical interventions in response to behavioral crises.
• No longer current, held CPR/First Aid Certification.

• Provided Individual counseling sessions for adults and children under supervision of Licensed Psychologist.
• Provided services to individuals with Developmental Disabilities including Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Intellectual Disability.
• Co-Facilitated social skills group for children with Autism, utilized play therapy.
• Under supervision of a licensed psychologist, completed psychosocial evaluations in a clinic setting.
• Completed case notes for all individual therapy sessions.
• Review charts in preparation for audits to ensure compliance with Medicaid and governing agencies billing and quality standards.

Education

Juris Doctor, Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center, Central Islip, New York

M.A., Forensic Psychology, John Jay College, New York, New York

B.A., Psychology, Long Island University C.W. Post, Brookville, New York

v. 01/11/23