Sankofa Behavioral Health Clinical Director (BCBA) Catonsville, MD · Full time

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We invest in the whole family's right to self-determination by providing meaningful, individualized, and culturally relevant behavioral services. We affirm children, teens, and young adults who exhibit social, emotional, learning, and behavioral concerns using the science of Applied Behavior Analysis(ABA) with a strengths-based and trauma-informed approach. We not only uplift the children and teens we service through ABA, but empower parents and siblings of our disabled and/or neurodivergent clients with the common goal of enhancing the quality of life for the entire household through the provision of mental health services, parent guidance, advocacy tools, and group sessions.

Our Guiding Values:

Sustainability- We strive to ensure every person learns strategies they can continue long after our extensive work together

Integrity- We strive to exhibit high-quality ethical services, adhering to the standards set forth by our governing body and the population we service

Growth- We strive to increase meaningful skills for our clients to thrive within their own environments

Nurturance- We strive to provide a learning environment in which our clients feel cared for, heard, and prioritized

Autonomy- We strive to support our client’s freedom of choice and independence

Trust- We strive to create a trusting relationship with our clients while overseeing their advancements

Unity- We strive to maintain a collaborative working relationship, placing emphasis on the team effort that is necessary to accomplish meaningful change

Responsiveness- We strive to produce culturally responsive care that respects and acknowledges the identities and values that are important to our clients

Empowerment- We strive to encourage clients to become the #1 advocate for their own progress

Clinical Director – Sankofa Behavioral Health

Location: Windsor Mill, MD

Mantra: Joy First, Data Second

Motto: Culturally Grounded, Clinically Sound

About Sankofa Behavioral Health

Sankofa Behavioral Health is not your typical ABA and mental health clinic. We were built on the belief that therapy should center joy, belonging, and wholeness, not just compliance and data points. Our practice primarily serves historically marginalized families—Black, Brown, immigrant, economically-disadvantaged, and those often overlooked or under-supported in traditional behavioral health systems.

We are an anti-oppressive, culturally responsive practice in the heart of Baltimore, committed to:

• Rooted Play Praxis: our signature approach combining Pivotal Response Training (PRT), Natural Environment Teaching (NET), and culturally embedded play experiences.
• Family empowerment: partnering with caregivers and communities rather than pathologizing them.
• Whole-child support: integrating mental health, play, and social-emotional development to honor each child’s humanity.

About the Role

The Clinical Director is the heartbeat of our clinical operations. This leadership role combines clinical excellence, mentorship, and operational oversight. You will guide a small but mighty team of BCBAs, BCaBAs, and Behavior Technicians, ensuring that every program we deliver reflects our mantra: joy first, data second.

You will:

• Lead and mentor our clinical team with high support, low ego, and a collaborative, human-first approach.
• Oversee ABA programs emphasizing play-based, naturalistic interventions (PRT, NET) and our Rooted Play Praxis model.
• Maintain clinical compliance with Maryland and insurance standards while centering family dignity and accessibility.
• Build and sustain trust with historically marginalized families, understanding the intersection of race, culture, and socioeconomics in care delivery.
• Develop and maintain training systems for staff, ensuring cultural responsiveness and clinical fidelity.
• Support community partnerships to expand Sankofa’s reach and impact in Baltimore and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and provide mentorship to BCBAs, BCaBAs, and Behavior Technicians.
• Ensure treatment plans reflect both clinical best practices and culturally affirming approaches.
• Conduct parent training with a focus on trauma-informed and empowerment-based coaching.
• Monitor clinical outcomes with integrity, balancing data collection with client experience.
• Lead staff trainings and professional development grounded in play-based and culturally attuned care.
• Oversee Medicaid and insurance compliance, including treatment planning, authorization, and documentation standards.
• Serve as a thought partner to the executive team, contributing to growth strategies that remain mission-aligned.

What We’re Looking For

• Required:
• Master’s or Doctorate in ABA, Psychology, or related field.
• BCBA certification (in good standing).
• At least 3 years of leadership or supervisory experience in ABA or related mental health settings.
• Experience with play-based/Natural Environment Teaching and family-centered approaches.
• Experience serving diverse, historically marginalized communities.
• Knowledge of Maryland Medicaid and insurance-based ABA programs.
• Preferred:
• Familiarity with trauma-informed care and culturally responsive practices.
• Comfort leading small, high-touch teams and growing clinical infrastructure.

Why Join Sankofa

• Impact: Lead work that transforms and uplifts, not just treats.
• Culture: A team that values liberation, creativity, and joy as much as clinical excellence.
• Growth: Shape the future of a community-rooted ABA and mental health practice in Baltimore.
• Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible scheduling, wellness-centered culture, and professional growth opportunities.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Master's (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Licensed Behavior Analyst (Maryland) (Required)
• BCBA (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Windsor Mill, MD 21244 (Required)

Work Location: In person