The Behavior Specialist-I is a Bachelor’s Level Behavioral Specialist and provides behavioral support services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our existing programs. The Behavior Specialist-I will effectively identify behavioral goals and intervention techniques using functional behavior assessment tools and recommend behavioral change methods. Experience designing or implementing individualized support plans and behavior interventions is required. Direct experience writing individual support plans to address medical, health, safety, psychiatric, behavioral, social and vocational outcomes strongly preferred.

The Behavioral Specialist-I must have a positive and person-centered approach and embrace individualized care.

The Behavioral Specialist-I with the following certifications would be preferred:

· BCaBA- Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst

The Behavioral Specialist-I is minimally required to participate in bi-weekly Supervision with the Associate Director of Clinical Supports or designee as a quality measure.

The Behavioral Specialist-I progress notes and behavioral support plans must include a signature of their supervisor who is either licensed or has a qualifying Master’s Degree or higher, per Office of Developmental Programs Technical Guidance.

Responsibilities:

· Conducts a Functional Behavioral Assessment and an analysis of assessment findings of the behavior(s) to be targeted so that an appropriate behavior support plan shaped also by trauma-informed principles may be designed;

· Designs data collection methods and evaluates behavioral data;

· Collaborates with the individual, family, guardians and the service plan team for developing behavior support plans and promotes an ongoing team-approach;

· Completes comprehensive assessments of newly presenting issues;

· Develops, updates and maintains an individualized, person-centered comprehensive behavior support plan founded in trauma-informed principles;

· Develops a crisis intervention plan;

· Develops a fade plan for restrictive interventions;

· Presents Restrictive Procedure plans to a Human Rights Team;

· Trains and provides supports related to the implementation of behavior support plans;

· Completes documentation related to services provided and the individual’s progress;

· Implements activities and strategies identified in the individual’s behavior support plan, which include providing direct behavioral support, educating the individual and supporters regarding the underlying causes/functions of behavior and modeling and coaching of supporters to carry out interventions;

· Monitors implementation of the behavior support plan and revises as needed.

· Attends psychiatric, mental health and medical appointments as necessary.

· Completes debriefings with people supported and service plan team members as needed.

· Participates in training and other educational opportunities that contribute to professional growth.

· Develops additional resources and materials to address identified needs of the person supported.

· Fosters and values collaborative relationships with people supported, service plan teams and administrative staff.

· Responsible for the completion of other duties as assigned.

 

Core Competencies:

· Person Centered Care: The skill of providing a holistic care approach by understanding all person’s beliefs and values.

· Teamwork: The skill of demonstrating and fostering cooperation, communication, trust and consensus among individuals and groups.

· Ethics/Responsibility/Integrity: The skill of gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, authenticity, and acceptance of responsibility.

· Communicates Effectively: The skill of communicating both orally and in written formal in a professional and concise manner

 

Physical Requirements:

· Vision Acuity for the Position: Vision is Essential Vision is Non-Essential

· Environmental Conditions: 90% Inside – 10% Outside

· Workers may be Exposed to: Cold Heat Dust Mist Odors

· Physical Requirements for the Position: ability to lift 50 pounds regularly, ability to respond quickly to sounds, ability to move safely over uneven terrain or in confined spaces, ability to see and respond to dangerous situations, ability to work in extreme weather, ability to wear personal protective gear correctly most of the day

 

Education and Experience:

· A Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Special Education, Counseling, Social Work, Education, Applied Behavior Analysis, Gerontology or similar discipline from an accredited college or university preferred.

· Minimum 3 years employment experience working directly with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

· Certification as a Board-Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst preferred.