The Behavioral Specialist serves as a keystone position amongst a multi-disciplinary team, serving as the lead for behavioral intervention design and application of behavioral supports. The behavioral specialist drives the functional behavior assessment process to identify key targets for the Positive Behavioral Support plan. The behavior specialist embodies, models, and emphasizes person-centered supports and supporting the Every Day Lives principles.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

A behavioral/mental health professional Licensed Behavioral specialist (LBS), Licensed Social worker(LSW),CRNP, BCBA, BCABA, Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC), Licensed Associate Marriage and Family therapist (LAMFT), NADD-clinical certification, NADD Dual Diagnosis specialist, Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT), Certified Peer specialist, A Master’s Degree or higher in Psychology, Special Education, Counseling, Social Work, Education, Applied Behavior Analysis or Gerontology from an accredited college or university and work. Highly preferred to have two years of work experience working with people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
Direct experience writing behavioral support plans, which include social, emotional, environment, to address medical, health, safety, psychiatric, behavioral, social, and vocational outcomes strongly preferred. Leadership or cross functional teamwork experience is strongly preferred. Knowledge of the general workings of federal, state, and county social services networks and funding sources preferable. The incumbent must have a working knowledge of positive and person-centered approaches and embrace the right of all people to have full and meaningful lives.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Extensive local travel.
• Staff hired will be at least twenty-one years of age and will have received Acts 33 and Criminal clearances. All staff will be routinely screened for exclusion from participation in Federal Health Care Programs.
• Valid driver’s license and current vehicle insurance, registration and inspection as well as access to a vehicle.
• Maintain training compliance as defined in all pertinent regulations.
• Ability to comprehend, access, and utilize electronic medium and various computer programs.
• Ability to effectively present information, write reports, and respond to questions from both internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to comprehend and apply basic mathematical concepts.
• Some non-traditional working hours (i.e., evenings/weekends/early mornings) will be necessary to meet the needs of the people supported.
• Pursuit of state level licensure (as eligible) or Nationally Recognized Certification Program within first year of hire.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is required to stand and walk. The employee is also required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and the ability to adjust focus.
All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills, and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Employees may be required to perform any job-related function as directed by their supervisor

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Utilizes positive approaches in every interaction with all direct support professionals, program specialists, behavior specialists, managers, directors, external stakeholders, and people supported.
• Ensures that the wishes, hopes, dreams, and fears of each person supported are respected, and that their rights are honored across all settings.
• Performs all job duties with the understanding that their highest priority is what is most important to the person supported.
• Communicates as needed with all team members [i.e., person supported, direct support professionals, family members, advocates, support coordinators, therapists, and other providers] to ensure quality services and collaboration.
• Acts as a positive role model and demonstrates professionalism, dignity, and respect towards the people supported, co-workers, management, and other associates both within and outside the organization.
• Provides ongoing clinical consultation, training, and guidance to the direct support professionals. Ensures all team members are working towards the person’s vision of a meaningful and everyday life.
• Carries out all planning, development, prevention, and intervention strategies using a restraint free and least restrictive methodology.

Licensing and Contractual Compliance:

• Review ISP, BSP, related supporting documents, and annual plans in Evolv at least annually for each person supported, if not more often, and complete the Staff Document Review
• Attends psychiatric/psychological consults to provide behavioral data and updates on application of new/existing interventions.
• Coordinates the training of direct support professionals on the behavior support plan, restrictive procedures, psychiatric PRN protocols, and risk management plans (when applicable) anytime an update is made to the document, supports being provided, or as new team members join.
• Meets with people supported and their teams, at a frequency which ensures effective support.
• Completes timely documentation of service delivery including direct and consultation into the medical record.
• Complete and pass the Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) training certification process within 3 weeks of hire.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position has no direct or indirect reports. The position may contribute to the overall performance evaluation of direct support professionals as it pertains to the clinical aspect of an employee’s job responsibilities.