Senior Behavioural Therapist

at  Hopewell Childrens Homes Inc

POSITION

Title: Senior Behaviour Therapist
Location(s): Various
Department: Administrative
Reports to: Director of Operations and Support Services
Date: June 2024

JOB SUMMARY

The Senior Behaviour Therapist is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst who provides ongoing clinical training, leadership and mentoring to the Hopewell teams. Reporting to the Director of Operations and Support Services the Senior Behaviour Therapist conducts behaviour assessments, develops behaviour interventions, provides clinical supervision of the delivery of clinical services and evaluates the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions for the positive skill development and enhancement of people supported.

CORE COMPETENCIES

At Hopewell, we recognize that core organization specific employee behaviours are fundamental to the success of our organization. Through actions, all employees support the Mission, Vision, Values, and Principles, of Hopewell. Thus, the following responsibilities are core to all jobs at Hopewell, including this one. All employees in all jobs are expected to:

Be reliable, this includes:

• Following through on the directions given by the Director or Operations and Support Services.
• Be available to support the various leadership members and staff teams as needed.
• Practice professionalism with people supported staff and leadership members at all times.

Adhere to the guidelines and regulations established in the workplace, this includes:

• Adhering to Hopewell’s Policy and Procedures (e.g. Health and Safety Guidelines, Confidentiality etc.);
• Recognize, identify and report problems, contentious issues and serious incidents, including recommending solutions to the manager where appropriate;
• Always behaving in a professional, legally and ethically compliant manner.
• Demonstrating a strong commitment to continuously improving the quality of life of individuals so that they may live with dignity and respect.

Complete documentation and training, this includes:

• Completing necessary paperwork on shift, with high levels of data accuracy and attention to detail.
• Participating in ongoing training and development and ensure all mandatory training requirements are met and maintained.

Maintain healthy internal relationships, this includes:

• Recognizing and responding to vocalized and implied needs of people supported in a timely, nurturing and professional manner, as well as working well with workplace peers/colleagues.
• Maintaining a positive attitude about the workplace is critical to maintain a pleasant relationship with people supported and peers.

Special circumstances

• Work flexible hours within a variety of settings as required by the changing needs of the program and the people we support.
• Flexible hours as needed, rotating on-call schedule and associated responsibilities;
• Must have valid class G driver’s license.

Education/Experience

• Must be a Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst with a minimum of 1 year direct support work with individuals with Autism and/or Developmental Disabilities.
• Proficiency in data collection and analysis techniques.
• Strong knowledge of the requirements under the Quality Assurance Measures under Services and Supports to Promote the Social Inclusion of Persons with Developmental Disabilities Act, 2008.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

This job description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents may be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other related duties that may be required by the agency.

Behavioural Programs:

• Conducts functional assessments, including analysis and interpretation of results.
• Designs and develops service plans and Behaviour Support Plans in alignment with Hopewell’s mission, vision and values. Train, model, and provide feedback on the implementation of the Behavior Support Plan to staff.
• Ensures behaviour supports and skill development programs uphold the rights and responsibilities and person centred focus of the person supported.
• Ensures behaviour support plans and programs align with QAM and other legislation required of Hopewell Support Services, including the use of intrusive measures as a last resort.
• Develops monitoring and date recording systems.
• Reviews and analyzes data based on objective evidence in the development of programs.
• Conducts on-site clinical supervision of clinical programming and responsible for ongoing program evaluation and modifications as needed to support plans.
• Collaborates with the program manager and consulting professionals to develop a systematic method of program evaluation to measure the individual’s progress as well as the effectiveness of the behaviour support plans and programs developed throughout the year.
• Continuous evaluation of the behaviour support plans and programs with realistic fade out plans and competency development.
• Supports the program manager(s) by providing clinical training in behaviour interventions and applied behaviour analysis to direct support staffing teams.
• Provides mentoring and participates in problem solving with teams around clinical issues and concerns of the team and/or families.
• Supervises other behavioural therapist members of the leadership team.
• Responsible for fulfillment of the regional and provincial information and evaluation requirements for the program by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services;

Clinical Administration:

• Ensures that all clinical documentation reports, and files are stored and handled securely and appropriately.
• Ensures that all necessary oaths or confidentiality or other clinical documents are obtained, and that all information is handled sensitively and appropriately.
• Ensures compliance with all legislation and regulations applying to the job.
• Acts as a liaison with other professionals (Psychiatrist, Speech Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, etc.) to best meet the needs of the individuals.
• Maintains knowledge of current best practices in the field of ABA.

Capacity Building and Relationships:

• Maintains effective and positive relationships with individuals, family members, leadership team, frontline support staff and external agencies.
• Provides a range of evidence-based ABA training and educational resources to families and staffing teams, that include workshops, written materials and coaching.
• Participates in meetings and collaborates with community partners as needed.
• Provides family support and consultation to foster consistency across environments such as home, school, and community.
• Collaborates with supported individuals, families and leadership members to create individual service plans with measurable goals.

Team Functions:

• Actively participates in leadership meetings, discussions and decision making.
• Present with a positive and professional manner and maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Required to work hands-on supporting individuals to educate, mentor and support staff members.
• Keep regular and accurate records.

Authority

• Provides clinical training in all behaviour interventions to direct support staffing teams.
• Provides clinical input, advice and direction regarding behaviour intervention including development and implementation of Behaviour Support Plans.
• Oversee the programming of assigned clients including: analysis of data, making data driven program changes, writing and updating Behaviour Support Plans and other support plans/protocols, attend/organize team meetings, and work as part of a team.
• Communicate regularly with other managers, the Director of Operations and Support Services and other designated contacts within the organization.

Accountability

• Report to supervisor any contravention of the legislation, standards, or policies and procedures, e.g. defective equipment or hazards in the work environment;
• Each staff member is required to keep up to date all training as required, request additional support and guidance if unsure of how to manage a situation.
• Practices within professional, legal and ethical standards and is accountable for his or her own actions and decisions at all times;
• Actively participates in developing and evaluating professional goals and performance at regular intervals (e.g. performance management process);
• Role models the principles of continuous quality improvement by critical reflection of own practice, seeking meaningful feedback from peers, supported individuals and family/guardians and managers;
• Accountable for reporting professional practice issues according to legislation and standards of practice to the appropriate person, agency or professional body.
• Maintain BCBA certification and remain in good standing with Behaviour Analyst Certification Board by completing supervision training and continuing education requirements.