Behavior Intervention Specialist

JOB SUMMARY:  

The Behavior Intervention Specialist role is a five day a week position that offers the flexibility of scheduling to accommodate the needs of the people supported. The BIS role includes and is not limited to engaging and working with individuals, residential staff, guardians, and community service providers to support the harmonious operation of people supported. The BIS will recognize behavioral concerns and aid to lessen and remedy negative behaviors through the development process of various supportive measures. These measures include but are not limited to conducting assessments, implementing behavior support plans and or medication monitoring plans, providing emotional support, attendance at monthly clinical team meetings, life plan meetings and staff meetings, crisis interventions, attendance at routine and emergency psychiatric appointments and the development of plans and protocols to assist the residence in implementing successful behavioral technique. The BIS will evaluate and monitor progress using interviews, observations, and direct engagement with people supported and work in conjunction with their support team. The BIS will monitor the individuals, analyze progress, and adjust behavioral plans accordingly. The BIS will modify activities, tasks, and materials to provide an opportunity for individuals to successfully integrate into their setting. Additionally, the BIS will provide training, coaching, and role modeling to residential staff in behavioral techniques. The BIS may at times be required to provide supervisory guidance to other clinical team members. The BIS role includes the participation of weekend behavioral on call support on a rotating basis from Friday at 5pm until Monday at 9am. The BIS position requires the BIS to be accessible to their assigned caseloads after regular business hours Monday through Thursday. 

PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT:   

Individuals employed by Adapt of the Hudson Valley shall embrace a person-centered approach in facilitating opportunities for the people we serve to reach their personal goals and desires, working in a team-based approach. 

BACKGROUND/EDUCATION REQUIRED: 

BIS should have a Master’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Applied Behavior Analysis, or Special Education; BCBA or LCSW preferred.?Candidates should have a basic knowledge of OPWDD regulations, specifically regulation 633.16.?  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR POSITION: 

1. Must be able to perform SCIP-r 
2. Travel to group homes and agency sites on a regular basis  

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR POSITION: 

1. Completion of all mandatory training sessions and documents required by organization and regulatory agencies. 
2. Completion of fingerprinting requirements and subsequent clearance by OPWDD/OMH and agency guidelines. 
3. Candidate must possess ability to work in fast paced office, show attention to detail, have highly developed organizational skills, and the ability to utilize electronic data collection systems and software. 
4. Must be able to effectively communicate and provide training, mentorship, and direct supervision to residential staff.  
5. Work closely and professionally with Adapt team members and staff and under the direction of the DBS including supervision and regular communication. 
6. Position requires flexible hours.  May include holidays, evening and weekend hours as needed. 
7. Participate in on-call rotation as needed. 
8. Candidate must be an active member of and possess the ability to work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team including the ability to work with family members/guardians to explain plans/protocols and obtain informed consent, as needed. 
9. Maintain a positive attitude and positive working relations within the department as well as across all departments of the agency. 
10. Maintains open lines of communication with planning team and flexibility of thought for creating person center plans based on individual specific needs. 

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS (NOT INCLUSIVE): 

1. Provides necessary support to assigned program caseload.  
2. Helps in the development of Behavior Support Plans and related plans/protocols. 
3. Supervises, trains, and mentors’ staff. 
4. Maintains working knowledge of 633.16 Behavioral Regulations and related protocols as designated by oversight agencies. 
5. Maintains knowledge about medical, and behavioral/psychological issues with regard to individuals supported. 
6. Participates in monthly clinical team meetings, staff meetings, life plan meetings, psych appointments, etc. and personally observes and reviews documents and data in assigned program sites as needed.  
7. Monitors staff compliance with plan/protocol implementation and related data collection. Develops and provides skill training for staff, as necessary. Discusses behavioral plan/protocol implementation and program revisions with staff. Develops appropriate ways to implement behavioral plans in conjunction with the program team.  
8. Reviews and completes monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and/or annual data summaries to review and ensure efficacy of treatment plans. Analyzes data for patterns or trends. Develops programs and data collection systems to align with behavioral engagement.  
9. Assists in the preparation and presentation of necessary materials for Human Rights Committee and Informed Consent Committee. 
10. Assists with audits of programs, as needed and responds to any statements of deficiencies and internal audit findings in a timely manner. 
11. Assists with the implementation of recommendations and or requests of QI and or necessary immediate protections pertaining to people supported.  
12. Maintains required SCIP-R and CPR/FS certifications.  
13. Maintains safe, orderly work area, and work practices.  
14. Performs other duties as required.