Behavior Support Specialist

Summary/Objective

We are seeking a compassionate and skilled Behavior Support Specialist to focus on implementing behavior intervention plans, supporting residents with behavioral and emotional challenges, and working closely with the clinical team to ensure positive outcomes for each resident. The Behavior Support Specialist will develop individualized support strategies, provide direct interventions, and work with residents to promote positive behavior change and enhance overall functioning.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Special Education, or a related field.

• Minimum of 2 years of experience working in a behavioral support role, preferably in a residential treatment setting or with adolescents/young adults.


• Experience in behavior management, crisis intervention, and implementing individualized behavior support plans.

FLSA Status            Exempt

FTE Status              Part-Time

Pay Method            Contract

Division                   GRO

Location                  Tyler

Reports to               Treatment Director

Supervises              N/A

Essential Job Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

General

• Enforces company and program policy within the scope of the job function


• Ensures a normal and supportive environment for every child placed with Azleway

• Advocates for all children and coordinates services through multiple systems including STAR Health, HHSC Behavioral Health Services, Early Childhood Intervention, and the education and child welfare systems

• Coordinates care with medical consenters and participates in STAR Health Service Coordination (dependent and based on the child’s individual eligibility)


• Completes other duties as assigned

Training & Treatment Model

• Complete and maintain all required training, including but not limited to treatment model Trauma Systems Therapy- Foster Care (TST-FC)


• Implements the Treatment Model Trauma Systems Therapy- Foster Care (TST-FC) in the everyday work setting

Behavioral Assessments and Intervention Planning:

• Conduct initial behavioral assessments for new residents to identify specific needs, triggers, and patterns of behavior.


• Develop and implement individualized behavior intervention plans (BIPs) based on thorough assessments, collaboration with the clinical team, and resident-specific goals.


• Continuously monitor resident behavior and adjust intervention strategies as needed to ensure progress and effectiveness.


• Provide direct support to residents, applying behavioral strategies to address challenging behaviors, promote positive coping mechanisms, and encourage adaptive behaviors.

Behavioral Interventions and Support:

• Implement therapeutic behavior management techniques, including positive reinforcement, de-escalation strategies, and structured consequences for challenging behaviors.


• Utilize evidence-based practices such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and other behavioral therapy approaches to address the unique needs of each resident.


• Work closely with residents to help them develop skills for emotional regulation, socialization, and problem-solving.


• Provide one-on-one support and group interventions to assist residents in learning and practicing new, positive behaviors.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Collaborate with the clinical team, including therapists, case managers, and treatment director, to develop a comprehensive approach to resident care.


• Communicate regularly with staff regarding behavioral interventions, resident progress, and challenges.


• Provide training and guidance to residential staff on implementing behavior plans, managing difficult behaviors, and supporting residents in achieving their behavioral goals.


• Participate in team meetings, case reviews, and treatment planning sessions, offering insights and recommendations for behavioral interventions.

Crisis Management and Support:

• Provide crisis intervention support as needed, de-escalating challenging situations and ensuring the safety of residents and staff.


• Assist in the development and implementation of crisis plans for high-risk residents, providing additional support during critical situations.


• Maintain a calm, supportive presence during high-stress situations, ensuring that residents are guided through crises in a safe, therapeutic manner.

Staff Support:

• Serve as a resource for staff and leadership in managing behavior-related challenges, providing coaching on best practices and techniques for positive behavior management.


• Develop and lead educational workshops or group sessions for staff on behavioral interventions and effective support strategies.

Continuous Quality Improvement

• Track and document resident behavior, progress toward goals, and effectiveness of interventions using data-driven methods.


• Analyze behavioral data to identify trends, determine areas of improvement, and adjust behavior intervention strategies accordingly.


• Maintain accurate, confidential records of behavioral observations, interventions, and outcomes, ensuring compliance with facility policies and legal requirements.

Competencies

• Technical Capacity. Able to use computer systems with effectiveness and efficiency. Knowledgeable with word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation applications.


• Personal Effectiveness/Credibility. Works with others to maintain a level of effectiveness and credibility.


• 
  Works projects through to completion with a strong attention to detail.


• Collaboration Skills. Able to collaborate with a team on tight deadlines. Identifies needs and assists in coordinating efforts to meet the needs of the office. A team player.


• Communication Proficiency. Effective and calm communicator. Able to handle stress with grace and patience.


• 
  Able to adjust to a fast-paced work environment with multiple projects. Able to manage stress in a manner that does not add additional stress to the work environment.


• Business Acumen. Has professional knowledge of governmental and child placing agencies within the state of Texas.


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  Has strong written and oral communication skills. Communicates with families and individuals from a variety of backgrounds and values with ease and respect.

Work Schedule

The work schedule is typically 9 am - 5pm with some variation expected due to the nature of the position. This may include nights, weekends, and early mornings as dictated by the needs of the job. (Examples may include taking phone calls in the evenings, flexing days due to work requirements, attending functions with families, attending conferences, trainings, or facilitating transportation if necessary).

EEO Statement

Azleway is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with anti-discrimination law, Azleway prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Azleway conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.