Behavior Specialist (Adult Day Programs)

Behavior Specialist

Position Summary

Shore Educational Collaborative is seeking a collaborative and experienced Behavior Specialist to support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across its adult day programs in Chelsea and Woburn.

The Behavior Specialist serves as a clinical leader and organizational resource, partnering with Program Directors and interdisciplinary teams to develop individualized positive behavior supports that promote independence, skill development, community participation, and quality of life. The successful candidate will provide behavioral assessment, consultation, and crisis support while helping build staff capacity through coaching, professional development, and systems-level initiatives.

This position plays a critical role in advancing Shore's commitment to person-centered, evidence-based practices by developing effective behavior support strategies, strengthening organizational training systems, and ensuring staff are equipped to implement interventions with consistency, confidence, and compassion.

Responsibilities:

Clinical Assessment and Behavioral Support

• Conduct functional behavior assessments (including FBAs) and other behavioral assessments to identify the function of challenging behaviors and inform intervention planning.
• Develop individualized Positive Behavior Support Plans and behavior intervention strategies that reflect best practices, ethical standards, and person-centered principles.
• Design and implement data collection systems and analyze behavioral data to monitor participant progress and evaluate intervention effectiveness.
• Revise behavior support plans and teaching procedures based on data analysis and ongoing assessment.
• Develop behavioral goals and objectives as part of Day Habilitation services and guide staff in implementing instructional and behavioral teaching procedures.
• Develop and facilitate social skills groups and other therapeutic programming designed to promote participant growth and independence.
• Generate consultation notes and maintain accurate clinical documentation.
• Support participants in achieving individualized goals through evidence-based, person-centered interventions.

Staff Development and Training

• Develop, coordinate, and deliver ongoing training & resources for new and existing staff on Positive Behavior Supports, crisis prevention, de-escalation techniques, trauma-informed practices, and evidence-based behavioral interventions.
• Coach and mentor direct support professionals and supervisors in the effective implementation of behavior support plans.
• Provide consultation and modeling to staff working with individuals who present complex behavioral needs.
• Maintain certification as a Safety Care® instructor, or obtain certification upon hire, and provide required agency-wide crisis prevention and intervention training.

Program Support and Quality Improvement

• Assist with the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of Shore's Positive Behavior Support systems and organization-wide behavioral practices.
• Serve as a member of Shore's Positive Behavior Support Committee and Human Rights Committee, contributing clinical expertise and supporting person-centered decision-making.
• Analyze program trends and behavioral data to identify opportunities for quality improvement and systems enhancement.
• Participate in special projects and strategic initiatives related to behavioral services and staff development.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Participant Support

• Collaborate with Program leadership, families, guardians, clinical providers, and interdisciplinary teams to ensure coordinated and consistent participant supports.
• Represent Shore at Individual Support Plan (ISP) meetings, Day Habilitation meetings, case conferences, team meetings, and other required planning sessions.
• Provide clinical consultation and support during behavioral crises and assist staff in implementing approved intervention strategies.
• Participate fully in the physical requirements of the position, including implementing behavioral interventions, crisis response procedures, lifting and transferring participants, and other direct support activities as necessary.

Other Responsibilities

• Maintain all required professional licensure, certifications, and continuing education requirements.
• Travel regularly between Shore's Chelsea and Woburn programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Adult Services.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in Psychology, Clinical Social Work, Counseling, Special Education, Behavior Analysis, or a related behavioral health field, and/or current professional licensure or certification appropriate to discipline, such as Licensed Psychologist, LICSW/LCSW, BCBA, LMHC, or another relevant clinical credential.
• Minimum of three years of experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, or related behavioral and mental health needs.
• Demonstrated experience conducting behavioral assessments and developing individualized Positive Behavior Support Plans.
• Strong understanding of Positive Behavior Supports, person-centered planning, trauma-informed practices, and crisis prevention strategies.
• Experience designing and delivering staff training, coaching, or professional development initiatives.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively across interdisciplinary teams while exercising sound independent clinical judgment.
• Ability and willingness to travel between Shore locations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in adult day habilitation or community-based disability services.
• Certification as a Safety Care® instructor or experience with comparable crisis prevention models.
• Experience supervising, mentoring, or coaching multidisciplinary staff teams.
• Familiarity with Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and/or MassHealth regulations and best practices related to behavioral supports.