Behavioral Intervention Specialist

Behavior Intervention SpecialistStarting Rate: $25 / hour Type: Per Diem / As NeededMake a meaningful impact every day as a Behavior Intervention Specialist, where you'll help adults with developmental disabilities achieve greater independence, success, and quality of life through compassionate, evidence-based behavioral support. In this role, you'll partner with interdisciplinary teams, families, and DSPs to develop Functional Behavior Assessments and Behavior Support Plans, provide coaching and training, analyze progress, and guide positive outcomes across residential, day, and employment settings. Successful candidates are passionate about person-centered care, enjoy mentoring others, and want to be part of a collaborative agency that values professional growth, clinical excellence, and making a lasting difference.Essential Duties and Responsibilities:Complete Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) for the purpose of ensuring accurate student placement, developing more effective ISP objectives, and complying with mandated requirements.Develop Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) to the extent warranted, as result of the FBACreate recommendations for comprehensive servicesProvide crisis intervention for individuals as needed, if availableDevelop reliable methods to track individual progressInterpret behavior dataParticipate in maintaining a Behavior Support Plan for individuals with challenging behaviorsInform staff of appropriate individual interventions and guide them in proper useMonitor and ensure that staff is capable of implementing and established BSPProvide input and guidance on the assignments of staff based on their strengthsAssist care teams with creation and implementation of situational management plans, as neededParticipate in Life Plan meetings as needed and/or assigned for the purpose of assisting in establishing effective individual achievement goals and conveying/receiving informationAssist in developing procedures and training materials for direct support staff who support individuals with challenging behaviors for the purpose of enhancing individual programs and ensuring that operations are in compliance with established guidelinesAct as liaison between the family, individual, and direct support staff for the purpose of supporting individual behavioral goals.Assist in training and supporting direct support staff (e.g. new staff modeling, staff development training, on-site and situational training)Conduct workshops, training, in-service presentations in behavior management techniques and other topics for the purpose of assisting staff in more successfully developing behavior management skillsUtilize Ukeru Behavior Management System and SCIP-R, including blocking techniques and protective releases, as neededParticipate in the training and monitoring of all direct service staff, utilizing the Ukeru and SCIP-R curriculumsProvide guidance to all assigned direct support staff for the implementation of Ukeru and SCIP-R procedures as they apply to the program and to the implementation of individual Behavior Support PlansParticipate in committee of their choosing (including but not limited to: Safety Committee, Standing Incident Review Committee, etc.)Provide training to all newly hired staff members in monthly orientation regarding behavior support strategiesProvide additional trainings in monthly orientation, as needed, in the absence of Behavior Department HeadFacilitate individual behavior-related trainings to direct support staff as needed during scheduled in-servicesEstablish connections with transportation departments, to assist with any behavior concerns and to offer specific or general behavior-related trainings on a scheduled or as-needed basisMaintain all individual records related to behavior in CMS, Therap, etc. including electronic documentation of all behavior tracking data.If a BSP is not appropriate, provide proactive strategies to the individual's teamProvide ongoing modeling and demonstration of BSP to an individual's teamConsistently comply with all agency policies and proceduresPerform other duties as requested by the Behavior Department HeadMaintain Ukeru Instructor certificationMaintain SCIP-R certificationSuccess Factors:The Behavior Intervention Specialist is expected to consistently demonstrate the following core competencies in the delivery and oversight of behavioral services:Accountability & Dependability: Demonstrates ownership of assigned caseloads, assessments, behavior plans, supervision, and documentation. Ensures FBAs, BSPs, data reviews, training, and compliance requirements are completed accurately and within required timelines. Follows through on commitments to staff, individuals, and families.Communication: Communicates clearly and professionally with staff, families and agency leadership. Effectively explains behavior plans, intervention strategies, and data findings. Ensures behavior-related information is shared accurately and in a timely manner to support consistent implementation.Planning & Organizing: Organizes caseload responsibilities, documentation, supervision, and training schedules to ensure timely completion of assessments, plans, progress monitoring, and staff support. Manages multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and compliance.Initiative: Proactively identifies behavioral needs, training gaps, and program challenges. Takes appropriate action to strengthen interventions, improve staff capacity, and enhance outcomes without waiting for direction.Decision Making & Judgment: Applies sound clinical judgment when developing FBAs and BSPs, supervising staff, responding to incidents, and providing crisis intervention. Makes decisions that prioritize safety, ethical practice, regulatory compliance, and individual well-being.Leadership: Provides clinical leadership to assigned Behavior Technician and instructional staff, if applicable. Models professional behavior, reinforces agency standards, and supports staff development through coaching, feedback, and training.Safety Focus: Maintains a consistent focus on individual and staff safety. Ensures behavior interventions, crisis responses, and Ukeru and SCIP-R strategies are implemented appropriately and in compliance with agency policy and regulatory requirements. Monitors risk and promotes preventive practices.Team Leadership: Works collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams, and families. Supports coordinated decision-making, facilitates meetings, and fosters shared responsibility for positive behavioral outcomes.Qualifications:Required for Level 1:Master's Degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Behavior Analysis or related field and documented training in assessment techniques and behavior support plan development, OR:National Board Certification in Behavior Analysis (BCBA), OR:NYS License in Mental Health CounselingAnd, must have at least three (3) years experience either:Working directly with individual with developmental disabilities, including development, implementation, and monitoring or behavior support plans, AND/OR:Providing supervision and training to others in the implementation of behavior support plans, OR:Have been employed as a Level 2 BIS, at the masters degree levelRequired for Level II:National Board Certification in Behavior Analysis (BCBA), OR:Master's Degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Behavior Analysis or related field and have or obtain OPWDD-approved specialized training or experience in functional assessment techniques and behavior support plan development, OR:Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Behavior Analysis or related field, and have provided behavioral services for an agency in the OPWDD system as of, and continuously, sine December 31, 2012And:Is actively working toward a Master's Degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Special Education, Behavior Analysis or related field, OR:Completes at least one graduate-level course in an applied area Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Special Education, Behavior Analysis or related field each yearHigh level of knowledge of OPWDD regulationsFirst Aid CertificationCPR CertificationUkeru Instructor CertificationSCIP-RW CertificationEqual Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor. Cantalician Center for Learning