Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Job Description

Job Description

Job Summary

The Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)/Qualified Behavior Modification Professional (QBMP) is responsible for the assessment, development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of behavior support services for individuals with developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, and co-occurring behavioral and mental health challenges residing in residential programs. This position provides clinical leadership, staff training, direct support, crisis intervention planning, and ongoing oversight to ensure quality behavioral services that promote client safety, dignity, independence, and quality of life.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Clinical Assessment and Program Development

• Conduct functional behavior assessments (FBAs), behavior analyses, risk assessments, and other clinical evaluations to identify behavioral needs and treatment recommendations.
• Develop, implement, monitor, and revise individualized Behavior Support Plans (BSPs), Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), crisis intervention plans, and related treatment strategies in accordance with applicable regulations and best practices.
• Ensure behavior plans are person-centered, data-driven, trauma-informed, and consistent with client goals, rights, and service needs.
• Complete annual reviews and updates of all behavior support documentation or more frequently as clinically indicated.
• Conduct behavioral assessments and analyses to identify factors contributing to challenging behaviors and develop interventions that reduce risk and improve quality of life.

Staff Training and Clinical Oversight

• Provide ongoing training, mentoring, coaching, and supervision to Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), Behavior Support Professionals, Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs), and other program staff.
• Train staff on behavior support plans, data collection systems, positive behavior supports, crisis prevention and intervention techniques, skill acquisition programs, documentation requirements, and professional conduct and ethics.
• Conduct competency-based training and periodic behavioral skills training (BST) to ensure staff proficiency and compliance.
• Review data and performance outcomes to assess staff implementation fidelity and provide corrective coaching when necessary.
• Support staff in obtaining and maintaining certifications required for service delivery.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

• Participate as an active member of the Individual Support Team (IST) and interdisciplinary treatment team.
• Attend pre-placement meetings, transition planning meetings, regional center meetings, team conferences, and other client-related meetings.
• Collaborate with physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, social workers, case managers, family members, conservators, and community partners.
• Provide clinical consultation regarding behavioral concerns, risk management, and treatment recommendations.
• Assist with admission assessments and recommendations regarding client appropriateness for residential placement.

Crisis Prevention and Intervention

• Develop and maintain written crisis prevention and emergency intervention plans.
• Provide consultation and support during behavioral crises and emergency situations.
• Analyze behavioral incidents and recommend proactive strategies to reduce future occurrences.
• Ensure crisis intervention procedures comply with California Department of Developmental Services (DDS), Community Care Licensing (CCL), and applicable state and federal regulations.
• Participate in incident review processes and quality improvement initiatives.

Quality Assurance and Compliance

• Monitor behavioral services for compliance with:

• California Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
• Community Care Licensing (CCL)
• Regional Center requirements
• Medicaid and other payer requirements
• BACB ethical standards
• Hands of Heartland California policies and procedures

• Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation, assessments, reports, treatment plans, and progress notes.
• Review behavioral data regularly and prepare reports demonstrating client outcomes and treatment effectiveness.
• Participate in quality assurance activities, audits, program evaluations, and performance improvement projects.
• Support implementation of corrective actions and quality enhancement initiatives.

Direct Service Responsibilities

• Provide direct behavioral services when necessary to support client needs and maintain contractual staffing requirements.
• Model appropriate intervention techniques and positive support strategies.
• Assist with client transitions, stabilization efforts, and specialized behavioral programming.
• Maintain active involvement in client programming to ensure effective implementation of behavior support services.

Additional Responsibilities

• Participate in agency committees, leadership meetings, and strategic initiatives.
• Promote a culture of respect, inclusion, diversity, and person-centered services.

• Other duties as assigned. 

Education & Experience

• Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis, Psychology, Education, Special Education, Social Work, Counseling, Human Services, or related field; OR
• Qualification as a Qualified Behavior Modification Professional (QBMP) under applicable California regulations.

• Must possess one of the following:

• Current Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification; OR
• Qualified Behavior Modification Professional (QBMP) status meeting California regulatory requirements; OR
• Licensed professional authorized to design behavior modification services under California regulations.

• Preferred BCBA certification in good standing.
• Minimum two (2) years of experience providing direct services, behavioral consultation, supervision, or behavior modification services to individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Minimum six (6) months of direct experience focused specifically on behavioral services.
• Experience conducting Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs), Behavior Support Plan development, Staff training and supervision, Crisis intervention planning, and Data collection and analysis
• Experience working in residential services preferred.
• Experience collaborating with Regional Centers and California DDS programs preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of Applied Behavior Analysis principles and practices.
• Knowledge of developmental disabilities and autism spectrum disorders.
• Understanding of positive behavior support methodologies.
• Ability to analyze behavioral data and develop effective interventions.
• Knowledge of crisis prevention and de-escalation techniques.
• Ability to train, mentor, and supervise staff.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Knowledge of applicable state and federal regulations governing residential services.
• Commitment to cultural diversity, inclusion, and person-centered practices.

Essential Functions/Physical Requirements

• Stand, sit, bend, lift, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and move intermittently throughout the workday.
• Use hands for handling, grasping, and manipulating objects.
• Perform physical interventions when required and authorized by approved training protocols.
• Frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Occasionally lift and/or move more than 50 pounds with assistance as appropriate.

Employment Requirements

• Successfully complete a health screening, including tuberculosis (TB) clearance, in accordance with California regulations.
• Obtain and maintain certification in:
  • Professional Crisis Management (PCM) or approved equivalent.
  • CPR and First Aid, including hands-on training requirements.
• Successfully complete fingerprint clearance (Live Scan) prior to working with clients.
• Hold and maintain a valid California driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and proof of automobile insurance.
• Complete all required DDS, Regional Center, and Hands of Heartland California training programs within required timelines.
• Complete required Residential Services Orientation (RSO) and competency-based training requirements when applicable.

Work Environment

The BCBA/QBMP works in residential homes, community settings, office environments, and client service locations. The position may require evening, weekend, or on-call support to address behavioral crises, staff training needs, and program requirements.