Behavioral Specialist

Title: Behavioral Specialist (Applied Behavioral Specialist - ABSS)

Department: Psychology


Reports: Director of Psychology


Location: Psychology Department, NY

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Job Summary:


The ABSS position involves providing on-going counseling and support to adults with developmental disabilities within Eihab's group home / day program settings. The ABSS will visit the group homes/programs within their caseload to provide in-person counseling and support and help individuals manage maladaptive behaviors they may experience. They will also conduct observations to ensure behavior plans are followed accordingly. Additionally, the ABSS will implement/update behavior plans for individuals based upon behavioral documentation. This position also includes providing on-going staff training and observations to ensure behavior plan is followed, as well as holding interdisciplinary team meetings for individuals as needed. The ABSS will need to manage the behavioral needs of their caseload and provide behavioral interventions to best serve the individuals.


Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

• Experience providing counseling and rapport building
• Must possess excellent writing and organizational skills.
• Requires strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively as a team.
• Ability to work well under pressure and to prioritize tasks are essential
• Strong Interpersonal skills
• Detail oriented and strong writing skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality / HIPPA regulations
• Willing to help others when crisis arises and intervene when maladaptive behaviors arise
• Anticipate and meet deadlines, complete assignments with consistent accuracy
• Experience working with OPWDD population such as individuals with autism or intellectual disabilities (preferred)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook)
• Authorization to work in the US
• Must have a valid driver's license and access to a vehicle

Essential Responsibilities:

• Visit the group homes/programs within caseload to provide in-person counseling support and behavioral management, as well as observations to ensure behavior plans are followed accordingly.
• Ensure OPWDD compliance in assigned houses (i.e. behavior plan revisions, consent forms, HRC approval, book reviews, etc.)
• Participate in OPWDD State Audits to provide information and answer any questions/concerns regarding behavior plan/protocols
• Conduct Morning Observations at times to ensure compliance and that quality care is provided within residences/programs.
• Review, calculate, and analyze behavioral data for individuals in caseload and write summaries/progress notes for each individual in caseload, with additional summaries & counseling memos as needed.
• Provide behavioral summary/updates on individuals prior to psychiatry appointments & participate during psychiatry appointments as needed.
• Maintain communication with management team within caseload and address any behavioral concerns or needs.
• Conduct and update Functional Behavioral Analysis (FBA) as needed
• Complete and regularly review and update behavior plans/protocols/baselines to meet individuals' needs
• Conduct effective, interactive trainings on behavior plans/protocols for individuals as well as accurate documentation; conduct new hire orientation for the department
• Effectively lead and schedule interdisciplinary team meetings (IDT) or Clinical Meetings as needed based on the individuals' needs. ABSS will write the meeting minutes/summary for these meetings.
• Review Rights Restrictions for Individuals & assess fade-out plans semi-annually at minimum with team and Human Rights Committee, ensure paperwork is completed and provided for review
• Review intake packets for any residential vacancies and participate in screenings/dinner visits to assess if the candidate's needs can be met
• Research treatment options for specific individuals and specific diagnoses
• Conduct key assessments annually
• Conduct other duties/assessments/counseling summaries as needed/requested by supervisor / senior management
• On-Call as Needed

• Master Degree in Psychology or related field is required
• Must be experienced in handling confidential information in the strictest manner, can multi-task and analyze problems and determine corrective measures. Self-starter takes initiative and goal-oriented professional with the ability to work independently in an organized manner and be an effective part of a team, in a fast-paced environment with the ability to effectively collaborate with others. Evidence of ability to prioritize, manage and complete task and projects with tight deadlines and;
• Successful completion of delegated and assigned training determined by agency and supervisor which may include SCIP, and CPR/First Aid certifications and familiarity with OPWDD regulations.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES SPECIFICATIONS

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be required to sit, perform repetitive physical and mental activities, have face-to-face and telephone contact with individuals or teams, have telephone conversations, write letters and memos, use electronic mail, meet strict deadlines, work with others in a group or team, and work with external customers or the public. Job tasks are performed in close physical proximity to other people. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.