Behavior Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

Basic Function

Responsible for assisting the Behaviorist in managing inappropriate and maladaptive behaviors of residents and to ensure that behavior programs referred by the Interdisciplinary Team are implemented and monitored until the program criteria are met.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Functions

• Organize and manage behavior documentation books on all units, keeping programs and data updated and current.

• Help monitor BSPs and PMPs.

• Assist in analyzing data from Behavior Reports to determine behavioral status of residents.

• Assist in training staff to accurately complete and submit Behavior Reports.

• Participate in the facility’s Behavior Review Committee and compile information for the meetings as directed by the Behaviorist.

• Assist with preparing sleep and behavior data for the Medical Review Committee and actively participate in the scheduled meetings with the Psychiatrist, when needed.

• Assist with the training of staff on the BSPs and PMPs.

• Develops and maintains a good working rapport with interdepartmental personnel, administration, the Interdisciplinary Team and consultants.

• Keeps abreast of and ensures compliance with federal and state regulations, in-house standards of practice as well as current professional standards in behavior management and makes recommendations on changes in standards and practice guidelines to the Administrator.

• Participates in Quality Improvement (QI) projects as assigned.

• Seeks out and participates in continuing education programs that will ensure knowledge skills and practices are current with practices in the field.

• Provides in-service training for program staff related to behavior management practices, philosophies, and procedures.

• Assists in managing supplies and ensures they are available as needed to appropriate staff.

• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Marginal Functions

• Performs clerical functions, such as completing necessary forms, reports, etc., as requested by the Behaviorist.

• Assists with orientation of new staff in relation to the behavioral management policies and procedures used in the facility.

• Attends and participates in professional associations, organizations, activities, and programs.

• Creates and maintains an atmosphere of warmth, personal interest and positive emphasis, as well as a calm environment throughout the facility and treats everyone with dignity and respect.

Exposure Risk

The Behavior Aide is at medium risk of exposure to blood and body fluids.

Supervision Received

Reports to the Behaviorist.

Supervision Exercised

Has no supervisory responsibility.

Qualifications

Education

At least a High School Diploma or GED.

Experience

At least one year’s experience in behavior management or related field preferred.

Working Conditions

• Sits, stands, bends, lifts, and moves intermittently throughout the workday.

• Is subject to frequent interruptions.

• May be subject to infectious diseases, waste, conditions, etc., including the potential exposure to AIDS and Hepatitis B Viruses.

• Willing to work beyond normal working hours, various shifts, some weekends, holidays, and in other positions, temporarily, when necessary.

• Subject to falls, cuts, bruises, burns from equipment, odors, etc., throughout the day.

• Subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, family members, personnel, visitors, etc.

• Generally, works in an air-conditioned and ventilated office, as well as throughout the facility.

• May work outdoors occasionally.

• Attends and participates in continuing educational programs as directed.

Specific Requirements

• Must be able to read, write and speak the English language in an understandable manner.

• Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.

• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, and the general public.

• Must be comfortable and cooperative as a team player with other staff, willing to compromise and modify opinions and judgements.

• Must have patience, tact, cheerful disposition, and enthusiasm, as well as be willing to manage residents regardless of their currently functioning maturity and cognitive levels.

• Must possess the ability and interest to seek out new methods and principles of practice related to behavior with the goal of ensuring the facility uses the least intrusive system available that treats others with dignity and respect.

• Must be of good moral character.

• Must be able to follow written and oral instructions.

Physical Requirements (with or without the aid of mechanical devices)

• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.

• Must be able to speak English and communicate effectively with others.

• Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.

• Must be able to see and hear or use prosthetic devices to enable these senses to function adequately to ensure that the requirements of this position can be fully met.

• Must function independently, have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with residents, personnel and support agencies.

• Must be in good general health and demonstrate emotional stability.

• Must be comfortable working with people with intellectual disabilities,

• Must demonstrate competency, after training, to fulfill the expectations of the position.

• May be required to lift residents (in emergency), equipment, supplies. (remember we are a no-lift facility).