Adult Behavior Support Specialist Contractor

Job Description

Job Description

Access Services is looking for part-time Adult Behavior Support Specialists as contractors to support our intellectual disability and autism programs! They will work with both programs and individual teams to complete assessments, develop and update behavior support plans and crisis intervention plans. Part of their role will be to train direct support staff and caregivers to ensure that behavior supports are provided to participants using positive practices and the least restrictive interventions. The Behavior Specialist will support a variety of Access Services' Intellectual Disability and Autism programs across multiple service locations. 

You’d enjoy being a Behavior Support Specialist Contractor with Access Services if you:  

• Want to work with people who truly care about the people we serve and that strive to make a difference every day  

• Align with our values: person centered, passion for service, innovation, collaboration, and authenticity  

• Are engaging and organized 

Work location: Caseloads are in Easton, Allentown, and Bethlehem Areas. 

Schedule: Part-time, flexible schedule primarily during standard business hours. Weekend availability is optional and may be scheduled based on caseload needs and contractor preference. 

Contractor Rate: Starting at $30/hour. 

Responsibilities of the Behavior Support Specialist Contractor: 

1. Conduct comprehensive assessments of behavior for participants identifying antecedents, potential functions of behavior, possible environmental factors and analyzing assessment findings to design behavioral support plans. 
2. Collaborate with participants, their family, and service team to develop behavior support plans that include positive practices and least restrictive interventions. 
3. Develop individualized, comprehensive behavioral support plans consistent with the outcomes identified in the participants’ service plans. 
4. Develop crisis intervention plans.  
5. Complete and submit all billable progress notes within 24 hours of service delivery. 
6. Conduct comprehensive training sessions with the individual's support team to ensure a thorough understanding and consistent implementation of the Behavior Support Plan. 
7. Participate in ongoing supervision. 
8. Maintain consistent utilization of authorized hours. 
9. Conduct ongoing assessment (including data collection and visual display) to quantify changes in behavior. 
10. Adjust and change interventions based on the results of the ongoing assessment.  
11. Conduct comprehensive functional behavioral assessments of presenting issues. 
12. Design restrictive plans that adhere to ODP waiver and regulatory requirements and are developed and implemented through the philosophy of least restrictive intervention. 
13. Attend regularly scheduled ISP and quarterly meetings. 
14. Implement activities and strategies identified in the participant’s behavior support plan including providing direct behavioral support, education and coaching to help ensure interventions are implemented with clinical integrity. 
15. Complete required documentation related to data collection, progress reporting and development of annual planning materials. 

Requirements

Requirements of the Behavior Support Specialist Contractor: 

The selected contractors must submit completed PA Criminal History and Child Abuse Clearance results. 

Education: Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or related field required.  

Experience: Two (2) years of experience working with individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and/or autism diagnosis.  

Training:

• Prior to receiving a contract, candidates must complete the 13-hour ODP Functional Behavior Assessment Training (myodp.org/course) 
• Following a contract offer, additional required training will be assigned and must be completed before the contractor may begin work on assigned cases.

Professional Liability Insurance: Independent 1099 contractors must maintain professional liability insurance with minimum coverage limits of $1 million per claim and $3 million aggregate and maintain active coverage throughout the duration of the contract. Proof of insurance must be provided upon request.  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:  

• Understanding of the elements of a variety of approaches and techniques including Everyday Lives, Charting the Life Course, Applied Behavior Analysis methods, Person-centered Planning, principles of Trauma-Informed Approaches and Positive Behavioral Support. 

• Knowledge of principles and methods of habilitation, behavior management, safety techniques and programming planning principles. 

• Prior training in, and ability to use, evidence-based procedures and techniques e.g., modeling, prompting, fading, shaping, chaining, Premack principle, conditioned reinforcement, and differential reinforcement. 

• Ability to develop and adjust behavior support plans addressed to meet the needs of the individuals served. 

• Knowledge of basic concepts in family therapy and group work. Knowledge of pertinent community resources and facilities. 

• Demonstrated excellent organizational and oral/written communication skills. 

• Proficiency in, or ability to learn and use, workplace applications, platforms and technologies including. 

Essential Working Conditions/Physical Demands: Work in program sites and the community routinely providing direct care and/or support with individual(s). Stand, sit or run by self, or to provide proper care and supervision with an individual. Able to move and stay with an individual to keep them safe, both in home environment and community, both at near and far distances, even when an individual may struggle to meet identified expectations. Able to assist an individual who has fallen, regardless of weight or size. Walk, climb stairs by self, or to provide support.  Comfortable working in Fast-paced, unpredictable environment requiring constant vigilance and adaptability.  Utilize computer equipment during work.