Behavior Specialist

Job Overview of Behavior Specialist

This role entails overseeing and executing behavioral interventions for adolescents diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and/or co-occurring conditions in a residential environment. The behavior specialist will collaborate closely with the designated care team, comprising clinical personnel and direct service providers. Our program adopts a comprehensive therapeutic model integrating Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma-informed care, and sensory/body regulation. Responsibilities include conducting adaptive skill assessments, identifying priority intervention areas, delivering effective interventions to enhance Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), and fostering progression from dependency to independence in ADLs and independent living skills (ILS). Additionally, the behavior therapist will implement Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support (PBIS) strategies within the residential facility to facilitate learning and mitigate problem behaviors. Data collection on resident behaviors and evidence-based decision-making on intervention strategies are integral components of the role. Proposed interventions align with developmental stages, are evidence-based, and contribute directly to Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs).

Schedule for Behavior Specialist: Monday-Friday from 10:00am until 6:00pm

Essential Duties of Behavior Specialist

Key duties of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Understanding and supporting the agency's mission & treatment philosophy; Supports overall strategic plan of the organization.
• Treats all children, families, and co-workers with respect & courtesy; Demonstrates & models sensitivity to cultural background of children, families, and co-workers; Honors Sanctuary Commitments in all day-to-day activities.
• Effectively manages behavioral interventions for residential children:
  1. Completes and implements comprehensive Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) integrating principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and trauma-informed care.
  2. Collects/records behavioral data, interprets results, and updates/modifies BIPs accordingly.
  3. Learns and coaches students in social skills, emotion regulation, and body regulation strategies.
  4. Supports interdisciplinary care team to understand behavioral data and implement BIPs effectively.
  5. Identifies target behaviors for children and collaborates with interdisciplinary treatment team to address them through interdisciplinary interventions.
• Assists Residence Manager in developing effective Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support (PBIS) interventions.
• Helps team collect, maintain, and interpret data for effective treatment planning.
• Facilitates and collaborates with the residential team to conduct social and life skills groups, weekly residential groups, and restorative circles.
• Works effectively with interdisciplinary team members and families:
• Collaborates respectfully with parents and family members, holding restorative conversations to rebuild relationships and understand the impact of incidents.
• Works closely with psychologists, Occupational Therapists (OTR), clinical social workers, and program managers to ensure methodologies align and support each other.
• Completes documentation requirements timely and ensures reporting is clear, accurate, and timely.
• Tracks, communicates, and documents integrity checks of BIPs and target behaviors systematically, in conjunction with the treatment planning team.
• Utilizes technology to track positive changes in behavior.
• Integrates self-regulation antecedent and consequence strategies into BIPs.
• Documents services and programs related to Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and tracks ADL data over time.
• Ensures program-wide material is visual, clear, and developmentally appropriate.
• Supports the overall strategic plan of the organization;
• Ability to adhere to the organization's core values and commitments.

Minimum Qualifications of Behavior Specialist

• Bachelor's degree in psychology, Counseling, Education, or a related field
• At least one year of experience working in a behaviorist role
• Experience working with children, and/or vulnerable populations
• Knowledge of behavioral intervention techniques and strategies, such as Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) principles
• Ability to collect, record, and analyze behavioral data.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with clients, families, and interdisciplinary team
• Ability to access and utilize ADP app on smartphone or other device for access to agency programs

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only job duties to be performed by the incumbent. Staff may be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other duties requested by his or her supervisor.

Benefits of Behavior Specialist

• Generous PTO, 4 weeks of vacation, floating holidays, holidays, personal and sick time
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Benefits
• 401(k) Employer Contributions
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flex Spending Accounts
• Employer Paid STD, LTD and Life Insurance
• Professional Development

Physical/Travel Requirements of Behavior Specialist

• Must obtain a Valid NYS Driver's License
• Must be able to reach, walk, climb stairs, bend, and kneel
• Candidates who are successfully hired, must participate in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention training which concludes with a written and verbal test, and you will be evaluated on conducting a proper physical restraint

The employee must be able to meet these requirements with or without reasonable accommodation.

Disclaimer

Nothing in this job description restricts Andrus' right to modify the duties/responsibilities of this job at any time, with or without advanced notice.

EEO Statement

Andrus is an equal opportunity employer.