Behavioral Intervention Specialist

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Key/Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Identifies the habilitative, behavioral and psychiatric needs of the people we support through formal and informal assessments, using person-centered tools, Life and Staff Action Plans and by working with individuals and their circles of support, ensuring the interdisciplinary team is aware of these needs.
• Conducts behavioral and habilitative assessments including written questionnaires, standardized tests, rating scales, baseline data, direct and indirect observations and completes functional behavior assessments (FBAs) to identify contextual factors, cognitive, environmental, social, physical, medical/psychiatric conditions that may contribute to behavior.
• Analyzes data from multiple sources and utilizes findings to conduct research on related syndromes and conditions to support development of hypotheses for behaviors using DSM V, ICD 10, DM-ID etc.
• Develops written, individualized habilitative and behavior support plans using proactive interventions in accordance with the agency philosophy and OPWDD Person-Centered Behavioral Intervention Regulations as determined by individual need.
• Researches and implements the most effective and appropriate evidence-based treatment interventions and uses evidence-based behavioral approaches, strategies and supports to treatment interventions, such as systematic desensitization.
• Develops various types of habilitative and support plans including: skills, counseling, behavior support plan, medication monitoring, environmental modifications, false reporting, non-reversible medical diagnosis.
• Develops plans that instruct the planned use of medication (PRN), SCIP-R physical interventions and/or mechanical restraints to prevent, modify or control challenging behavior, reduce symptoms of diagnosed co-occurring psychiatric conditions and to maintain body alignment, as appropriate.
• Follows all protocols required to obtain proper approvals and consent(s) for all interventions, as applicable to plans and required by OPWDD, prior to implementation.
• Establishes baseline for each individual prior to implementation of habilitative and behavior support plan(s) and designs effective data collection systems that allow progress to be monitored.
• Directs and/or oversees day-to-day data collection by program staff, ensuring that data are consistently obtained, totaled and summarized on a monthly basis by the designated/trained staff (e.g. Assistant BIS) and that new data sheets are accessible at the beginning of each month.
• Ensures that timely modifications are made to the plan(s), as dictated by individual need based upon regular monitoring and assessment of response to services.
• Oversees, maintains and/or ensures appropriate and accurate completion of all required paperwork, communications and documentation for persons supported in accordance with prescribed guidelines and timelines including monthlies, Staff Action Plan, Life Plan meetings, psychiatric and therapy anecdotals, Person-Centered Plans, meeting minutes, billing, etc.
• Regularly trains all direct care staff and management at assigned programs on individual service, staff action plans and behavior management services using the Explain Model Observe Evaluate (EMOE) training system to ensure that all clinical interventions are properly implemented, to communicate clinical rationales and treatment plans to the staff, to provide staff with both formal and informal feedback, and to role model at all times appropriate tone, implementing of habilitative and behavioral programming, and to teach appropriate data collection and documentation techniques.
• Develops and/or conducts specialized trainings regarding I/DD, illnesses, specific clinical and/or dual diagnoses as well as interventions, symptoms, definitions and common behaviors, including behavior as communication for individuals, when applicable.
• Evaluates and provides feedback to program staff and supervisors regarding performance in the areas of Core Competencies by direct care staff at assigned programs.
• Appropriately supports direct care staff and works with leadership team, modeling and mobilizing supports during crisis situations and making recommendations for supports.
• Oversees and provides feedback relating to clinical duties performed by Assistant BISs or program designee(s) at assigned programs providing mentorship and focusing on development of clinical, data collection and other related skills to support career development.
• Serves as a clinical team leader and key member of the treatment team, providing data, updates and/or recommendations regarding progress, developments and other significant items regarding individuals in interdisciplinary meetings and case reviews, including scheduled Person-Centered meetings and interfaces with circles of support including family members and support providers; attends and actively participates in monthly BIS meetings, as required for clinical supervision and updates.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualification Requirements including education, experience, licensure/certification, etc. and essential physical capabilities (e.g. lifting, assisting lifting, standing, etc.)

• Master’s degree in clinical or treatment field of psychology, social work, school psychology or applied psychology as it relates to human development and clinical interventions, and documented training in assessment techniques and behavior support plan development; or
• National Board certification in behavior analysis (Board Certified Behavior Analyst [BCBA]) and a Master’s degree in behavior analysis or a field closely related to clinical or community psychology approved by OPWDD; or
• Current license and registration in Mental Health Counseling issued by the New York State Department of Education (NYSED); and
• Successfully complete BIS School (or authorized equivalent training) through YAI within one (1) year of appointment.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evening and/or weekend hours and to regularly travel to multiple programs throughout assigned region(s), as required by regional needs; may be required to travel to other region(s) as requested.
• Must hold or obtain and maintain certification in Strategies for Crisis Intervention and Prevention – Revised (SCIP-R) or SCIP-R Restrictive and CPR if required for assigned program(s) within six (6) months of hire; may be required to obtain additional certifications based on assigned programs.
• Must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to engage, build relationships and work collaboratively with others.
• Strong dedication to enhancing quality care, incorporating strategies and techniques and team-based care.
• Ability to communicate clinical matters appropriately to individuals at all levels (family, DSPs, managers, providers, etc.).
• Basic computer skills – including email, utilizing Workday and related systems (DA, etc.) to complete tasks and appropriately document services and progress in accordance with requirements, including electronic health records.
• Ability to meet essential physical demands of position including frequent walking, sitting, standing, bending, twisting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, pushing, pulling and reaching with hands and arms; use hands to handle, finger or feel objects, tools or controls; assisting with lifting/moving individuals of any weight with assistance of mechanical lifts or other equipment  and/or pushing individuals in wheelchairs; lifting and/or moving up to 25 pounds on occasion; having the physical capacity to work with and implement emergency interventions as per the person’s Behavior Support Plan if/as needed, including lifting/moving individuals of any weight with or without assistance of equipment and/or other staff.

Preferred Qualification Requirements (desired requirements beyond MQRs above)

• Strong understanding of I/DD including autism spectrum disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, traumatic brain injury etc.
• Knowledge of co-occurring psychiatric diagnosis such as: mood disorders, anxiety disorders, OCD, psychotic disorder, trauma and neurocognitive disorders.
• Knowledge of hierarchy of restrictive/intrusive interventions.
• Familiarity with expected/therapeutic effects of psychotropic medications.
• Knowledge of ABA, CBT, DBT, positive psychology, other evidenced based approaches.
• Current certification in Strategies for Crisis Intervention and Prevention (SCIP-R or SCIP-R Restrictive) and CPR.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or status as a Vietnam or disabled veteran. YAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To ensure fairness, safeguard transparency, and promote an equitable workforce environment, YAI Network prohibits the practice of nepotism in the workforce and hiring process.