Description

The Behavior Support Specialist, will provide direct and indirect behavior support services in home and community environments to children or adults, and their families, caregivers, or professional service providers. The Behavior Support Specialist completes behavior assessments including Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA), develops function-based treatment plans, and provides training for parents and caregivers on how to implement behavior intervention strategies based on FBA and ABC teaching plans. This position also completes Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) assessments and summary reports. The position has a flexible schedule to accommodate hours for members such as after school or day programs, school breaks (Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer, etc.) and possible weekend hours. The Behavior Support Specialist should possess understanding of age appropriate behavioral interventions, child development and development across the life span, and knowledge of best practices when working with individuals with autism, I/DD, and trauma backgrounds.

 What Easterseals Offers:

• Team Environment
• Payment assistance for licensure applications and fees once approved
• Training in evidence-based practices
• Flexible work schedule (ability to work weekends and evenings)
• Pay differential for bilingual individuals

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (with or without accommodation):

· Complete FBA (Functional Behavior Assessments), ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) assessments, and other assessment activities as assigned.

· Create treatment plans for behavior intervention that are generated through consultation and assessment.

· Provide support to others through training and coaching in the use of behavior intervention strategies and follows treatment plans generated through consultation and assessment.

· Evaluates treatment progress and communicates treatment progress with the Child and Family Team (CFT) or Adult Recovery Team (ART).

· Collect data, complete and update progress monitoring measures, document observations and incidents.

· Provide support services that include: case management, personal assistance, family support, counseling, skills training, and other services to enrolled members.

· Perform crisis intervention and solution-focused interventions.

· Focus on the safety and well-being of the members and families in all aspects of work.

· Develop a culturally sensitive rapport and professional relationship with members, families and community partners.

· As assigned facilitate CFT/ART meetings in coordination with the treatment team to review progress/barriers and determine appropriateness and medical necessity of services.

· As assigned conduct updates on annual assessments and develop treatment plans in accordance with agency requirements.

· Maintain member records in accordance with agency requirements.

· Provide complete documentation and reporting of member behavioral health services in accordance with agency requirements.

· Attend and participate in all professional meetings and clinical staffing.

· Ensure services are provided in a culturally competent manner.

· Utilize supervision effectively, accept feedback in a professional manner, and accept responsibility for job performance.

· Maintain professionalism with staff, outside agencies and members at all times; represent EBF in a professional manner

· Adhere to all EBF policies, procedures and protocols in addition to State/RHBA regulations.

· Understand and maintain sensitive information within the confines of need-to-know parameters following HIPPA guidelines.

· Maintain EBF productivity, timelines and quality standards set forth by agency requirements.

· Attend required professional development opportunities and maintain knowledge of current research as well as effective approaches

· As assigned facilitate or participate in staff training 

· Any other duties as assigned based on the needs of the assigned work location.

Required Skills/Knowledge/Abilities:

· Background in child development, education, family studies, or related field.

· BCaBA or background in Applied Behavior Analysis preferred.

· Bilingual Spanish speaking preferred.

· Knowledge of child development and human development across the life span.

· Understanding of family systems, child development and experience providing behavior support and training to caregivers.

· Experience with and understanding of trauma-informed care.

· Excellent interpersonal skills.

· Detail-oriented with well-developed problem-solving abilities.

· Strong written and verbal communication skills.

· Strong organizational, time management, project management and multitasking skills.

· Skill in using business software such as email, MS Office, smart phones, office equipment and electronic health records.

· Flexibility and ability to respond to changing priorities.

· Reliable and punctual.

· Displays cultural sensitivity and demonstrates the ability to form constructive and collaborative working relationships with others from diverse cultural backgrounds.

· Ability to communicate in a culturally inclusive manner and being open to other people’s differences.

Minimum Requirements: or equivalent combination of education and experience

· Education and Experience –

o Masters degree in related field. OR

o Bachelor’s degree in related field with 2-years’ experience completing comprehensive assessments and/or completion of college level courses that included training in comprehensive assessments.

· Regulatory –

o Minimum 21 years of age.

o Clean criminal background check and the ability to obtain and maintain an AZ DPS Level 1 fingerprint clearance card.

o Current valid, unrestricted driver’s license, proof of insurance, and a driving record that meets the standards of the agency.

Physical Requirements:

· Must be able to:

o Utilize Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for any amount of time necessary to provide a physical barrier to protect the employee and others.

o Remain in a stationary position.

o Operate a computer, phone, and other office equipment.

o Stoop, squat, reach, stretch, ascend, and descend stairs.

o Type and write for extended periods of time. 

**Although classified as In-office, this position may have periodic meetings in the community setting and may even work from home from time to time, but this is not the norm.

Psychological Requirements:

· Must be able to: 

o Remain calm, non-defensive with a supportive attitude during stressful, potential crisis, and crisis situations. 

o Work in an extremely stressful environment where there are considerable mental and emotional demands. 

o Manage high volumes and unpredictability of work.

o Remain flexible and reprioritize according to the changing demands of the day.

o Manage stress in a fast-paced, unpredictable, intense setting.

o Adapt to diverse cultural environments and communicate in a culturally inclusive manner.

o Represent Easterseals Blake Foundation in a professional manner in all situations. 

o Maintain high level of engagement to perform the daily activities. 

Additional Information: 

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all possible duties, responsibilities and/or qualifications. Other duties, responsibilities and/or qualifications may be assigned to this position.