**Positive Behavior Support Specialist - Center for Excellence in Disabilities**

Morgantown, WV **Type:** Full-Time **Posted:** 09/23/2021 **Description** The West Virginia University Research Corporation is seeking applications for a Positive Behavior Support Specialist with the Center for Excellence in Disabilities. The purpose of this position is to 1) provide individual case consultation to individuals with serious challenging behaviors to reduce the risk of out of home placement 2) consult and train service providers to implement trauma informed positive behavior support to decrease challenging behaviors and improve quality of life. Building capacity throughout West Virginia regarding positive behavior support knowledge translation and services.

The candidate will work with individuals with serious emotional disorders who are at risk of out of home placement, to evaluate their support needs. The candidate will work with the individual and their caregivers to develop and implement a positive behavior support plan. In addition, this individual will work with children's mental health providers throughout West Virginia to provide behavioral case consultation services, develop and conduct trainings, and coach staff in the implementation of trauma informed positive behavior support.

In order to be successful in this position, the ideal candidate will:

* Consult and provide evidence based positive behavior support strategies for specific challenges for people experiencing serious emotional disorders who are at risk of out of home placement to help better serve them in their community environments.

* Develop and provide training and information dissemination activities to agencies, staff, parents, foster families, first responders, mental health professionals, etc. using on-site visits and/or distance technologies.

* Coach professionals in children's mental health wraparound, children's mobile crisis, the bureau for juvenile services, family coordinators, school personnel, psychiatric residential treatment facilities and other mental health services regarding the implementation of trauma informed positive behavior support.

* Frequent independent travel to conduct trainings and meet with families and agencies.

* Consult with all stakeholders as a resource on trauma informed positive behavior support.

* Facilitate person-centered planning techniques for individuals, families and agencies.

* Provide functional behavior assessments, develop individualized positive behavior support plans (PBSPs), train and support the individuals and their teams in implementing the PBSPs.

* Develop a variety of written materials including functional assessments, behavioral recommendations, behavior support plans and quarterly newsletters.

* Assist in project evaluation activities, including submitting required data and case consultation notes.

* Participate in CED staff and committee meetings as required including regional clinical reviews.

* Perform other related duties as assigned by the Program Manager.

**Qualifications**

* Master's degree in psychology, educational psychology, special education, social work, counseling or related field OR an equivalent combination of education and directly related experience.

* Experience working with individuals with mental illness, and or other co-existing mental health and IDD diagnoses.

* Experience working with individuals who have serious emotional concerns, mental illness and other complex support needs, knowledge of behavioral principles and their application.

* Experience facilitating group processes such as brainstorming and person-centered planning.

* Experience developing and conducting training on issues related to person-centered planning, trauma-informed care, positive psychology and positive behavior support.

* Knowledge of West Virginia service delivery systems for individuals with complex support needs and ability to link people to existing resources.

* Ability to read, analyze and interpret professional journals in trauma informed care and positive behavior support, technical procedures and governmental regulations.

* Ability to think creatively and develop solutions to complex problems.

* Good written and oral communication skills are necessary.

* Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.

* Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of consumers, professionals, administrators, parents, first responders and the general public.

* Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of challenges. Capacity to consider and respond appropriately to a broad range of continuously changing circumstances and potential outcomes.

* Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.

* Knowledge of disability services and awareness of cultural and political issues pertaining to various populations and disabilities.

* Knowledge of federal and state law requirements protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

* Computer Skill - must be proficient with Microsoft Office software.

* Ability to travel to parts of the state not accessible by public transportation.

* Acquire and maintain certification in the WV CANS Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths Assessment.

* Ability to work with and facilitate services in a congenial, respectful and professional manner.

**Requirements**

* Valid U.S. driver's license or demonstrable alternate efficient means of transportation.

About Research Corporation West Virginia University Research Corporation is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. West Virginia University Research Corporation values diversity among its employees and invites applications from all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, genetics, disability, or Veteran status.

**Job Posting:** Sep 21, 2021

**Posting Classification:** Research Corporation

**Exemption Status:** Exempt

**Benefits Eligible:** Yes Positive Behavior Support Specialist - Center for Excellence in Disabilities West Virginia University Morgantown, WV To apply, please send all application materials to:

Talent Strategy

West Virginia University

WV *Please be sure to read the job posting carefully and submit all required information.*