Behaviorist / Clinical Support Lead

Position Title: Behaviorist / Clinical Support Lead
Reports to: VP of Adult Services

Position Purpose:

The Behaviorist / Clinical Support Lead provides behavioral consultation, clinical guidance, staff training, interdisciplinary support, and behavioral oversight within the Adult Services Division. This role supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who may present with behavioral, emotional, communication, sensory, psychiatric, trauma-related, or complex support needs. The position works collaboratively with leadership, staff, families, residential providers, DDS personnel, and interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized, person-centered behavioral supports that promote safety, stability, independence, meaningful engagement, and quality of life.

Employment Details:

Status: Full-Time
Salary: $85,000 annually

Key Responsibilities:

Behavioral Assessment & Clinical Support:

• Conduct behavioral observations, assessments, and functional behavior assessments as appropriate.
• Develop, implement, monitor, and revise individualized positive behavioral support strategies and intervention plans.
• Provide behavioral consultation and clinical guidance to Adult Services staff and leadership teams.
• Assist teams in identifying behavioral triggers, communication needs, environmental factors, and proactive support strategies.
• Support individuals experiencing behavioral, emotional, psychiatric, trauma-related, or adjustment-related challenges.
• Provide recommendations to improve engagement, emotional regulation, independence, communication, participation, and community success.
• Assist with crisis prevention, de-escalation planning, and post-incident review processes.

Intake & Interdisciplinary Service Planning:

• Participate in referral, intake, transition, and service planning meetings.
• Evaluate prospective consumer support needs, staffing considerations, clinical recommendations, and overall service fit.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to support successful transitions into Adult Services.
• Provide clinical insight into individualized scheduling, staffing supports, environmental accommodations, and service coordination.

Staff Training & Professional Development:

• Provide staff training and coaching related to:
o Positive behavioral supports
o Trauma-informed approaches
o Communication strategies
o Crisis prevention and intervention
o Reinforcement systems
o Skill acquisition strategies
o Behavioral data collection and documentation
o Person-centered supports
• Support staff consistency, confidence, professionalism, and implementation of behavioral recommendations.
• Assist leadership with ongoing professional development and competency-building initiatives.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration:

• Work collaboratively with the Vice President of Adult Services, Director of Case Management, Clinical Operations Coordinator, Program Supervisors, Case Managers, DDS personnel, residential providers, guardians, families, and clinicians.
• Participate in interdisciplinary meetings, case reviews, support planning discussions, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Support continuity and coordination of behavioral approaches across service settings.

Documentation & Quality Improvement:

• Maintain timely and accurate documentation, behavioral recommendations, assessments, progress notes, and training records.
• Assist leadership in identifying trends, systemic support needs, and opportunities for program improvement.
• Participate in quality assurance and compliance initiatives related to behavioral supports and service delivery.
• Support the development of clinically informed systems and best practices throughout Adult Services.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis, Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, Special Education, Human Services, or related field required.
• Connecticut Behavior Analyst licensure and/or BCBA certification strongly preferred depending on candidate qualifications and role responsibilities.
• Experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities required.
• Experience conducting behavioral assessments and developing behavioral support strategies required.
• Ability to present two redacted Behavior Support Plans during the interview process.
• Strong written, organizational, communication, and leadership skills required.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience providing staff training, coaching, and interdisciplinary consultation.
• Knowledge of DDS-funded services and person-centered planning.
• Experience working collaboratively across interdisciplinary teams and service systems.

Preferred Characteristics:

• Calm, thoughtful, collaborative, and solution-focused approach.
• Strong observational and clinical problem-solving skills.
• Ability to balance behavioral science with practical, compassionate implementation.
• Strong relationship-building skills with families and interdisciplinary teams.
• Commitment to dignity, respect, inclusion, and person-centered supports.
• Passion for helping staff teams grow in confidence and competency.
• Dedication to meaningful consumer outcomes and high-quality services.

Working Conditions:

This position requires travel between program sites and community locations. Responsibilities include participation in community-based observations, meetings, and crisis response situations as needed. The role also requires completion of required documentation, training responsibilities, and participation in interdisciplinary service coordination.

Disclaimer:

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may be required to perform additional duties as assigned.