Behavior Specialist

Description

Summary:  Develops behavioral interventions and occasional therapy for individuals and, within current regulations prepares informed consents and human rights committee presentations. Assists in training of staff in relationship to psychological needs.  Attends and contributes to case review meetings as well as clinical and grand rounds team meetings.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following: (other duties may be assigned) 

1. Oversees the provision of clinical services to select CLS residences and day program services. Develops or oversees development of behavioral goals for individuals based on functional analyses and behavioral observations. Establishes specific program goals and carries out follow up activities and monitoring of individuals’ progress. Reviews and compiles recorded data to develop progress notes and to discuss with treatment team and individuals any needed revision of planning.
2. Performs as-needed direct counseling designed to assist individuals identify and alleviate problem areas, relieve stress, improve socialization and interpersonal relationships, and develop coping skills and attitudes. Oversees individuals’ groups to facilitate community integration and independence within these facilities.
3. Prepares Informed Consent and Human Rights Committee information for individuals who have behavior support plans and psychotropic medications or restrictive plans on annual basis or as needed when changes occur.
4. Works with psychiatrists (or PNPs) to review progress with individuals in order for the physician to have current behavioral reports and other information regarding the individuals’ status. Advises prescriber of changes in individuals progress, impact of medications and behavioral observations.
5. Carries out a variety of in-service and education programs for direct care staff or professionals, and at team meetings regarding individual’s needs, progress made, and the reasoning behind behavioral plans and methodology for implementing the plans. Provides training to department staff regarding individuals psychiatric diagnoses, as applicable and other instruction to assist them in interaction with individuals.
6. Carries out training to assist staff and individuals to perform their functions more effectively, including use of role playing, practicing tasks, and discussions of other activities which will be undertaken. May provide education and training outside the agency.
7. Prepares reports and data regarding activities with the individuals, including progress, analysis of strengths or deficits, and other characteristics required to prepare a comprehensive psychological profile for use by other professionals.
8. Participates in direct crisis intervention as may be necessary when conflicts or problems arise; provide direct guidance, counseling, and intervention using appropriate techniques and skills to address a particular event. May assist individuals’ staff as requested by the Human Resources department, providing crisis intervention and/or short-term counseling.
9. May provide psychological evaluations to individuals determine OPWDD eligibility or for agency and community programs or for capacity to consent to medical interventions, sexuality, etc.
10. Researches and assists in the development of new programs to meet the evolving needs of the agency and its individuals, including gathering data through site visits or conference attendance, dissemination of material to appropriate staff, formulation, and recommendation of programs to agency administration.
11. Develops and administers applied research projects for application to program development, funding proposals, and administrative oversight.
12. May participate in Incident Review Committee meetings or gathering information for credibility assessments or assessments of substantial diminution.
13. Must cooperate and participate fully with Jawonio and/or Justice Center and OPWDD during an investigation or inspection, including making verbal and written statements as requested by the person(s) doing the investigation.

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Qualifications

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education/Experience:

Master’s degree in psychology, applied behavior analysis, special education, or similar education plus minimum 3 years clinical experience.

Salary : $60,407