BEHAVIORAL SPECIALIST

Position Summary

The Behavioral Specialist is responsible for providing expertise and Early Intervention Services and/or Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy to children ages 0-17 years and their families. The Behavior Specialist plays an integral role in providing direct educational information to caregivers regarding the minors’ developmental and behavioral needs while exemplifying a family-centered philosophy and respect for cultural diversity.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the following satisfactorily; other duties may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Interview Unaccompanied Minors (UC), and other involved persons to gather personal and social data relevant to assessing psychological (mental, behavioral, and emotional) and risk factors.
• Conduct thorough assessments to understand the underlying causes and patterns of behavior.
• Identify specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) behavior goals.
• Under direct supervision, develops and implements positive behavior supports and intervention strategies to address significant behavioral problems for youth and their families/caregivers in a variety of environments.
• Works collaboratively with others on the clinical team to support creation and implementation of stabilization and service plans.
• Maintains regular communication with interdisciplinary team members and provides updates on the progress of the case.
• Completes appropriate documentation and ensures that case records are complete and in
• compliance.
• Works independently with youth and or families in a variety of settings including homes, community, and/or treatment settings.
• Provides on-call coverage as assigned.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Manages subordinate employees. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.

Competencies: To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following.

• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem solving situations; uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Communications - Expresses ideas and thoughts verbally; expresses ideas and thoughts in written form; exhibits good listening and comprehension; keeps others adequately informed; selects and uses appropriate communication methods.
• Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; puts success of team above own interests; able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
• Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently; plans for additional resources; sets goals and objectives; organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; develops realistic action plans.
• Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; reacts well under pressure; treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accepts responsibility for own actions; follows through on commitments.
• Judgement - Displays willingness to make decisions; exhibits sound and accurate judgment; supports and explains reasoning for decisions; includes appropriate people in decision-making process; makes timely decisions.

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 accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function.

Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university; and one to two years related experience and/or training.

• Bachelor's Degree (BA/ BS) in Psychology, Behavioral Science, Education, or related field.

Language Ability:

• Spanish preferred but not required.

Read, analyze and interpret business, professional, technical or governmental documents. Write reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals. Effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, customers and the public.

Mathematical Ability:

 Comprehend and apply principles of advanced calculus, algebra and advanced statistical theory. Work with concepts such as limits, rings, quadratic and differential equations, and proofs of theorems.

Reasoning Ability:

 Apply logical thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems. Deal with nonverbal symbolism (e.g., formulas and equations) in difficult phases. Deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables.

Requirement: 

• Be at least 21 years of age. 

Computer Skills:

• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Proficient in the use of standard office equipment.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit.  The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must be able to occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor.

Benefits:

• Medical 
• Dental / Vision
• 401 k / 401 k matching
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Flexible Spending Account 
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program