Behavorial Support Specialist

Job description:

Summary

Behavior Support Specialist provides individualized support to children and adults with disabilities in Family Support Services (FSS) and Community Habilitation (CH) programs. This role involves conducting functional behavioral assessments, developing and implementing person-centered behavior support plans, and training Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) in effective behavior strategies. The specialist will collaborate with individuals, families, Care Managers, and interdisciplinary teams to monitor progress, modify services as needed, and promote independence and community inclusion. Additionally, this role will work with individuals and their family within their home setting to decrease challenging behavior as well as empowering families to increase desirable behaviors at home, at school and in their community.

Education and Experience

· Master's Degree in Special Education, Psychology, Social Work, or related field and at least three years of experience working with children with disabilities or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

· Experience conducting functional behavioral assessments and training in the area of behavior support or behavioral interventions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Strong commitment to the independent living philosophy, Person Centered Planning, consumer choice and integration of people with disabilities into all aspects of community life.

2. Experience developing and implementing behavioral support plans.

3. Proficient in the use of all Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, Power Point).

4. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

5. Demonstrate professional work habits including dependability, time management, independence, and responsibility.

6. Knowledge of ethical and professional responsibilities and boundaries.

7. Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.

8. Ability to multi-task and work effectively in both a team and individual setting.

9. Capacity to work in various settings, including school/home visits, and community-based locations.

10. Valid driver's license, access to a reliable and insured vehicle, and compliance with all applicable state regulations, including required vehicle inspections and driving record checks.

Essential Job Functions

1. Comply with all STIC policies and procedures, OPWDD requirements, and applicable state and federal laws and regulations.

2. Attend all mandatory agency and departmental trainings, meetings, and sign language class and advocacy groups.

3. Evaluate existing skills and behaviors of children and adults with various disabilities.

4. Conduct functional behavioral assessments across a variety of community settings (including home and school) using a person-centered approach.

5. Train Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to implement Behavior Support Plans, behavior strategies and/or safety plans.

6. Evaluate and monitor progress and modify services, as needed.

7. Meet with individuals/families as needed to discuss progress, concerns, and future goals.

8. Maintain prompt, reliable communication with individuals receiving services, supervisor, Care Managers, external departments, and other members of the person's care team.

9. Attend team meetings such as Life Plan meetings, CSE meetings, etc as needed to support the individual.

10. Maintain required documentation of services, collect statistical and other data, prepare reports and submit in a timely manner.

11. Develop written positive behavioral support tools, materials, and/or resources, that the family and support staff can implement, which will increase the consumer's independence, integration/inclusion in schools, in their home, and/or the community.

12. Perform all other duties relevant to the position as requested.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

· Ability to sit/stand throughout day to accomplish job.

· Ability to reach above shoulder level.

· Ability to turn/twist upper body.

· Ability to enter data, notes, and other documentation into a computer.

· Ability to use hand for repetitive action and fine manipulating for the purpose of keyboarding

· Extensive travel within a three-county service area (Broome, Chenango, Tioga).

· Work a flexible schedule that occasionally includes early mornings, evenings, and weekends.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to the extent required under applicable law to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $22.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid orientation
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Paid training
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person