Applied Behavior Specialist

About the role

Elwyn seeks an Applied Behavior Specialist (ABS) to provide intensive ongoing behavioral assessment and behavior support plan implementation to individuals diagnosed with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) or other genetic/behaviorally complicated disorders who live in a Community Residential Services (CRS) setting. Individuals in CRS’ specialized behavioral programs receive supports within a highly structured environment, including behavioral interventions. The ABS will participate in continued behavioral assessment across settings and apply strategies derived from an applied behavior analysis (ABA) model, working closely with the clinical team to implement individually designed behavior plans to decrease problem behavior while increasing adaptive, appropriate responses.

Responsibilities

• Provides required levels of supervision for assigned persons served at CRS’ specialized behavioral program site as determined by program management in accordance with the individual’s support plan.
• Provides behavioral assessment and behavior support plan (BSP) implementation services to residents.
• Applies treatment strategies, therapeutic interventions, and protocols derived from an ABA model developed by the clinical team.
• Attends ongoing trainings and keeps all certifications up to date.
• Collects data on behavior support plans and outcomes.
• Works with individuals on daily living skills in a structured environment to establish consistent routines and skills through teachable moments.
• Develops and implements appropriate recreational activities in conjunction with the program management team.
• Files documentation in clinical charts and purges in accordance with the purge schedule as needed.
• Prepares meals according to menu and program schedule.
• Implements outcomes and maintains residents’ progress consistent with behavior and therapeutic goals.
• Supervises, instructs, supports, and provides guidance to assigned persons served in accordance with the individual’s Behavior Support Plan and team-driven general support plan, including but not limited to:
  • Ensuring food security by implementing the program structure and schedule at all times in the PWS home and/or other needed structures in the specialized behavioral program.
  • Ensuring heightened supervision in the community to maintain food security and general safety of individuals.
  • Supporting healthcare, religious preferences, sexual preferences, ethnic and cultural needs, recreational/socialization/vocational activities, physical fitness, and healthy living.
  • Facilitating family visits and involvement, and addressing family disagreements and grievances.
  • Promoting independence in daily activities such as purchase and inventory of food and personal supplies, cooking, housekeeping, money management, social awareness, interpersonal relationships, and personal hygiene.
• Follows medical guidelines to administer medication as scheduled or as needed in strict accordance with each support plan and medication administration protocols.
• Strictly follows medical protocols, including physicians’ orders for continued care, updating medical records, and conforming to protocols concerning medical appointments.
• Coordinates and provides transportation for assigned persons served in accordance with the support plan and site needs.
• Prepares for and responds to emergency situations to ensure safety and security, including providing CPR, first aid, and crisis intervention as needed, conducting fire drills, and notifying proper authorities.
• Completes required paperwork and maintains documentation, such as shift progress notes, daily logs, monthly progress reports, daily goal reports, assessments, financial transactions, Medical Administration Records, behavioral data sheets, Incident Reports, and contact forms.
• Ensures the program site operates in accordance with organizational quality standards, state licensing, and accreditation standards, including routine maintenance and cleanliness of Elwyn vehicles.
• Aids in resolving problematic situations for persons served and notifies program management of unusual situations.
• Reviews and maintains adequate medication inventory levels weekly.
• Participates in the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) process and reports issues if the support plan is problematic.
• Reviews the daily log for completion of required activities and reports results to program management.
• Records daily census accurately and timely when working second shift.
• Reports all incidents as required by regulation for Mandated Reporters.
• Reports any infractions of Elwyn policies to program management.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology or a closely related field, or Associates degree or 60 college credits plus three (3) years of work experience in programs supporting people with acute behavioral needs.
• Experience working with individuals with challenging behaviors desired.
• Experience implementing ABA strategies desired.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Excellent customer interaction, collaboration, and written and verbal communication skills.
• Basic experience with Microsoft Office applications, specifically Outlook.
• Current certification/recertification in CPR, First Aid, Medication Administration, and crisis intervention, in accordance with agency-trained protocols.
• Current, valid driver’s license in state of residence, with a minimum of two (2) years of driving experience within the United States and an acceptable driving record.

Benefits

• Generous Paid Time Off.
• Comprehensive Medical/Dental/Vision Benefit Packages.
• Earned Wage Access/On-Demand Pay.
• Paid On-the-Job Training.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• Career Advancement Opportunities and Growth.
• Flexible Schedules.
• Retirement Savings Plan.