Behavior Intervention Specialist

About the Role

The Behavior Intervention Specialist provides behavior support planning and clinical guidance to individuals served by IRI and the staff who support them, working under the general supervision of a licensed PhD psychologist and the Director of Clinical Services and Data Analytics.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and regularly revise individualized behavior support plans for assigned individuals
• Train direct-care staff on prescribed behavior supports and protocols, including Positive Behavior Support, Functional Communication Training, and data collection methods
• Consult with other professionals on individuals' behavioral and psychosocial status
• Maintain documentation in compliance with agency policy and regulatory standards
• Prepare, monitor, and revise behavior treatment plans and psychosocial assessments; present findings at annual reviews
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and intake screenings
• Consult with families, program staff, and treating clinicians on individual status and recommendations
• Serve on agency-wide committees as assigned
• Conduct regular site visits to each assigned residence
• Report incidents to immediate supervisor
• Analyze behavioral data to inform treatment planning
• Facilitate socialization, psychosocial, and advocacy groups addressing self-regulation, nutrition/diet planning, and relationship development
• Provide individual and situational crisis counseling to individuals and families
• Coordinate with attending psychiatrists and prescribers on mental health, behavioral health, and psychosocial matters
• Conduct clinical screenings for individuals with IDD and prepare related reports
• Chair ITT and Circle of Support meetings addressing mental health, behavioral health, and psychosocial adjustment
• Ensure documentation quality supports accurate billing and claiming
• Advocate on behalf of individuals supported by IRI
• Uphold professional ethics and standards of conduct at all times

Qualifications

Education

One of the following:

• Master's degree in a clinical/treatment field (psychology, social work, school psychology, or applied psychology related to human development and clinical intervention), with documented training in assessment and behavior support plan development; or
• Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) credential with a Master's degree in behavior analysis or a closely related field (clinical or community psychology)

Experience

At least five years of direct experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities, including developing, implementing, and monitoring behavior support plans.

Communication Skills

Fluent spoken and written English, with strong writing skills (grammar, spelling, punctuation) required for clinical documentation.

Physical & Travel Requirements

• Ability to travel regularly across Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Long Island; flexibility to take on generalist duties as assigned
• Ability to stand, walk, use hands/fingers, reach, and communicate verbally throughout the workday; occasional balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling
• Reliable means of transportation — valid driver's license preferred; those without a vehicle must be able to travel by public transit and arrive at appointments on time
• Basic computer proficiency, including use of fax, copier, scanner, and ability to learn new software systems