Behavior Specialist - Community

About the Role

The Behavior Specialist will provide support to individuals and their caregivers by coordinating and delivering services in Applied Behavior Analysis, functional analyses and assessment, behavior acquisition and reduction procedures, and adaptive life skills. This role oversees programming and provides ongoing support and supervision to Behavior Technicians (BTs) and parents regarding the implementation and documentation of Skill Acquisition and Behavior Support Plans.

Responsibilities

• Function in a clinical supervisory capacity, providing oversight to all areas of programming, including training behavior technicians, direct support professionals, school personnel, and related providers.
• Develop and facilitate initial and follow-up training in Applied Behavior Analysis using discrete trial training and natural environment training models.
• Provide parent training and education on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis.
• Conduct Functional Behavioral Assessments and develop Behavior Support Plans focusing on teaching functional replacement behaviors and antecedent strategies for reducing problematic behavior.
• Create ongoing data collection systems to establish baselines and analyze data frequently to guide programming.
• Conduct skill assessments, develop skill acquisition plans, and monitor progress.
• Meet with supervised staff and caregivers to discuss ongoing issues and provide support.
• Graph data in a standardized format and complete required monthly, quarterly, and annual paperwork.
• Ensure all criteria meet contracts, private insurance, Medicaid, and local behavior committee requirements.
• Collaborate with professionals such as doctors, psychiatrists, speech therapists, and occupational therapists to develop and implement individualized goals.
• Review and sign off on behavior/treatment plan training for ABA field staff and provide field supervision as needed.
• Provide consultation services and maintain communication with supports, parents, community members, and agencies.
• Stay current with literature, research findings, and resources in the field.
• Maintain all data, paperwork, and communication between staff and families, providing feedback to government-related agencies.
• Complete daily records of service in the agency’s electronic health records system within 48 hours.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis, Psychology, Social Work, Education, or a related field (or actively enrolled in a program).
• BCBA certification or expected within an agreed-upon timeframe.
• 3–5 years’ experience implementing/supervising ABA-based educational and behavioral programming and curriculum development.
• Exemplary data collection skills and proven training abilities (one-on-one overlap, team teaching, or group training).
• Demonstrated clinical knowledge of children with autism across the ASD spectrum.
• Ability to obtain and maintain First Aid, CPR (adult, child, and infant) certification (training provided if needed).

Preferred Qualifications

• Valid Ohio Driver’s License with no more than 5 points on driving record.
• Valid car insurance.

Skills & Abilities

• Behavioral Health Assessment and Intervention.
• Personnel Management.
• Focus on the needs of individuals served.
• Ethical Conduct and Professionalism.
• Flexibility and Composure.
• Teamwork Orientation and Detail Orientation.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to document required therapy data accurately.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position supervises Behavior Technicians.

Work Environment

This role supports the Behavioral Health Afterschool Program, Day Program, and MSY home in Youngstown. The position operates in a community-based setting.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to talk or hear.
• Frequently required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.
• Ability to perform emergency medical procedures when necessary.
• Regularly lift, bend, push, pull, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl when implementing crisis interventions.
• Ability to hear and speak clearly in communication with individuals served, staff, family members, and the public.
• Ability to accept and implement feedback and constructive criticism.

Schedule

This is a full-time, exempt position requiring 40–45 hours per week, operating Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.