Behavioral Health Specialist V

Brief Job Description

Come work in an environment where we truly value and respect those we serve and believe in the mission that all people can achieve a higher level of wellness and independence.

The state supported living centers serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are medically fragile or who have behavioral problems. The centers provide campus-based direct services and supports at 13 centers located throughout the state. Learn About Our State Supported Living Centers

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

• Attends work on a regular basis and may be required to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
• Conducts functional behavioral assessments and ensures development and approval of behavior support plans, psychiatric support plans, and skill acquisition plans to meet individual’s need with varying levels of independence based upon training and experience.
• Conducts or ensures training for staff in applied behavior analysis, individual behavior support plans, and other relevant topics to provide adequate staff training to facilitate optimal treatment and training.
• Makes sure behavior support plans, psychiatric support plans and skills acquisition plans are monitored and evaluated to ensure effective implementation.
• Provides documentation (including data, graphs, and progress notes) to reflect and evaluate individual’s response to treatment.
• Participates as an effective member of the Unit and Interdisciplinary Teams to provide behavioral analysis and behavioral health information and programming perspectives to facilitate overall service delivery.
• Makes sure the use of restraints and emergency procedures are monitored and documented accurately and timely to ensure appropriate and minimal use.
• Aids in coordinating and reviewing psychotropic medications such that these medications are only used in conjunction with adequate nonpharmacological supports, including counseling plans, psychiatric support plans, and behavior support plans.
• Participates in quality assurance and quality enhancement activities related to psychological service provision.
• Plans the work of, assigns duties to, and provides technical assistance to assigned staff to facilitate effective behavior service delivery as evidenced by effective performance on the part of assigned staff.
• Aids in collecting information for evaluations to assess individuals’ level of intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. Collects and summarizes information for behavioral health assessments and annual updates.
• Maintains current knowledge in relevant areas in behavioral analysis and behavioral health services and training techniques to provide maximally effective services.
• Performs special assignments as requested.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge and experience in administering the delivery of behavior analysis and behavioral health services to persons with intellectual disabilities.
• Knowledge of etiology and characteristics of developmental disabilities.
• Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and departmental and agency policy.
• Knowledge of and ability to provide an array of behavioral health services based upon training and competencies.
• Ability to administer discipline-specific assessments, including intelligence and adaptive behavior assessments.
• Knowledge and skills in applied behavior analysis and behavior support plan development, implementation, and evaluation.
• Ability to train staff in behavior support plan implementation and basic psychological/behavioral concepts.
• Ability to work within a model of professional supervision and make decisions within broad guidelines and/or parameters.
• Knowledge and skills in using personal computers and relevant software.
• Ability to effectively communicate both written and orally.
• Ability to work effectively within an interdisciplinary team.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work and complete basic duties with moderate supervision.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications

• Eligible to pursue board certification as a behavior analyst upon hire is preferred

Additional Information

• Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aide, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct and HHS List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE).
• Males between the ages of 18 – 25 must be registered with the Selective Service.
• All State Supported Living Center Employees are subject to Random Drug Testing.
• Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays.
• All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.
• Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.
• Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:
• Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.