Behavioral Intervention Specialist I - 0010D - (DDA017) - Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM

Position Summary

The Behavior Intervention Specialist I (BIS I) works in conjunction with the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) to assure the mental health and behavioral needs of the individuals we serve. The BIS I is responsible for the assessment of behavioral needs and implementation of behavioral programs that will decrease maladaptive behavior(s) and increase positive replacement behaviors. This position may have supervised/unsupervised contact and or conversational interaction with individuals while working in the residences and day habilitation facilities.

Essential Accountabilities

• Participate as an active member of the IDT through the provision of behavioral consultation particularly on individuals with identified or emerging behavioral challenges.
• Participates in meetings including, but not limited to ISP, Day Programs, Departmental, Case Reviews, Special IDT, Consult Reviews, and staff training.
• Utilize formal and informal assessments to complete semi-annual and annual psychological reports. Prepare and distribute written reports in a timely manner.
• Conducts formal and informal assessments including, but not limited to an individual's social emotional, cognitive, and behavioral functioning.
• Completes formal assessment of adaptive functioning at least every three years or more frequently as needed.
• Completes functional behavioral assessments prior to developing a behavior support plan.
• Develops and revises behavior support plans and monitoring plans at least annually.
• Establishes consistent data collection methods used to develop behavior support plans/monitoring plans and to monitor the effectiveness of interventions (in both the residence and day program).
• Reviews data at least monthly.
• Develops necessary protocols and programming to monitor and reduce maladaptive behaviors including Supervision Protocols, Pica Checklists, and Behavioral Incentive Programs.
• Debriefs with staff and individuals after major crisis or behavioral events and provide supportive counseling as indicated.
• Provides individualized and group interventions to meet the needs of identified individuals (e.g. teaching positive replacement behaviors, ABA, coping skills, sensory groups, etc.).
• Maintains written progress notes to document group and/or individual interventions, specific behavioral interventions, observations, debriefings, trainings, and consultations.
• Trains multi-level staff in the implementation of behavior support plans/monitoring plans and in general approaches to managing challenging behaviors and other behavioral health issues.
• Provides appropriate consultation with psychiatrists including attendance at psychiatric appointments as needed and communication of accurate behavioral progress to assist psychiatrists with management of psychotropic medication and treatment planning.
• Works with interdisciplinary team members to monitor psychotropic medications in relation to the individual's current behavioral status.
• Obtains informed consent for psychotropic medications, MIPs, and restrictive behavior support plans. Ensures that HRC packet is complete and includes all components prior to presentation.
• Presents psychotropic medications, MIPs, and restrictive behavior plans to the Human Rights Committee for approval.
• Performs yearly audit reviews of psychological/behavioral documents to ensure reports and documents are present and organized in the appropriate sections of the individuals' records and to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Participates in various agency committees, as assigned.
• Must be able to work flexible hours and travel to multiple sites. Caseloads and schedules are subject to change based on individuals need/request.
• Perform all techniques required in SCIP, CPR, & First Aid, as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality.

Qualifications

• A Master's degree from a program in a clinical and /or treatment field of psychology and have had documented training in the assessment techniques and behavioral support plan development; at least 5 years' experience working directly with individuals with developmental disabilities, including the devising, implementation, and monitoring of behavioral support plans; and /or providing supervision and training to others in the implementation of behavior support plans.
• A valid driver's license and/or access to a vehicle is highly preferred.