BIS 2 - Hudson Valley

Key/Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Identifies the habilitative, behavioral and psychiatric needs of the people we support through formal and informal assessments.
• Conducts behavioral and habilitative assessments including written questionnaires, standardized tests, rating scales, baseline data, direct and indirect observations and completes functional behavior assessments (FBAs).
• Analyzes data from multiple sources and utilizes findings to conduct research on related syndromes and conditions to support development of hypotheses for behaviors.
• Develops written, individualized habilitative and behavior support plans using proactive interventions in accordance with the agency philosophy and OPWDD Person-Centered Behavioral Intervention Regulations.
• Researches and implements the most effective and appropriate evidence-based treatment interventions and uses evidence-based behavioral approaches, strategies and supports to treatment interventions.
• Follows all protocols required to obtain proper approvals and consent(s) for all interventions, as applicable to plans and required by OPWDD, prior to implementation.
• Establishes baseline for each individual prior to implementation of habilitative and behavior support plan(s) and designs effective data collection systems that allow progress to be monitored.
• Directs and/or oversees day-to-day data collection by program staff, ensuring that data are consistently obtained, totaled and summarized on a monthly basis by the designated/trained staff (e.g. Assistant BIS) and that new data sheets are accessible at the beginning of each month.
• Ensures that timely modifications are made to the plan(s), as dictated by individual need based upon regular monitoring and assessment of response to services.
• Regularly trains all direct care staff and management at assigned programs on individual service, staff action plans and behavior management services using the Explain Model Observe Evaluate (EMOE) training system.
• Evaluates and provides feedback to program staff and supervisors regarding performance in the areas of Core Competencies by direct care staff at assigned programs.
• Supports direct care staff and works with leadership team, modeling and mobilizing supports during crisis situations and making recommendations for supports.
• Serves as a clinical team leader and key member of the treatment team, providing data, updates and/or recommendations regarding progress, developments and other significant items regarding individuals in interdisciplinary meetings and case reviews.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

• Master’s degree in clinical or treatment field of psychology, social work, school psychology or applied psychology as it relates to human development and clinical interventions, and documented training in assessment techniques and behavior support plan development.
• National Board certification in behavior analysis (Board Certified Behavior Analyst [BCBA]) and a Master’s degree in behavior analysis or a field closely related to clinical or community psychology approved by OPWDD.
• A current license and registration in Mental Health Counseling issued by the New York State Department of Education (NYSED).
• Successfully complete BIS School (or authorized equivalent training) through YAI within one (1) year of appointment.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evening and/or weekend hours and to regularly travel to multiple programs throughout assigned region(s), as required by regional needs.
• Must hold or obtain and maintain certification in Strategies for Crisis Intervention and Prevention – Revised (SCIP-R) or SCIP-R Restrictive and CPR if required for assigned program(s) within six (6) months of hire.
• Strong understanding of I/DD including autism spectrum disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, traumatic brain injury etc.
• Knowledge of co-occurring psychiatric diagnosis such as: mood disorders, anxiety disorders, OCD, psychotic disorder, trauma and neurocognitive disorders.
• Knowledge of hierarchy of restrictive/intrusive interventions.
• Familiarity with expected/therapeutic effects of psychotropic medications.
• Knowledge of ABA, CBT, DBT, positive psychology, other evidenced based approaches.
• Current certification in Strategies for Crisis Intervention and Prevention (SCIP-R or SCIP-R Restrictive) and CPR.