Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Job Summary

The Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) provides specialized behavioral health expertise for civil and forensic adult patients with highly acute, aggressive, and/or destructive behaviors that significantly interfere with treatment engagement, safety, and discharge readiness. This role is responsible for conducting Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs), developing and overseeing the implementation of individualized Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), and supporting interdisciplinary treatment teams in reducing behaviors related to Danger to Self (DTS) and Danger to Others (DTO).

Job Duties

• Conduct functional behavior assessments (FBAs); develop, implement, and monitor Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) and behavioral treatment recommendations for patients exhibiting aggression, self-injury, property destruction, treatment refusal, or other high-risk behaviors.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration, Staff Training & Implementation Support – Collaborate with treatment teams to address behavioral barriers to treatment, support implementation of behavioral interventions, provide staff coaching and consultation, and train staff on behavior support strategies, de-escalation techniques, reinforcement systems, and behavior plan implementation.
• Data Analysis and Program Development – Collect, analyze, and interpret behavioral data to evaluate treatment effectiveness, support clinical decision-making, and assist in the development of behavioral procedures and clinical programming designed to improve patient functioning, reduce barriers to treatment, and support successful community transition.
• Clinical Oversight & Professional Development – Provide BCBA oversight to practicum students as applicable and support staff development related to applied behavior analysis principles and interventions.
• Other duties as assigned as related to the position (typically 5% - 10%).

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge Of:
• Applied behavior analysis (ABA) principles, behavioral assessment methodologies, and behavior intervention planning.
• Functional behavior assessments (FBAs), behavioral data collection systems, and treatment evaluation methods.
• Patient rights, trauma-informed care, and applicable regulatory standards.
• Skills In:
• Conducting functional behavior assessments and skills based assessments.
• Developing, implementing, and evaluating Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs).
• Collecting, analyzing, and interpreting behavioral data to guide treatment decisions.
• Training, coaching, and consulting with clinical and direct care staff.
• Written and verbal communication, documentation, and clinical problem-solving.
• Ability To:
• Work effectively within interdisciplinary treatment teams.
• Establish and maintain professional and therapeutic relationships with patients and staff.
• Manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing clinical needs.
• Exercise sound clinical judgment and maintain confidentiality.
• Support a safe, therapeutic, and recovery-oriented treatment environment.
• Implement services with individuals exhibiting complex behavioral and mental health needs.

Selective Preference(s)

• Experience working in inpatient psychiatric, forensic, state hospital, or correctional settings with adult population.
• Familiarity with risk assessment, DTS/DTO considerations, and least restrictive environment principles.
• Prior experience providing supervision to BCBA practicum students.
• Experience training and coaching large multidisciplinary staff teams.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Master’s degree or higher in Applied Behavior Analysis, Psychology, Behavioral Science, or a related field.
• Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in good standing with the BACB.
• Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) in the state of Arizona (out of state applicants must submit all required documentation for state licensing within first 30 days of employment).
• License must be obtained by 6 months after hire.

Benefits

• Affordable medical and dental insurance plans.
• Paid vacation and sick time.
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
• 10 paid holidays per year.
• Wellness program and plans.
• Life insurance.
• Short/long-term disability insurance.
• Defined retirement plan.
• Award winning Infant at Work program.
• Credit union membership.
• Transit subsidy.
• ADHS Student Assistance Pilot Program

Contact Us

• The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.
• Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling (602) 220-6462.
• Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.
• DHS is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.