Intensive Behavior Intervention Specialist

About the Role

Cornerstone is committed to total satisfaction through delivery of services, quality of life skills training and support, and continual improvement of our quality management system within Youth Residential Services. The Intensive Behavioral Intervention (IBI) Specialist partners with the Program Director, Deputy Program Director, and direct care staff at assigned service sites to provide IBI services to children placed in residential programs approved by DCS as an Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) program. These services address behaviors that decrease a child’s quality of life, independence, and meaningful participation in the community. IBI is a highly specialized, individualized program of instruction and behavioral intervention based on a functional, behavioral, and/or skills assessment of the child’s treatment needs.

The primary goal is to reduce behavioral excesses (e.g., tantrums, acting out) and teach replacement behaviors that enhance social value and community access. This role may require working direct care shifts or performing direct care tasks, involving complex behavioral management, negotiation, communication, organizational, advocacy, and business skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop a Behavioral Support Plan (BSP) for each assigned resident, based on the belief that all behavior has purpose and meaning. The BSP is a component of the Individualized Program Plan (IPP) and fulfills requirements for specialized services under 465 IAC 2.
• Gather information for the BSP from assessments, including:
  • Medical/health assessments
  • Meaningful day assessments
  • Environmental assessments
  • Psychiatric assessments
  • Other relevant assessments (e.g., speech and language)
• Perform a functional behavior assessment using:
  • Review of records (including all assessments)
  • Interviews with knowledgeable informants
  • Direct observation of the child
• Review and update the functional behavior assessment annually or as needed to reflect the hypothesized cause or function of behaviors.
• Ensure each BSP includes:
  • Identifying information for the child
  • Operational definitions for alternate/replacement behaviors
  • Alternate/replacement behavior objectives
  • Data collection instructions for behaviors to be increased or taught
  • Operational definitions for targeted behaviors to be decreased
  • Data collection instructions for targeted behaviors
  • Pro-active/preventative strategies
  • Re-active/de-escalation strategies
  • Author identification and signature
  • Signatures of the child, legal guardian, and referral source (when indicated)
• Obtain legal guardian/referral source approval for BSPs incorporating restrictive interventions, ensuring compliance with 465 IAC 2.
• Monitor and adjust the BSP and environment as needed to minimize unwanted behaviors, providing monthly progress reports to legal guardians or referral sources.
• Provide competency-based training on the child’s BSP to all personnel working with the child before they begin.
• Ensure all personnel implement the child’s BSP as written.
• Adhere to established clinical counseling procedures and Cornerstone policies, including those in the Employee Handbook and Operational Policies and Procedures Manual.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in applied behavioral analysis, social work, psychology, counseling, or a related human services field approved by DCS.
• Current Indiana license in psychology, clinical counseling, social work, or a related field.
• Minimum age of 21 (per licensure requirements).
• Valid Indiana driver’s license and driving record meeting Cornerstone’s insurance eligibility requirements.
• Must meet and maintain background screening requirements for assigned programs; no felony convictions or criminal offenses involving dependent populations.
• Successful completion of pre-employment physical.
• One year of experience working with neuropsychiatric or behavioral challenges and/or individuals with developmental disabilities (DD/ID) preferred.
• Knowledge of current trends and research in psychotropic medications for individuals with developmental disabilities preferred.
• Previous experience providing services to individuals with disabilities or in the Department of Children Services (or similar entity).
• Ability to work flexible hours and locations, including covering direct care shifts as necessary.
• Valid Mantoux tuberculin test or chest x-ray within 30 days of employment.

Skills

• Business and Technical Skills:
  • Apply general knowledge to carry out written, verbal, or scheduled instructions.
  • Handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Basic computer skills, with the ability to learn and use identified software applications.
  • Operate general office, household, and adaptive equipment.
  • Read, comprehend, interpret, and apply information from procedures, safety rules, instructions, data, and reports.
  • Use basic English grammar to write routine reports and correspondence.
  • Organizational skills to document data and maintain records accurately.
• Communication/Interaction Skills:
  • Effectively communicate verbally and in writing with diverse audiences and customers.
  • Work as a team member and promote a positive work culture.
  • Communicate with all levels of personnel, both internal and external.
• Self-Management Skills:
  • Maintain regular attendance and punctuality; accurately record attendance.
  • Organize self and work activities; take initiative to accomplish tasks.
  • Demonstrate cooperative attitude and tolerance for stress in critical situations.
  • Maintain confidentiality, integrity, and accountability within the scope of responsibilities.

Working Conditions

• Ability to work a flexible schedule (in-person or remotely), including days, evenings, weekends, and/or overnight shifts.
• Provide own transportation; maintain auto insurance and a valid driver’s license with an insurable driving record.
• Complete medication administration training prior to the start date.
• Ability to lift/move/transfer individuals or materials up to 75 lbs. periodically.
• Ability to stand, walk, stoop, and bend frequently.
• Manual dexterity to handle objects, materials, and tasks (e.g., medication, first aid supplies, meal preparation, household tasks).
• Maintain CPR and First Aid certification; stay current on all training required by Indiana state guidelines, industry standards, and company policies.
• Successfully complete a background check at hire and annually thereafter.
• Occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts, toxic/caustic chemicals, and fumes or airborne particles.
• Noise levels in the work environment range from quiet to moderate.