Behavioural Specialist

Job description

Job Title: Behavioural Specialist

Location: Hybrid

Reporting to: Regional Operations Manager (ROM) / Director of Services (DoS)

Lotus Care Services:

Lotus Care is dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals, predominantly those with moderate intellectual disabilities and autism, by providing a nurturing environment where personal growth and development are prioritized. Through tailored support and guidance, our team fosters opportunities for each individual to cultivate their personal skills, empowering them to lead fulfilling lives. We believe in the importance of facilitating active participation in various aspects of life, including school attendance, social interactions, and leisure activities.

At Lotus Care, we are committed to promoting greater inclusion within the local community. Our ethos is built on the principles of partnership, dignity, and respect, ensuring that every individual receives the support they need to thrive. We prioritize the autonomy and independence of those we serve, striving to empower them to make choices that align with their preferences and aspirations. By fostering an environment of acceptance and understanding, we aim to create a community where everyone feels valued and included, regardless of their abilities.

As a Behavioural Specialist in Lotus Care, your role is pivotal in ensuring the delivery of high-quality residential support services for individuals with moderate intellectual disabilities and autism. You will support dedicated teams in providing personalized care, fostering inclusivity, and facilitating community engagement for our service users. Your responsibilities encompass overseeing behavioural support, guiding staff in implementing individual support plans, and maintaining compliance with regulatory standards set by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA).

Your role involves close collaboration with the Person in Charge (PIC) and Regional Operations Manager to uphold Lotus Care's values of partnership, dignity, respect, and choice. By providing leadership, support, and guidance to staff members, you play a crucial role in ensuring the holistic development and well-being of service users. Additionally, your oversight of risk management and administrative tasks contributes to the smooth functioning of the residential service, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for those under our care.

The Behaviour Specialist at Lotus Care is integral to our envisioned multidisciplinary team, fostering collaboration among caregivers, families, and other professionals. This collaborative effort ensures a holistic approach to care that respects the dignity, rights, and independence of each individual. By conducting thorough behavioural assessments, implementing effective support plans, and providing ongoing staff training, the Behaviour Specialist contributes significantly to maintaining the highest standards of care and support within our organization.

This position offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with diverse needs, promoting their active participation in shaping their support plans and ensuring their voices are heard throughout their journey with Lotus Care.

Key Responsibilities:

Behavioural Assessment and Intervention:

• Conduct thorough behavioural assessments to identify individual needs and formulate tailored intervention plans.
• Implement and monitor behavioural support plans in alignment with organizational policies and best practices.
• Lead the development and execution of positive behaviour support plans.
• Assist in referrals and assessments to ensure comprehensive support provision.
• Collaborate on proactive strategies benefiting both staff and service users.

Staff Training and Development:

• Develop and deliver training programs on positive behavioural support, de-escalation techniques, and trauma-informed care.
• Provide ongoing coaching to staff to ensure consistent application of behavioural strategies.

Service User Support:

• Engage closely with service users to understand their needs and preferences, involving them in the creation of their support plans.
• Foster collaboration with families, caregivers, and professionals to ensure integrated care approaches.

Data Collection and Analysis:

• Gather and analyse behavioural data to assess intervention effectiveness and inform decision-making.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation in compliance with organizational and regulatory requirements.

Crisis Intervention:

• Provide immediate support during behavioural crises using approved techniques.
• Develop crisis intervention plans to mitigate impacts on service users and staff.

Regulatory Compliance:

• Ensure all interventions adhere to relevant legislation, policies, and HIQA standards.
• Assist in preparing for HIQA inspections to uphold care quality benchmarks.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Degree in Psychology, Behavioural Science, or a related field.
• PSI-accredited qualifications in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA).
• Experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities, autism, and trauma.
• Proficiency in developing and implementing behavioural support plans.
• Strong grasp of positive behavioural support and trauma-informed care principles.
• Ability to work cooperatively within a team.
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities.

DESIRABLE:

• Experience in Autism-specific interventions.
• Background or qualifications in behavioural psychology.
• Experience in social care environments.

COMPETENCIES NEEDED:

• Teamwork
• Problem-solving skills
• Initiative
• Flexibility
• Interpersonal Skills
• Planning and Organization

Additional Elements:

Provide goal-focused therapeutic support to children and young people in collaboration with their families, delivering 1:1 intervention. Training in the pluralistic approach to therapy is provided on induction, with frequent supervision and training opportunities.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide goal-focused therapeutic support to children and young people in collaboration with their families.
• Maintain appropriate therapy records of all therapeutic activity in line with GDPR.
• Adhere to Children's First Guidelines for the protection and welfare of children.
• Follow all child protection safeguarding procedures.
• Liaise and consult with other professionals across services as needed.
• Operate within all policies, procedures, and guidelines of the service.
• Participate in team meetings and other relevant meetings.
• Contribute to specific tasks related to service development and expansion.

Working Conditions:

• Hybrid work model with remote and on-site support in residential settings.
• Full-time position with standard office hours, flexibility as needed.
• Occasional travel to various service locations.
• Participation in on-call rotation for crisis intervention.

Probationary Period: A probationary period of six months applies to this position.

Salary: The current salary scale for this position ranges from €50,000 to €55,000 per annum.

Annual Leave: Annual leave entitlement is 23 days pro rata per annum, proportionately adjusted for less than 12 months of service.

Garda Clearance / Police Clearance: Prospective employees undertaking relevant work or activities involving children or vulnerable persons will be required to obtain Garda / Police clearance.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

This description is not exhaustive, and you may be required to undertake additional duties as requested by the Director of Services.

Lotus Care Services offers:

Competitive Salary

An excellent opportunity to grow in a young developing service

Flexible working hours

Annual Bonus Scheme

23 annual leave days

Company Pension Scheme Administration

Training and development

Paid expenses

Referral Bonus Scheme

Recruitment Process:

Please apply via really link or email jobs@lotuscare.ie with your CV outlining your experience, skills and suitability for the position.

Lotus Care Services is an Equal Opportunities Employer

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: €50,000.00-€55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company events
• Company pension
• On-site parking
• Sick pay

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Bachelor's (required)

Experience:

• Psychology &/or Behavioural Science: 5 years (required)

Licence/Certification:

• Driver's License (required)

Work Location: On the road

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