Behavioral Specialist - Full Time

BEHAVIOR SPECIALIST

JOB LOCATION: Travels to program locations throughout Salem, Camden, and Burlington Counties, New Jersey
POSITION TYPE: Full Time, flexible 40 hours/week

The Behavior Specialist utilizes a formal education and practical experience to improve the behavioral health of those served by Allies. As a Behavior Specialist, you will provide behavioral support plans and services to persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. You will also provide training for these individuals, their families, and Allies support staff so that everyone is properly equipped to enable the individuals served to reach their highest levels of independence. You will be a part of an interdisciplinary team to ensure that each of the clients you serve receives the highest quality support possible.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Graduation from an accredited college with a Master's degree in Psychology, Special Education, Sociology, Counseling, Social Work, or other behavioral science program.
• At least one year of experience working in a habilitation or therapeutic treatment program for individuals with mental illness and/or I/DD involving behavior modification programs and the writing of behavior support plans.
• Unrestricted Driver License with good driving record
• Proof of valid auto insurance coverage
• Ability to lift and transfer at least 50 lbs.
• The ability to sit, stand, bend, squat, reach, be agile, physically pursue clients on foot and stand for several hours at a time
• Must be able to read, write and verbally communicate in English and direct/respond to client's needs

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assess and document behavioral needs within approved best practices in accordance with all governing standards.
• Develop, write and implement appropriate behavior support plans to include measurable goals and interventions as defined by Division Circulars, best practices and agency standards.
• Assess and modify plans in response to changing behavioral health needs of individuals served.
• Effectively provide hands-on and administrative training of behavior support plans to residential staff for each individual served while promoting a person-centered approach to behavioral supports.
• Professionally interact with other support staff and administration to ensure continuity, coordination and documentation of care occurs between the individuals' behavior support needs and their Individualized Habilitation Plan (IHP) or Individualized Service Plan (ISP).
• Take a proactive role in attending all planning, Interdisciplinary Team (IDT), and IHP/ISP meetings of those on assigned caseload.
• Document information and treatment in accordance with DDD and Allies Inc. requirements.
• Communicate effectively with supervisor, other support staff, clients, and families and outside agencies as appropriate. Participate in consumer-centered meetings and staff meetings as needed and assigned.
• Provide training for individuals and their families served, where needed, in the areas of managing behavioral challenges.
• Provide training for other support staff on specific behavioral support methods and plans related to the specific needs of the individuals served.
• Review, monitor and document the implementation of approved support plans/programs.
• Respond to crises and deliver interventions as needed.
• Review pertinent records of individuals on a need to know basis, while following HIPAA (Health Information Portability Accountability Act of 1996) guidelines.
• Recommend policies and procedures on behavioral support/intervention/planning as new methods become available.
• Participate in appropriate professional growth and continuing education opportunities as they become available or assigned.
• Works with each individual's IDT and all other interested parties to build self-esteem and social capitol for each individual served.
• Be proactive in the care and treatment of individuals we serve by initiating interventions, trainings, IDT meetings, and IHP/ISP modifications when required.
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits offered to Full Time employees:

• Health Insurance
• Vision & Dental Plans
• Prescription Drug Plan
• 401k Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Observed Holidays
• Life Insurance & Disability Insurance

At Allies, you will meet passionate people dedicating their lives to helping others. We are constantly striving to improve the lives of the people we serve. As a result, we are constantly growing to become better people and a better company. If you have compassion for others and a desire for personal growth and wish to bring that compassion and commitment to work, you will be a great fit!

Allies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.