Contracted Behavior Consultant

Summary: Incumbent performs duties according to standard Division policies, procedures, goals and objectives, exercising discretion and independent judgment in effectively applying guidelines to individual cases and circumstances and in supervising assigned personnel. Incumbent makes a substantial contribution to the agency's mission by directing effective training programs according to agency policies and procedures. Incumbent works with minimum direct supervision, referring to supervisor any unusual or unprecedented situations, such as misconduct of agency staff. Work is periodically reviewed for compliance with agency policy and effect on agency goals and objectives. Incumbent maintains frequent contact with other Easterseals Arc personnel, other agencies, government officials, the public, clients and their families/guardians for the purpose of exchanging information, coordinating, directing and supervising training operations to meet client needs. The primary responsibility of the Behavior Consultant will be to help individuals identify and address problem behaviors through the design and implementation of a Functional Behavior Assessment and Behavior Support Plan. The goal of the consultant is to decrease maladaptive behaviors by working with the individual and her/his team to teach appropriate replacement behaviors. The Behavior Consultant will provide structured, goal-oriented, time-limited therapy for families who need assistance recovering from physical, sexual, emotional abuse and neglect as assigned. The Behavior Consultant will report directly to the Director of Behavior Solutions.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintain compliance with all regulatory bodies.
• Maintains detailed client case notes, compiles, and submits reports.
• Accurately tracks, monitors, and documents all approved billing.
• Ensures accurate and proper documentation of services; ensures that services adhere to regulations.
• Adheres to Easterseals Arc Human Resources and EEO/AA policies and performs other duties as assigned.
• Provide positive behavior supports and interventions that are individualized.
• Uses evidence-based practices in service delivery.
• Attends and participates in family and team meetings.
• Attends all Behavior Consultant meetings scheduled by the Director of Behavior Solutions.
• Obtains all needed signatures for required paperwork.
• Effective correspondence and communication with all individuals, providers, family members, staff members, and all other treatment team members.
• Ability and willingness to support individuals with challenging behavior, mental health needs and/or medical concerns.
• Provides timely interventions with individuals and ensures all deadlines are met.
• Ability to coach individuals in a positive and supportive manner and redirect or deescalate situations as needed.
• Must be able to establish clear boundaries with clients and be assertive when needed.
• Partners with individuals, families, and staff to develop and carry out an individual person-centered functional behavior assessment and behavior support plan reflective of the individual's needs.
• Support people to be safe and have optimal health and wellbeing:
• • Attends all appointments that pertain to the individuals' mental health.
  • Maintain a system of personal availability to all individuals on assigned case load.
  • Provides crisis intervention and supportive counseling.
  • Provide structured, goal-oriented, time-limited therapy for DCS families who need assistance recovering from physical, sexual, emotional abuse and neglect.
  • Reports and notifies the Director of Behavior Solutions immediately of a crisis that has occurred.
  • Maintains a safe, positive, and supportive environment with all individuals.
• Ability to communicate effectively with an individual in the individuals' mode of communication.
• Positively represent Easterseals Arc.
• Upholds agency values and follows agency policies and procedures.
• Maintains confidentiality of records/information according to HIPAA, State, Federal Laws, and guidelines.
• Maximize and responsibly utilize agency and community resources.
• Serves as a liaison to participants, families, community resources, State, and local agencies.
• Engage in on-going professional development to increase knowledge and skills.
• Provide trainings to others through examples and sharing of knowledge.

Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Master's degree in psychology, Special Education, Social Work, or a related human service field required.
• 5 years of experience providing direct behavioral services, knowledge of clinical assessments, dual diagnoses, neuro/biological etiology of behavior symptoms and psychopharmacology preferred.
• Licensure as a Mental Health Counselor, Clinical Social Worker, Marriage, and Family Therapist,
• Marriage and Family Therapist Associate or Mental Health Counselor Associate preferred.
• Bilingual preferred.
• Ability to coordinate services under the direction of agency clinical supervision and training from the HSPP Psychologist.
• Possession of a personal laptop/tablet with internet access for work documentation and must be computer efficient.
• Must be flexible, and demonstrate good conceptual skills, leadership skills, and managerial abilities.
• Ability to pass criminal/registry background checks and other checks as deemed necessary.
• A valid driver’s license insured vehicle and safe driving history are required.
• Basic language, written and computer skills necessary for communication and documentation.
• Ability to pass and maintain required trainings such as CPR/First Aid, Medication Administration and Positive Behavioral Support Training and other trainings as deemed necessary by the agency.
• Ability to effectively use a computer to complete required documentation, and ability to learn more intensive systems.
• Ability to comprehend and implement State, Medicaid, DCS, Agency, and Department regulations as well as individual client service plans.

Working Conditions: Behavior Consultants work in a changing environment that adjusts to the needs of the individuals in program services. The environment may be fast paced with deadlines. BC's need to be flexible and be able to adjust to changing needs activities and locations. Some site locations may have tobacco smoke and/or pet dander based on the individual being supported. BC's must have an insured, safe vehicle in good working order to utilize for incidental transportation required for staff and program participants to and from appointments. Incumbent may work with violent/physically aggressive participants and responds to emergency situations involving potential physical harm to self and others. Incumbent may work extended hours, evenings, and occasionally travels out-of-town as needed.

Physical Requirement: Depending on the needs of the individuals, the work can be physically demanding including transferring or supporting people with mobility needs, lifting or moving items up to 75 lbs.,