Behavior Specialist Assistant

Description

SUMMARY

Under the direct supervision of the Behavior Specialist, assist in monitoring behavior, data collection and evaluation, training staff and caregivers, performing face to face modeling positive behavior supports and intervention techniques for instruction of individuals. Work with Interdisciplinary Teams including families, Supports Coordinators, and caregiver staff. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS/MAJOR TASKS

1. Assist in the referral process for behavior support services through assessment, direct observation of individuals and interviews of caregivers. 

1. Participate in the Functional Behavior Assessment process through data collection, and direct and indirect assessment and data collection methods.

1. Contribute to the Behavior plan development and maintenance through observations, evaluation of plan success and analysis of documentation. 

1. Participate in training caregivers in plans and techniques and meet regularly to observe the performance of plan implementation offering coaching to caregivers as needed. 

1. Assist in preparation of various activities and methods used as part of behavior support plans such as task analysis, social stories, constructing picture communication boards and other visual aids as appropriate. 

1. Gather documentation from caregivers including review for completeness and accuracy and follow-up to obtain missing documentation or missing information. 

1. Maintain required 24 hours of training yearly and any additional training requested by Behavior Specialist 

1. Attend bi-weekly supervision with Behavior Specialist 

1. Attend meetings and organizational training as required. 

1. Ability to travel from one location to another both in organizational locations and in community locations where observations and other duties can be performed with the individuals. This may be across various times of day and day of the week; some weekends may be required in order to observe behaviors in the context that they are occurring.

1. Ability to provide no less than 80% of total hours as billable services. 

1. Other duties as assigned. 

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Demonstrates interest in learning additional aspects of job and attends trainings throughout the year as needed/required including company orientation and Office of Mental Health trainings.
2. Maintains open communication channels to foster a harmonious work environment.
3. Maintains accurate and complete records in an organized and efficient manner.
4. Attends and participates in ISP meetings for individuals on case load.
5. Participates with Incident and Risk Management Committees as needed.
6. Provides coverage in emergency situations. 
7. To keep up to date on regulations regarding behavioral support.
8. Other duties that may be assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

1. Must have full range of use of both arms and hands to properly work with individuals.
2. Ability to see read and distinguish colors, with or without vision aides, , rules, policies and other printed matter.
3. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
4. Ability to speak in audible tones so that others may understand clearly in normal conversations.
5. Ability to write legibly so that others may read and understand.
6. Ability to quickly respond during times of emergency.
7. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, stoop, bend, twist, or crouch.
8. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb, balance, kneel, or crawl.
9. The employee may be required to lift and/or move up to 75 pounds as part of a team.

WORKING CONDITIONS

1. Primarily administrative with exposure to toners and ink cartridges;
2. Seasonal displays may include hay, pine needles, flowers, etc.;
3. Outside weather conditions at times;
4. Noise level can be high at times.
5. There is potential for exposure to physical injury from aggressive behavior

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS / PREREQUISITES

1. COMMUNICATION
   1. Ability to effectively communicate with individuals served, staff, supervisors, management, and co-workers using professional and understandable language skills; verbally, in reading, written work and comprehension.
   2. Communication must be consistent with the core values of the organization. Ability to communicate in a manner that contributes to a harmonious work environment.
   3. Ability to read and interpret documents such as short correspondence, memos, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. 
2. Ability to write behavior related reports and correspondence. 
   1. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to individuals, caregivers, and other professionals. 
   2. Knowledge of and ability to read and  interpret clinical reports, behavioral documentation and journal articles.

1. SKILLS
   1. Knowledge of functional behavior assessments.
   2. Knowledge of positive behavior interventions and supports.
   3. Knowledge of intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental illness and behavioral issues, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual DSM IV, child development, individual, group, and family treatment methodologies.
   4. Strong working knowledge of computer software products (MS Word, Excel, internet, e-mail, etc.).
   5. Knowledge and the ability to utilize good listening skills and comprehend verbal instructions given in English.
   6. Ability to organize, prioritize work assignments, schedules, and meet deadlines.
   7. Ability to collect and analyze data.
   8. Ability to conduct functional behavior assessments.
   9. Ability to work under pressure of time constraints.
   10. Ability to build healthy therapeutic relationships.
   11. Ability to establish and maintain professional boundaries and ethical standards.
   12. Ability to maintain confidential and sensitive information.
   13. Ability to read and comprehend instructions written in English.
   14. Ability to write legibly in English in a clear, concise, and logical manner.
   15. Ability to speak clearly and express self effectively in English.
   16. Ability to work cooperatively as part of a team and model the application of specific techniques. 
   17. Ability to implement individualized behavior plans as well as recognizing where adjustments or revisions are needed and communicating with the Behavior Specialist. 
   18. Ability to work honestly and with integrity. 
   19. Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism when handling sensitive information. 
   20. Ability to use a variety of teaching aids, assistive technology or communication devices, and to write and follow specified protocols and procedures. 
   21. Ability to work independently and effectively manage time.

1. EDUCATION
   1. Bachelor's Degree in a human service-related field 
   2. 1 years’ experience working with people with Autism and Intellectual Disabilities preferred., experience working with individuals with challenging behavior preferred.

1. EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE
   1. Has training on functional behavior assessments and preferably one year of experience in performing them.
   2. Has direct clinical experience with individuals with behavior challenges and at least 1 year of experience in a related field with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
   3. Knowledge of:
      1. principles of Applied Behavior Analysis
      2. Functional behavior assessments, baseline data collection, report writing related to data collection. 
      3. Antecedent - Behavior- Consequence data collection and reporting. 
      4. Appropriate use of positive behavior support and intervention techniques. 
      5. A variety of training methods and behavior support strategies. 
      6. WELLE Behavioral Safety Management System 
      7. Common characteristics of a variety of disabilities. 
      8. Regulation requirements and limitations in Behavior Supports for adults and children.

1. OTHER
   1. Must be able to work flexible hours to meet individual’s and program’s needs.
   2. Must have a valid driver’s license, good driving record, and access to a reliable vehicle to attend trainings, meetings, and/or transport individual to appointments.
   3. Must have the ability to obtain clearances as defined by regulations.
   4. May have on-call duties.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS 

1. 1. Current and valid PA Driver's license 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:  I have reviewed and understand the requirements including the essential job functions and physical demands of my job description and I agree that I have the required skills and can perform these requirements with or without reasonable accommodation.