BEHAVIOR TECH 2

Description

Classification: Non-Exempt

Reports to: Program Coordinator

Job Summary
The Behavioral Technician (BT) has a clear understanding, and provides consistent implementation, of each clients behavior support plan. They demonstrate sound judgment and a high level of expertise in supporting clients with intense and/ or frequent problem behavior. They apply person centered, evidenced based practices in teaching healthy skills to replace these interfering behaviors. They collect and document data and communicate observations regularly with their supervisor and the behavior support team. The BSS ensures that all supervision requirements are met for their clients, assists clients with daily routines, and responds to meet service needs while ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the clients.

Essential Functions
1. Manage on-going activities of daily living, encouraging independent living skills whenever possible
2. Understands and provides consistent implementation of the behavior support plan
3. Guide clients in interacting positively with friends, peers, family, the community, staff, and other professionals; model positive behavior for clients
4. Participate as a team member and offer suggestions, voice concerns, and provide information regarding client programs or other pertinent issues

Areas of Responsibility and Duties:

Programming
1. Manage on-going activities of daily living, encouraging independent living skills whenever possible
2. Understands and provides consistent implementation of the behavior support plan
3. Understand the purpose of and consistently implement all client programs scheduled during hours worked
4. Accurately and thoroughly document day-to-day client progress on scheduled programs and record all data requested on the appropriate program charts
5. Provide the site supervisor with feedback on the success and appropriateness of programs being implemented; document this in client program logs
6. Obtain clarification from the site supervisor on program implementation as needed
7. Implement client daily schedules
8. Maintain a working knowledge of client history, skills, areas of vulnerability, habilitation plans, and emergency procedures
9. Advocate for clients needs; encourage and provide opportunities for client choice, presenting creative options as needed

Health and Safety
1. Assist clients with hygiene tasks as directed in their plans and complete related documentation
2. Always keeping individual choice and person-centered care in mind, support clients as appropriate to dress in clean, presentable, appropriate, and coordinated attire
3. Coordinate the preparation of healthy, well-balanced meals; encourage clients to participate in menu planning and cooking to the extent that is appropriate. Ensure that all food is handled in accordance with company policy. Request training on meal planning and/ or preparation from your site supervisor if you require this.
4. Participate in household cleaning tasks; follow posted cleaning schedules (complete assigned tasks as well as needed unassigned household tasks)
5. Participate in fire and tornado safety drills, and encourage all clients to participate as well
6. Report all needed physical plant repairs to the site supervisor as soon as possible; ensure that any health or safety concerns are addressed immediately
7. Handle emergencies as they arise, in accordance with company policy
8. Report all incidents or allegations of abuse and neglect in accordance with company policy
9. Adhere to existing systems to ensure the safety of the individuals being served, including site alarm protocols and client supervision requirements

Medical
1. Document all client medical occurrences (illnesses, injuries, and reports of illness) in the clients chart; documentation of an illness or injury must be made at least daily until the condition has resolved
2. Complete and pass the Medication Administration, CPR, and First Aid courses
3. Ensure that the procedure for medication administration and documentation is clearly understood and implemented in full compliance with physician prescription, established policy, and medication administration programming. Request clarification and retraining from the site supervisor as needed.
4. Complete and chart on all health care procedures as assigned (e.g. weight, blood pressure, blood sugar, nail care, menses, elimination habits)
5. Successfully complete all required site-specific medical equipment training
6. Accompany clients to medical appointments as requested; facilitate the appointment as necessary, and follow company policy on documentation of the visit

Community Integration and Social Supports
1. Guide clients in interacting positively with friends, peers, family, the community, staff, and other professionals; model positive behavior for clients
2. Facilitate client relationships with family and friends as much as possible, per the clients individual plan
3. Assist clients in developing and using effective and varied leisure time management skills
4. Assist clients in selecting, coordinating, and participating in a variety of activities
5. Orient clients to available community services (e.g. shopping, restaurants, recreation, transportation) and promote their independent use of these services to the greatest extent possible per their support plan
6. Provide transportation for clients as needed to financial institutions, stores, medical offices, jobs, restaurants, and activities as requested by the site supervisor
7. Document all activities as directed by the site supervisor

Financial
1. Assist clients in financial management as directed by your supervisor (including budgeting, purchasing, balancing accounts, maintaining receipts), and promote independence to the degree allowed by their support plan
2. Adhere to Company policy regarding the management of client or company funds

Communication and Teamwork
1. Read high and medium level S-Comms at the start of each shift (low level messages must be read by the end of the shift) and use the same system to convey information to co-workers and the site supervisor
2. Engage in appropriate use of the emergency cell phone
3. Display professional and respectful communication to all customers and coworkers
4. Promote a positive image of Howry Residential Services to others
5. Serve as a role-model and resource to new staff
6. Implement communication systems and promote team building
7. Participate as a team member and offer suggestions, voice concerns, and provide information regarding client programs or other pertinent issues
8. Comply with company policy on data practices

Continuing Development
1. Attend scheduled staff meetings or arrange for a meeting with the site supervisor to review any missed information
2. Attend/ complete all required company training and maintain all required certifications
3. Obtain and maintain a working knowledge of program and organizational policies and procedures, and follow these policies and procedures
4. Identify specific training needs for yourself, your program, or the company, and share these ideas with a supervisor
5. Expect to receive ongoing feedback and coaching from your supervisor and be receptive to this feedback; if you are unclear as to any of your duties or how to perform them, seek training or assistance from your supervisor

Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Essential Demonstrated Skills and Abilities:
1. Ability to use a computer and job-specific software effectively
2. Available to work flexible hours and locations
3. Ability to lift persons, if needed
4. Willingness and ability to cook meals and do light to moderate housecleaning
5. Ability to develop and maintain professionally appropriate therapeutic relationships with each client and the clients family
6. Willingness to take initiative and adapt to circumstances
7. Ability to carry out duties with limited supervision and make independent decisions when appropriate
8. Willingness to respect the lifestyle choices of others, including but not limited to: sexuality, religion, and political affiliation
9. Verbal and written communication is effective and meets performance requirements

Competencies
1. 21 years of age or older
2. Meets DHS training requirements for a Behavior Specialist within 6 months of hire
d. 4 hours of training in functional assessment
e. 20 hours of instruction in the understanding of the function of behavior
f. 10 hours of instruction on design of positive practices behavioral support strategies
3. Knowledgeable of applicable Federal, State, and County law
4. Eligible as determined by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the Department of Human Services
5. Valid drivers license and driving record that meets insurability requirements as defined by the Companys insurance carrier; possession of a personal vehicle for use in performing work-related activities, and necessary insurance coverage

Supervisory Responsibility
This position has no supervisory responsibilities

Work Environment
1. Is subject to flexible hours including split shifts or varied hours (mornings, afternoons, evenings and weekends) depending on the needs of the clients
2. Subject to frequent problem-solving situations
3. Regular contact with clients, staff, family members and the general public
4. May work with clients who are regularly aggressive towards others (e.g. hitting, kicking, biting, scratching, hair pulling, throwing objects etc.) After training is completed, may be called upon to physically restrain clients
5. Attends and participates in a variety of educational programs designed to increase knowledge and expertise in the field

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:
1. 21 years of age or older
2. Associate degree in a social services discipline or has two years experience working with recipients with behavioral deficits
3. Meets DHS training requirements for a Behavior Specialist within 6 months of hire
a. 4 hours of training in functional assessment
b. 20 hours of instruction in the understanding of the function of behavior
c. 10 hours of instruction on design of positive practices behavioral support strategies
4. Knowledgeable of applicable Federal, State, and County law
5. Eligible as determined by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the Department of Human Services
6. Valid drivers license and driving record that meets insurability requirements as defined by the Companys insurance carrier; possession of a personal vehicle for use in performing work-related activities, and necessary insurance coverage

Physical Demands
1. Ability to stand, sit, bend, lift, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and move intermittently. Use hands to handle or feel. Ability to turn on the knees, back, wrist, shoulders, and grasp with both hands
2. Must be able to frequently lift/move up to 10 lbs. and occasionally lift and move more than 10 lbs

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
Varies dependent upon position hired for

Travel
No travel outside of Minnesota is expected for this position; however, since Howry has an office located in Rochester MN you may be asked to travel to that office on occasion.

Preferred Education
Associate degree in a social services discipline or has two years experience working with recipients with behavioral deficits