Behavioral Support Specialist

JOB SUMMARY  

The Behavioral Support Specialist (BSS) is responsible for providing intensive behavioral intervention services to clients with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental delays in language, cognitive, adaptive behavior, social-emotional, self-care, fine motor, gross motor and communication development. This position primarily operates in a school setting, though may work in the autism clinic or community locations. The BSS is responsible for direct delivery of the behavioral services to the children and families, as well as accurate record keeping of case notes. This position operates under the clinical supervision of the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and the Mental Health Professional (MHP) assigned to the case, as applicable. It is required to become a Registered Behavior Technician within the first six months of employment. The BSS maintains a weekly billable caseload of service hours as directed by the IBI Supervisor. This position is credentialed through the MN Department of Human Services. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

Required Education and Experience: 

• Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a behavioral or child development science or related field (including but not limited to, mental health, special education, social work, psychology, speech pathology, or occupational therapy) from an accredited college / university and a) have completed 1000 hours of experience in the autism field; or b) be a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board; or 

• Be certified as a Board-Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst; or 

• Possess an associate’s degree in a behavioral or child development science or related field along with 2000 hours of supervised clinical experience delivering treatment to people with ASD or a related condition: or 

• Have at least 4,000 hours of supervised clinical experience in delivering treatment to people with ASD or a related condition. You may include hours worked as a mental health behavioral aide or Level III treatment provider in the required hours of experience:  

• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of DTT, PECS, and other ABA strategies. 

Required Skills & Characteristics 

• Meet Minnesota DHS qualifications as a Level 2 provider 

• Good people skills, including sincerity, discretion, rapport, empathy, and persistence in the face of resistance 

• Must have sufficient reading comprehension skills to manage day to day charting and communication, as well as to meaningfully participate and complete required training 

• Must have fluid oral expression skills to communicate with clientele, co-workers and administrative staff??? 

• Must pass a criminal background check 

• Must possess a valid driver’s license, have current automobile insurance and a reliable vehicle. A request for waiver may be considered at the time of hire, though is not guaranteed to be granted. 

• Training and experience in conducting interventions using principles of applied behavior analysis; a thorough understanding of DTT, PECS, and other ABA strategies 

• Successful completion of required orientation for the program 

• Ability to work independently to meet job requirements and productivity expectations 

• Willingness to maintain a flexible schedule to meet client needs, managing appointment cancellations and prioritizing activities when needed 

• A desire to work in clinic, home and community settings with children having developmental delays 

• Comfort and ability working with clients who may exhibit behavior problems 

• Skills to work with a variety of cultures 

• Skills to keep calm in the face of emotionally-charged situations / crises 

• Sufficient organizational skills to manage daily charting requirements 

• General computer skills are required, with the expectation that the employee be able to utilize Solutions’ email, navigate the electronic health record (Vireo and Hi Rasmus), the Human Resource Information System (UKG) for time card completion and completion of human resource documents such as performance reviews, employee incidents, requests for leave, etc. Successful completion of orientation includes demonstrating the required knowledge and skills to use these systems.? 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS  

Primary Responsibilities  

• Provide direct ABA therapy in individual and group sessions. 

• Consistently implement individualized treatment plan as written and directed by BCBA or IBI Supervisor 

• Complete session documentation using Hi Rasmus program 

• Participate in supervision sessions with BCBA and/or MHP 

• Maintain professional and technical knowledge through the supervision process. 

• Maintain respect and confidentiality for all clients. 

• Maintain and protect the wellbeing of all clients. 

• Follow procedures as outlined in the ABA Policy Manual. 

Administrative Responsibilities  

• Attend shifts as scheduled. Shift coverage is an essential component of this job 

• Follow work schedule with clients, as assigned 

• Accurately complete notes for services rendered in keeping with policy 

• Complete work area maintenance and sanitation of educational supplies as directed 

• Complete time sheets bi-weekly within designated time frame 

• Timely completion of administrative tasks and requests for communication, e.g., alerts/tasks assigned in the Electronic Medical Record (Vireo) or the Human Resource Information System (Workforce Ready) 

• Timely email response; normal expectation is within 24 hours 

• Participate in training and continuing education as directed, to maintain eligibility as a credentialed provider. 

• Follow Safety Care procedures when working with clients 

• Follow agency policy and procedure 

Professional Expectations  

• Maintain a professional demeanor 

• Dress appropriately for the job. 

• Be accountable with your schedule 

• Work in a positive and cooperative manner with others. 

• Resolve problems constructively. 

• Manage emotions on the job 

• Take initiative, pitch in, and be a team player. 

• Communicate openly and directly with others; follow the organizational chart to solve problems, e.g., bring concerns upwards to your supervisor/manager and not other parties/departments. 

• Be flexible when situations change, and re-prioritize tasks if needed. 

• Show a positive attitude with respect to the job and the agency; be a good ambassador. 

• Show patience with clients, co-workers, and other team members. 

• Behave in an ethical manner, maintaining professional boundaries in relationships and following agency standards for expected ethical behavior 

• Accept responsibility for your own behavior, decisions, and actions. 

• Participation in Wanido platform for enhancement of employee and agency health and well-being 

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

Setting 

The primary work setting is the school, though some sessions may be conducted in the client’s home, the autism clinic, or other community location. Within the work environment are other Behavioral Support Specialists, Supervisors, Board Certified Behavior Analysts, management staff, and Mental Health Professionals. The work setting is generally climate-controlled. There may be some occasional adverse weather conditions when in the community. 

Activity Level 

This position works actively with children, sometimes for a period of several hours at a time. ABA therapy may involve repetition of tasks, in order to assist the child in learning new skills. Providing ABA requires energy, enthusiasm, and physical capabilities to engage the child in tasks and play activities. For example, the BSS may need to participate in physical recreational activities with the child. This position has regular contact with other program staff and works in close proximity to others. The position may also have regular contact with school personnel, parents and occasional contact with outside agency personnel.  

When working with clients, particularly children, there may be occasion in which the client becomes upset or loses emotional control. Behavioral Support Specialists are trained in Safety Care and are expected to follow these strategies to de-escalate situations and maintain safety for all parties, unless these are inconsistent with school policy. The BSS must have the capacity to utilize a computer for documentation in the medical record, UKG, and other platforms as applicable. 

Schedule / Hours 

This is a full time position, which is generally scheduled between 8-5. Some hours outside of this may be scheduled if a session is being held in the client’s home or other community location, based on training needs and the scheduling preferences of the family. 

Travel 

Occasional travel may be required for sessions in the home or community. Company cars are generally available. If the employee must use their own car, mileage will be reimbursed. 

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS 

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job: 

Physical Demands 

This position may need to utilize Safety Care procedures such as blocking strategies or brief redirection in the event safety concerns arise. The BSS will need to use a computer for reading client files and recording progress notes. The employee must have the ability to:  

• stand and circulate for extended periods of time. 

• see for purposes of reading laws and codes, rules and policies, and other printed matter and observing students. 

• hear and understand speech at normal speech levels, in the English language. 

• communicate so others will be able to clearly understand normal conversation. 

• lift and carry up to 25 pounds. 

Mental Demands 

This employee must have the cognitive skills to learn new tasks, remember processes, attend to detail, maintain focus, complete tasks independently, integrate information for decision-making, comprehend, problem solve, make timely decisions in the context of a work flow, and communicate effectively with Solutions staff and the public. Stress level varies from low to high, in relation to the behavioral needs of the clientele. The BSS is likely to be exposed to contact with individuals displaying physically aggressive, self-abusive, or socially undesirable behavior. 

Travel 

This position requires some local travel each day, between the office, school, home and community training locations.  

ACCESS / SECURITY LEVEL 

This employee will have regular access to email, the Electronic Medical Record (Vireo), Hi Rasmus, the Human Resource Information System (UKG), and Wanido, which is a platform for employee engagement and organizational health.  

AAP/EEO STATEMENT  

Solutions does not discriminate in employment with regard to race, creed, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, age, gender, sexual orientation, or number of dependents. As part of the Solutions team, no provider or staff member shall aid, coerce, or conspire to cause a termination or resignation of another team member because of illegal discriminatory factors. 

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. 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.