Behavioral Health Specialist III

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Brief Job Description:

Come work in an environment where we truly value and respect those we serve and believe in the mission that all people can achieve a higher level of wellness and independence.

The state supported living centers serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are medically fragile or who have behavioral problems. The centers provide campus-based direct services and supports at 13 centers located throughout the state. Learn About Our State Supported Living Centers

If you are looking for a place to work where you can establish a career that is filled with purpose, this is the job for you!

The BHS III for Behavior Support provides behavior support services, including behavior observations, and performs data analysis, training of behavioral interventions, and the modeling of behavior support across settings commensurate with education and experience and under the review and supervision of a Board Certified, Licensed Behavior Analyst. Responsible for assisting in the development, implementation, and evaluation of behavior support plans (including comprehensive functional behavioral assessments), staff training, data collection and reporting, and program evaluation, commensurate with the level of training toward Board Certification as a behavior analyst. Works under the review and supervision of a Board Certified, Licensed Behavior Analyst who reviews and signs that the observations and therapeutic interventions of the BHS III meets generally acceptable professional standards. Serves as a member of the Unit and Interdisciplinary Teams. Provides technical assistance and ensures training and feedback to staff responsible for implementing behavior support plans. Uses appropriate supervisory/management staff for assistance as needed. Participates in quality assurance and quality enhancement activities related to behavioral health service provision. Works with individuals who have complex needs and who may exhibit aggressive, self-injurious, and/or other challenging behaviors. The work schedule varies situationally based upon service needs. Works under moderate supervision with some latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment, based upon experience and skills The BHS III is hired and directly supervised by the Unit Director in consultation with the Director of Behavioral Health Services (Unit Model) or hired and directly supervised by the Director of Behavioral Health Services (Departmental Model). Professional supervision is provided by the Director of Behavioral Health Services or designee.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular basis and may be required to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned. [May serve in an on-call status on a rotating schedule as required to meet operational needs of the facility.]

Conducts observations and data analysis as part of functional behavioral assessments and ensures the training and modeling of implementation, and monitoring of behavior support plans, psychiatric support plans, and skill acquisition plans to meet individual’s need with varying levels of independence based upon training and experience. A Board-Certified Licensed Behavior Analyst reviews and signs the observations, staff instructions, and plans completed by the BHS III to ensure they meet generally acceptable professional standards.

Conducts or ensures training for staff in behavior supports, individual behavior support plans, and other relevant topics to provide adequate staff training to facilitate optimal treatment and training.

Monitors and evaluates behavior support plans, psychiatric support plans, and skills acquisition plans to ensure effective implementation. A Board-Certified Licensed Behavior Analyst monitors the progress evaluations completed by the BHS V to ensure they meet generally acceptable professional standards.

Provides documentation (including data, graphs, and progress notes) to reflect and evaluate individual’s response to treatment.

Participates as an effective member of the Unit and Interdisciplinary Teams to provide behavior support and behavioral health information and programming perspectives to facilitate overall service delivery.

Monitors and evaluates use of restraints and emergency procedures and ensures their accurate and timely documentation to ensure appropriate and minimal use.

Assists in the coordination and review of psychotropic medications such that these medications are only used in conjunction with adequate nonpharmacological supports, including counseling plans, psychiatric support plans and behavior support plans.

Participates in quality assurance and quality enhancement activities related to psychological service provision.

Plans the work of, assigns duties to, and provides technical assistance to assigned staff to facilitate effective behavior service delivery as evidenced by effective performance on the part of assigned staff.

Assists in collecting information for evaluations to assess individuals’ level of intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. Collects and summarizes information for behavioral health assessments and annual updates.

Maintains current knowledge in relevant areas in behavioral analysis and behavioral health services and training techniques to provide maximally effective services.

Performs special assignments as requested.

Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge and experience in administering the delivery of behavior analysis and behavioral health services to persons with intellectual disabilities.

Knowledge of etiology and characteristics of developmental disabilities.

Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and departmental and agency policy.

Knowledge of and ability to provide an array of behavioral health services based upon training and competencies.

Ability to administer discipline-specific assessments, including intelligence and adaptive behavior assessments.

Knowledge and skills in applied behavior analysis and behavior support plan development, implementation, and evaluation.

Ability to train staff in behavior support plan implementation and basic psychological/behavioral concepts.

Ability to work within a model of professional supervision and make decisions within broad guidelines and/or parameters.

Knowledge and skills in using personal computers and relevant software.

Ability to effectively communicate both written and orally.

Ability to work effectively within an interdisciplinary team.

Ability to organize and prioritize work and complete basic duties with moderate supervision.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Eligible to pursue board certification as a behavior analyst upon hire is preferred.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling, education, or applied behavior analysis, or a related discipline.

Experience in a clinical practicum or clinical project related to caregiving, or other experience in caregiver settings preferred.

Additional Information:

Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aide, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct and HHS List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE).

Males between the ages of 18 – 25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

All State Supported Living Center Employees are subject to Random Drug Testing.

Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.

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Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form