Job Description

Behavior Specialist-30s

SUMMARY: The purpose of the behavior department is to help students increase appropriate social behaviors and develop independent living skills, through an enriched learning environment and individualized behavior programming. Behavior Specialists complete functional behavior assessments and develop positive behavior support plans using function based interventions. Behavior Specialists ensure all students receive the best quality care while working on increasing appropriate social skills.

REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology or related field is required.
• Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and attachment challenges is preferred.
• Coursework or work experience in behavior modification is preferred.
• Understanding of functional communication training, differential reinforcement, and non-contingent reinforcement, antecedent-based interventions, social skills training, PECS, TEACCH, and general behavioral concepts and principles preferred.
• Must possess intermediate computer skills to operate Microsoft programs.
• Ability to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
• Must demonstrate knowledge of and ability to train and implement Positive Behavior Support Plans (PBSPs) and behavioral goals.
• Must demonstrate knowledge of and ability to train and implement PECS, TEACCH, social stories, positive behavior supports and all other intervention strategies used to support student outcomes.

GENERAL HOURS OF DUTY: Generally 1 PM - 9 PM, Monday through Friday with one weekend per month required.

REPORTS TO: Director of Behavior Services

JOB DUTIES:

• Analyze data and complete reports for quarterly Treatment Plan meetings.
• Complete annual Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) and present at student IEP meetings.
• Work with team members to ensure that behavior data is collected accurately and consistently.
• Develop and update Positive Behavior Support Plans (PBSPs) using the information from the Functional Behavior Assessment and working collaboratively with other team members.
• Review effectiveness of PBSP quarterly and update at least annually.
• Create supports for behavior programs and write social stories on an as needed basis.
• Utilize evidence-based practices in PBSPs such as visual schedules, Pictures Exchange Communication Systems (PECS), Functional Communication Training, Differential Reinforcement, etc. Integrate trauma-informed care approaches into all PBSPs, interventions, responses, and follow-up.
• Train staff on implementation of behavior programs and perform fidelity checks to ensure consistency.
• Attend and/or conduct behavior in-service trainings as needed and review periodically in monthly house meetings.
• Collaborate with all departments throughout the organization in a respectful and positive manner while developing Functional Behavior Assessments, Positive Behavior Support Plans, or any other behavioral support.
• Respond to behavioral crisis situations and provide support and guidance.
• Use de-escalation techniques and implement emergency interventions as a last resort as outlined in the student's PBSP.
• Monitor the use of emergency interventions for students on case load and work to develop plans to decrease the use of emergency interventions.
• Attend Core Team Meetings, Case Conferences, House Meetings, and any other meeting corresponding to students on your case load.
• Implement a Social Skills Group and help student's understand their social roles.
• Implement and understand programs for all students at Chileda to provide assistance in training and consistency of behavioral interventions.
• Encourage and support students to achieve their goals through appropriate, consistent and patient prompting.