Job Description

DIVISION: Community Living

REPORTS TO: Lead BCBA

SUPERVISES: None

EXEMPTION STATUS: Non-Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY: The Behavior Specialist is a direct care and clinical support role responsible for assisting in the implementation and monitoring of behavior analytic services within Community Living residential settings.

This position is designed for individuals who are:

• Enrolled in a graduate program in Applied Behavior Analysis or related field
• Actively working toward BCBA certification
• Accruing supervised fieldwork hours in accordance with BACB requirements

The Behavior Specialist works under the direct supervision of a BCBA/LBA and must practice strictly within the scope of a trainee role, in alignment with:

• Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) standards
• Missouri LBA regulations
• DMH expectations
• BHA policies

This role operates within a DSP-implemented residential model, requiring a strong emphasis on:

• Direct client engagement
• Implementation of behavior plans
• Staff support and training assistance

The Behavior Specialist is not permitted to independently design, approve, or modify behavior plans, but plays a key role in ensuring programming is implemented effectively and consistently.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Currently enrolled in a Master’s program in ABA or related field
• Active supervision agreement with a BCBA/LBA to accrue fieldwork hours
• Must meet all BACB fieldwork requirements
• Minimum 6 months of experience working with individuals with behavioral needs preferred
• Experience in residential or educational settings preferred

Skills & Competencies

• Valid driver’s license meeting transportation requirements (Missouri Class E, out-of-state equivalent, or CDL with Passenger/School Bus endorsement).
• Strong clinical leadership and team development skills
• Expertise in ABA, BSP development, and behavior reduction strategies
• Ability to analyze and act on clinical and operational data
• High accountability and ownership mindset
• Ability to collaborate across disciplines (operations, nursing, compliance)
• Strong communication and coaching skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and systems simultaneously
• Innovative problem-solver who challenges outdated practices
• Ability to lead calmly and decisively in high-pressure situations
• Emotional resilience and professionalism in high-pressure situations
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities
• Knowledge of crisis management, safety, and compliance standards
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and operational data management systems

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Dignity First

• Ensures all behavioral interventions protect dignity, safety, and rights
• Utilizes least restrictive, trauma-informed practices
• Ensures individuals are treated with respect across all environments

Person-Centered Living

• Develops individualized BSPs and skill acquisition programs
• Ensures programming aligns with each individual’s needs, goals, and preferences
• Promotes autonomy and meaningful outcomes

Connected Community

• Ensures behavioral supports promote community integration and engagement
• Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to provide cohesive supports
• Supports development of socially significant behaviors

Whole-Person Support

• Integrates behavioral, environmental, and medical considerations
• Collaborates with nursing and operations to ensure comprehensive care
• Monitors behavior trends and adjusts interventions proactively

Empowerment Through Daily Life

• Embeds skill acquisition into daily routines and environments
• Designs programming that promotes independence and functional skills
• Ensures learning occurs in natural environments

Integrity in Action

• Ensures all documentation, assessments, and plans meet BACB and MO LBA standards
• Maintains compliance with ethical and regulatory requirements
• Uses data to drive clinical decision-making

Collaborative Teamwork

• Works closely with Operations, Nursing, and Direct Care staff
• Provides clear communication and expectations across teams
• Participates in interdisciplinary meetings and planning

Consistency and Compassion

• Ensures consistent implementation of BSPs across all staff and shifts
• Monitors fidelity and addresses gaps immediately
• Supports staff in managing complex behaviors effectively

CLINICAL SUPPORT RESPONSIBILITIES

• Implement Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) and skill acquisition programs as written
• Assist in conducting assessments under supervision
• Collect and record behavioral data accurately
• Assist in analyzing data trends with BCBA support
• Support crisis response under direction of BCBA

DIRECT CARE & IMPLEMENTATION

• Provide hands-on, direct support to individuals served throughout the shift
• Maintain continuous engagement and supervision
• Implement behavioral interventions in real time
• Support daily routines and activities

STAFF SUPPORT & TRAINING ASSISTANCE

• Assist with training DSPs on:

o BSP implementation

o Basic ABA strategies

o Reinforcement and prompting

• Model appropriate techniques under supervision
• Reinforce training provided by BCBA/BCaBA

BACB FIELDWORK & COMPLIANCE

• Participate in supervised fieldwork in accordance with BACB requirements
• Maintain documentation of fieldwork hours
• Attend required supervision meetings
• Follow all BACB Ethics Code requirements
• Practice strictly within trainee scope:

o No independent clinical decision-making

o No independent plan approval

o No unsupervised assessment or treatment design

QUALITY & DATA RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure accurate and timely data collection
• Report concerns or inconsistencies to BCBA
• Assist in maintaining fidelity of implementation
• Support clinical documentation as directed

On-Call & 24/7 Leadership

• Participate in on-call rotation and provide decisive leadership during crises
• Serve as a calm, directive presence during high-pressure situations

ACCOUNTABILITY & IMPACT

The Behavior Specialist is accountable for the day-to-day implementation of behavioral services and development toward clinical competency.

This role is responsible for ensuring:

• Programming is implemented consistently
• Data is accurate and complete
• Engagement with individuals is active and appropriate
• Learning and skill development toward BCBA competency is demonstrated

The Behavior Specialist is expected to actively engage in both service delivery and professional development, not passively observe.

Failure to meet these expectations may result in corrective action, as performance directly impacts client outcomes, staff consistency, and clinical integrity.

OTHER DUTIES

• Participate in organizational initiatives and strategic planning
• Conduct staff training, supervision, and performance evaluations as assigned
• Participate in on-call rotations for behavioral crisis response
• Complete all documentation, billing, and reporting requirements in accordance with BHA and regulatory guidelines
• Uphold BHA’s mission and values in all work performed
• Complete additional duties as assigned

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.

Requirements

Full-Time Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision insurance
• 401(k), HSA, and Flexible Spending Account options
• Short- and Long-Term Disability coverage
• PTO and Sick Time accrue starting Day 1
• $100 monthly wellness spending account after 90 days
• OnDemand Pay (access pay when needed)

Starting Pay: Our compensation is competitive within the market. The starting rate for this position begins at $32.54 per hour, with your final offer based on a combination of your education, relevant experience, and overall qualifications