Job Description

InCommunity is committed to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live safe, healthy and joyful lives in their communities. We offer a culture of integrity, service, and respect for the dignity of every individual. All employees, including the Behavior Specialist, are expected to model and promote the organization's mission and values in every aspect of their work.

Position Summary:

The primary function of the Behavior Specialist is to plan, develop and monitor a variety of behavior support services to meet the needs of individuals diagnosed with developmental disabilities and/or other behavioral and social/communication challenges. The Behavior Specialist is responsible for providing overall behavioral support services, care and treatment to individuals in accordance with the policies of InCommunity. The behavioral support services are provided in the crisis support home, an individuals home, in a family home or other community location. Individuals being served will have a diagnosis of I/DD and co-occurring psychiatric symptoms. Behavior Specialist will be expected to work closely with an interdisciplinary team (LCSW, Psychiatrist, Psychologist, etc), related service providers, families and other agencies as appropriate.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Provide behavioral supports to individuals and staff working in the Crisis Support Homes (CSH) and in the intensive in home support service Conduct behavioral assessment of individual within 24 hours of admission to crisis support services Interview Individual or Caregivers who know the individual served well before development of the plan to get background and preliminary information Develop and implement individualized crisis plan within 2 days of individual's admission Develop and implement an individualized behavior support plan which is primarily focused on the crisis related behavior, within 10 days of an individual's admission, as needed Complete daily documentation of individual's progress Analyze available data to help determine where, when, and why problem behaviors occur Directly observe the individual served in all relevant settings. Analyze the data to determine the function of the problem behavior Provide training and supervision of direct care professionals through observations, meetings, performance coaching and other methods. Provide direct monitoring, assessment, intervention and staff training including behavioral supports, proactive strategies, triggers, staff interventions, replacement behaviors, etc. Establish and maintain data measurement, collection, and analysis systems for individuals receiving behavior interventions. Maintain appropriate documentation and prepare and complete reports as required. Use appropriate assessment instruments and data to develop and implement teaching programs that reflect behavioral and other outcomes and objectives identified in the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) if applicable Conduct inservice training, workshops and presentations to develop skills and establish consistent practices across the staff. Train CSH Staff and/or Caregivers directly (i.e. in person, with opportunities for questions, discussions.) on the implementation of the behavior support plan or individualized crisis plan Monitor the individual's behavior data and provide descriptive progress notes on a regular basis Review behavior data, meet and discuss with the appropriate staff member any discrepancies notes on the behavior data (i.e. lack of documentation, inappropriate restrictions or lack of appropriate consequences; situations in which the current behavior program or treatment approach were not followed appropriately; check each report to ensure that time, date, signatures are correct. Maintain highly organized, consistent, thorough and systematic recordkeeping practices. Psychiatry Review- Contacts doctor as needed to report, clarify or discuss issues. Review doctor's orders. Assist staff with medication issues. Review and audit records to ensure compliance. Conduct structured periodic service reviews to monitor the effectiveness of the program and its implementation; modify and document plan changes as needed. Provide consultation regarding crisis intervention and critical incident supports. Collaborate with Director of Clinical & Crisis Support Services to ensure that behavior supports are being provided efficiently and in accordance to all applicable Rules and Regulations. Participate in professional growth activites such as conferences, classes, team meetings and program visitations Accept all other responsibilities and duties as assigned

Education, Certifications & Experience Requirements

A minimum of a Master's degree in Psychology, Behavior Analysis, Education, Social Work or other related human services major. A minimum of at least one (1) year experience completing comprehensive functional assessments and behavior support plans, with two(2) years experience serving individuals with developmental disabilities. Evidence of a minimum of thirty-five (35) hours of training and education in behavior analysis and behavioral supports for individual with developmental disabilities Certification by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is preferred. Valid Georgia Driver's license and auto insurance

Work Environment & Physical Demands

Work is performed in office, program, and residential settings with a moderate noise level. While performing duties, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, communicate, and reach with hands and arms. Occasionally required to sit, climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, or lift/move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities include close, distance, peripheral, depth perception, and focus adjustment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Travel Required

Position requires frequent travel

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position supervises the work of direct support professionals and others who implement behavior-analytic interventions. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.

BACKGROUND CHECK

This position has been designated as sensitive and requires a criminal background check. We reserve the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check. This position requires the final candidate to successfully pass an E-Verify check.