Behavior Support Specialist (BSS) 26-196

The Behavior Support Specialist (BSS) is responsible for assisting the Behavior Intervention Specialist in the administration of behavioral services including, but not limited to: conducting, reviewing, and updating Functional Behavioral Assessments, Risk Factor Assessments, and Capacity to Consent Evaluations; developing, reviewing, updating, and training staff on Behavior Support Plans (replacement behaviors, proactive strategies, reactive strategies), Specialized Treatment Plans, and Medication Monitoring Plans to address challenging and moderate to high risk behaviors; overseeing, analyzing data collection; being aware of, up-to-date on, and applying OPWDD regulations as well as I/DD and autism spectrum best care practices. Required to actively and consistently communicate with staff throughout the NHR organization; to provide ongoing trainings to stakeholders on plans, appropriate and best practices interventions, and other topics related to challenging risk behaviors and mental health; and to attend residence, organizational, and family meetings as requested and as needed. Must be able to implement SCIP-R / Ukeru interventions as necessary. Candidate must be able to prioritize multiple tasks, must possess excellent verbal and written skills, must be a team player, and must be amenable and responsive to supervision.

Essential Skills and Experience Required:

• Bachelor's Degree in related fields of Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or Applied Behavior Analysis + 2 years of related behavioral management experience supporting people with I/DD.

Ø Possess a valid driver license with a driving record acceptable to NHR’s insurance carrier and possess the ability to drive agency vehicles to transport individuals served to and from appointments, day programs, and other activities or events in the community at large.

Ø Possess computer proficiency, particularly with Electronic Health Records systems and Microsoft Office applications.

Ø Must keep current with psychological, behavioral, and clinical principles and applications and be able to implement these in interventions. Attend trainings as requested and as necessary.

Ø Must be flexible, “hands-on,” and team player.

Ø Must be able to work occasional evenings or weekends as requested and required.

Ø Comfort with and ability to provide staff with trainings on behavior support plans, medication monitoring plans, and specialized treatment plans.

Ø Foundational understanding of underlying best care and applied behavioral approaches such as functions of behaviors, application of functions to the creation of replacement behaviors, application of functions and replacement behaviors to the creation of proactive and reactive interventional strategies.

Ø Ability and desire to work collaboratively as a part of multiple teams.

Ø Desire for, and receptiveness to, supervision.

Ø Possess good interpersonal, written, oral and communication skills demonstrated by an ability to relate appropriately and affectively to individuals from a variety of backgrounds as well as their families and their advocates; to constructively relate and communicate with peers, staff, and supervisors; and to function successfully as part of a team with mutual respect, care, and trust.

Ø Properly maintain files, oversee the implementation of programming and data collection as it relates to behavior management plans and guidelines.

Ø Possess excellent attention to details, be highly organized, and utilize productive and efficient time management.

Ø Obtain and maintain required certification in First Aid, CPR, SCIP-R and Ukeru.

Ø Ability to physically assist individuals as required; and, to intervene physically when appropriate using approved techniques to safeguard the individual, oneself and others during behavioral crises.

Ø Ability to work independently (when appropriate) and in a group both in person and remotely via phone and online programs such as Zoom.

Ø Ability to utilize and apply document templates to the creation of new documents.

Ø Ability to use sound judgment while following agency policies, practices and procedures.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties associated with this position, an employee (using approved agency lifting techniques) will be called upon to support and lift adult individuals with developmental and other disabilities; transfer these individuals to and from wheelchairs; on and off toilet seats; in and out of showers; and in and out of vans or other vehicles. An employee in this position must be able to physically intervene (when appropriate and in an approved manner) to protect the individual from causing harm to themselves or others and to safely evacuate the facilities/van during an emergency. These duties may entail lifting/supporting/transferring up to 50-70 pounds on one or more occasions during the work shift and occasionally up to 200 pounds with assistance from other staff or devices.

Employees will regularly be required to stand; walk; sit; use hands (or hands and arms) to carry handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop; crouch and kneel. Employees will also be regularly required to hear (with or without hearing devices), see (with or without corrective lenses) and speak.