Behavior Support Specialist

The Behavior Support Specialist is responsible for the development, implementation, training and oversight of behavior support plans which enhance the socialization, community inclusion and success of individuals served. This position acts as a key member or chairperson of the agency Behavior Support Committee and other committees and projects as assigned to ensure regulatory compliance, quality assurance and maximum service initiation and delivery through admissions.

Essential Functions:

Behavior Support and Staff Training

• Oversees behavior support services for assigned caseload to ensure the completion of functional assessments, observations and evaluations, including the follow-up psychiatric and clinical services as indicated by individual’s needs;
• In collaboration with key team members, develops, implements and provides training for behavior support plans;
• Contributes to the agency staff development systems to ensure that progressive and meaningful educational material is researched for consideration and implementation to enhance services;
• Completes routine monitoring and data analyses for behavior support plans and makes adjustments as needed;
• Provides individual and group life skills improvement and behavior support sessions according to the individuals’ needs as outlined in the plan;
• Models an empathic, person-centered approach with consumers that consistently demonstrates the highest regard for each individual’s dignity, unique gifts and capacities;
• Collaborates with key team members to ensure that all support relationships enhance each consumer’s self-esteem, behavioral health, and emotional well-being;
• Attends psychiatric appointments, as needed, to advocate and ensure individuals are receiving the best psychiatric supports possible.

Projects/Committees

• Participates in and/or chairs the agency Behavior Support Committee to ensure proper review according to current regulations and best practices;
• Develops agency-wide referral review system for admissions, discharges and new development to maximize program success with individuals served;
• Provides behavior support and crisis management training to agency staff according to best practices and course requirements;
• Collaborates and communicates with the Executive Director, Administrative Personnel, and Group Home staff to continually develop and improve upon the agency’s capacity to effectively support a wide-range of behavioral challenges.