Job Description

Behavioral Intervention Specialist

Works in conjunction with the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) to assure that the mental health and behavioral needs of the individuals we serve. Responsible for functional behavioral assessments and behavior support plans. Provides individual and group counseling, staff training. Presents psychotropic medications and restrictive behavior support plans to the Human Rights Committee.

Position Duties:

1. In conjunction with the IDT identifies behaviors and/or mental health issues of the individuals we serve that deviate enough from normative behavior as to need care.
2. Oversees the collection of baseline data to be used to develop behavior support plans of monitoring plans.
3. In conjunction with the IDT, completes a functional behavioral assessment prior to developing a behavior support plan.
4. Writes behavior support plans and monitoring plans and revises them at least annually. Establishes both proactive and reactive data collection methods and reviews data at least monthly. Behavioral support plans will be developed as follows:
• Level 1 BIS may develop behavior support plans or services that do not include restrictive/intrusive interventions.
• Level 2 BIS may develop behavior support plans or services that do not include restrictive/intrusive interventions under the Supervision of a Level 1 BIS.
• Any behavior support plans or services which utilize restrictive/intrusive interventions must be developed under the supervision of a licensed psychologist or licensed clinical social worker.
5. Formally trains multi-level staff in the implementation of behavior support plans and monitoring plans and in general approaches in managing challenging behaviors and mental health issues.
6. Debriefs with staff after major behavior events. Spends time in their programs with the people we support based on program need. Ideally meeting on a weekly basis. BIS is responsible for balancing the needs of their caseloads.
7. Makes referrals for psychiatric care, psychological evaluations and counseling services as indicated. Writes clinic visit summaries for these appointments and attends psychiatric appointments when needed.
8. Acts as a liaison mental health services/behavioral problems between and among IDT members, clinics, psychiatrists, hospitals day programs, families, and concerned others.
9. Obtains informed consents for psychotropic medications and restrictive behavior support plans.
10. Presents psychotropic medications and restrictive behavior plans to the Human Rights Committee for approval.
11. Prepares all required written reports and documentations in a timely manner. Maintains these reports and documents in an organized manner in the appropriate sections of the individuals' record.
12. Participates in meetings including, but not limited to Life Plan, Day Programs, Departmental, Psychotropic Medication Regimen Review, and Special Team meetings. Attends supervision meetings as requested.
13. Performs assessments, including, but not limited to, MTA Travel Training Readiness, Credibility, psychological, and sexuality assessments. Conducts interviews with the individuals we serve during investigations. Provides written reports of these investigations in a timely manner.
14. Demonstrates an ability to work effectively with the individuals we serve. Provides supportive counseling as indicated. Documents each of these sessions.
15. Maintains current certification in SCIP or PROMOTE. Becomes a certified trainer in SCIP/PROMOTE, and teaches classes for the agency.
16. Performs all other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

1. Level 1 BIS: Master's degree in psychology, Social Work, Applied Behavior Analysis, Counseling, School Psychology, Human Development or other related behavioral science field or BCBA with a relevant master's degree. Minimum of three (3) years of experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and demonstrated experience conducting behavioral assessments and developing Behavior Support Plans. Level 1 BIS independently conducts behavioral assessments, develops behavior support plans, and oversees implementation of behavioral services. Level 1 BIS staff may supervise or mentor Level 2 BIS staff.
2. Level 2 BIS: Bachelor's degree in psychology, Social Work, Human Services, Applied Behavior Analysis or related human services field. Minimum 1-2 years of experience working with individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
3. Strong oral and written communication skills.
4. Personal Computer proficient in Microsoft Office.
5. Able to travel to and access multiple locations throughout the metropolitan area.
6. Able to work flexible hours and/or days, including possible overnight and weekend hours on rare occasions.
7. Provides on-call behavioral service coverage via cell phone. Weekend/holiday coverage rotates throughout the behavioral service department.
8. Adheres to agency policies and procedures, including, but not limited to Nova Time, Corporate Compliance, Cultural Sensitivity and Sexual Harassment.
9. Performs all job responsibilities in full compliance with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Adheres to the agency's corporate compliance program, including the code of business conduct, the NYS and federal false claims acts, whistleblower protections and mandatory reporting. Completes corporate compliance training at least annually. Fully cooperates in all corporate compliance investigations and reviews.

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