Behavioral Support Specialist - Syracuse, United States - Arc of Onondaga

Description

Syracuse, NY, USA

Salary

Full Time

*competitive salary with generous benefits package*

**Behavioral Support Specialist**

**Summary**

The Behavior Support Specialist (BSS) position is designed to give those with an intent to become a Behavior Intervention Specialist (BIS), but who lack the necessary education and training/experience, an opportunity to work as an assistant to the BIS while he/she acquires the necessary education and experience/training to advance to the level of BIS.

The Behavioral Support Specialist is responsible for assisting the Behavior Intervention Specialist in the development and implementation of Behavior Support Plans for individuals attending the Day Habilitation, Community Residential Programs and Vocational Programs, under the supervision of the Clinic Licensed Psychologist and Clinic Director. The Behavior Support Specialist is expected to acquire comprehensive understanding of all regulatory requirements as they relate to Behavior Support Plans, human rights and restrictive/intrusive Supports. The Behavior Support Specialist serves as a member of the program-planning team, working to ensure appropriate and necessary psychological services for participants. Primary area of responsibility is within the day habilitation program and the community residential program, supports the vocational program as needed. Reports to the Clinic Director.

**Requirements**

Assists the Behavior Intervention Specialist in conducting a functional behavioral assessment for individuals at the Day Habilitation and Community Residential and Vocational Programs as necessary in order to identify and operationally describe challenging behaviors and obtain relevant information for effective intervention planning prior to the development of a Behavior Support Plan.

Assists the Behavior Intervention Specialist in working with staff closest to the individual while facilitating/finalizing the FBA in order to capture as much information as possible. Follows up with staff as necessary.

Responsible for the assisting in the development, review and revision of all behavior support plans following all regulatory requirements.

Supports the Behavior Intervention Specialist in ensuring the integration, consistency, and appropriateness of plans.

Assists the Behavior Intervention Specialist in the development of behavior support plan in consultation, as clinically appropriate, with the person receiving services and/or other parties who are or will be involved with the implementation of the plan.

Has the ability and willingness to acquire a full understanding of the OPWDD Behavior Support regulations and will eventually be able to reference specific components of the regulations in order to address issues and/or questions. Studies Behavior Support regulations.

Assists the Behavior Intervention Specialist in reviewing and revising Behavior Support policies as necessary.

Provides training to staff regarding specific behavior support plans, the implementation of the plan and regulatory requirements as qualified. Provides training to staff in the area of behavior and cognition, as qualified.

Assists staff in ensuring that behavior support plans and services are implemented and documented correctly.

Completes observations of the individual and/or the implementation of the plan as needed.

Attends staff meetings for programs that supports individual(s) with support plans as required.

At the Day Habilitation Program, Residential Programs and Vocational programs, provides on-site direction and training to staff in managing difficult behaviors and assists with crisis intervention when appropriate.

Supports Community Residential, Day Habilitation Program and Vocational programs in the following ways: assists in the writing and monitoring of behavior management plans. If requested, trains residential and day habilitation staff on the implementation of plan. If needed, observes the implementation of the plan in the residential and day habilitation setting if an individual is having difficulty or if there is a need for staff to receive additional training, coaching or modeling of the plan. Makes recommendations and/or revisions as necessary.

Works toward the obtaining the job-required certifications and/or licenses.

Attends trainings in order to enhance skill base and understanding of Behavior Support regulations.

Fulfills flexible work-hour requirements (e.g. evening, early morning, weekends etc.) as assigned to meet participant and program scheduling needs.

Establishes effective and collaborative working relationships with treatment providers both inside and outside of Arc of Onondaga. This includes working with the Arc of Onondaga residential RN to review, every six months, medications associated with the behavior support process.

Acts as a mandated reporter.

Assists in tracking and recording the referrals. All Community Residential and Day Habilitation behavior support referrals will be sent to the Behavior Support Specialist by Centralized Plan Coordination. Medication Monitoring Plan referrals will be sent to the Behavior Support Specialist by Centralized Nursing.

Provides training to staff on Positive Approaches may be asked to become certified to provide training in OPWDD approved curriculum.

Serves on the Human Rights Committee in order to discuss the background and development of Support Plans and address questions from the committee.

Serves on other agency or program-wide committees, as requested.

Supports the Goals and Mission of Arc of Onondaga.

Ensures that communications and personal performance reflect the Agency's commitment to teamwork, compliance with policies and procedures and respect for consumers and staff.

Maintains proficiency in computer and office technology expertise including the use of Therap, Microsoft word and excel that is required to fulfill job responsibilities and assignments.

Attends and participates in required Arc meetings, staff development and training programs.

Establishes and provides clear and legible documentation and compliance records required by Arc and other government agencies.

Provides other job-related support and services as required or assigned by management.

Note Requirements 1-27 are Essential Job Requirements

**Education & Experience Requirements**

Obtained and/or working toward a Master's Degree in a clinical and/or related treatment field of psychology

Willing to complete training in assessment techniques and behavioral support plan development

At least 1 year of experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities

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