Behavior Intervention Specialist

Job Title: Behavior Intervention Specialist

Classification: Non-Exempt

Job Class: Union

Reports to: Family Care Coordinator

Summary Job Description:

Under the supervision of the Family Care Coordinator, the Behavior Intervention Specialist (BIS) is responsible for the development, delivery, and evaluation of all behavior support services for individual. 

This includes, but is not limited to: psychological evaluations, functional behavior assessment, initial and annual assessment/evaluation reviews, annual clinical trainings, behavior support programs and strategies, crisis intervention, individual and group counseling, case reviews and other interdisciplinary treatment team meetings, training and consultation with other team members. 

The BIS will work in collaboration with the individual and their circle of support to ensure the highest quality of clinical services in a manner that is consistent and aligned with agency mission and vision and the philosophy of the Council on Quality and Leadership (CQL), as outlined by the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities OPWDD) 

About Little Flower

Little Flower Children and Family Services of New York is a human services nonprofit supporting the well-being of children, youth, families, and individuals across New York City and Long Island since 1929.

Our staff of more than 500 builds well-being by providing prevention services, foster care, residential treatment care, adoption services, programs and services for individuals with developmental disabilities, and medical and mental health services.

Principle Responsibilities

• Review and analyze baseline data on target maladaptive behavior(s) to establish current frequency, duration and existing contingencies.
• Analyze potential existing functions of maladaptive behavior(s) (including any current, unplanned and planned contingencies) utilizing baseline procedures and formulating a written Functional Behavioral Assessment.
• Recognize and operationally define individuals’ maladaptive behavior and possible alternate adaptive behavior based on direct observations of behavior, review of records, and oral/written input from the individual receiving services, and team members, including direct support provider.
• Develop, implement, and assist in the training of team members in the implementation of formal Behavior Modification Programs (e.g. Behavior Support Plan, Behavior Support Provider Action, Behavior Support Symptom Management Plan, Behavior Support Desensitization Plan, etc.).
• Monitor individuals’ progress on, and team members implementation of behavior support plans by providing observation and feedback to family care providers (FCP); make timely revisions of plans as indicated to ensure that the individuals are progressing.
• Instruct FCP in specific, proactive, active, reactive, and data collection procedures that emphasize proactive interventions to encourage the development of adaptive skills that will serve the same function as the target maladaptive behavior.

• Provide regular and as needed consultation regarding issues such as crisis intervention, behavior modification programs, diagnostics, and teaching/training programs for the individuals.
• Assist with obtaining informed consent from individuals/families for the use of restrictive behavior support plans and psychotropic medications, as needed.
• Facilitate completion of applicable Informed Consent evaluations, Home Alone & Community Alone Assessments and annual review of each assessment.
• Provide written and verbal reports to individuals’ psychiatrists and other consultant clinicians to assist in accurate diagnosis and treatment.
• Assist with facilitation of identified necessary clinical services that can address areas such as human sexuality, social skills, stress management, anger control etc.
• Provide crisis support, as indicated, to assist individuals in coping with various psychological stressors.
• Present behavior support plans, rights restrictions, and clinical recommendations to Human Rights Committee (HRC) and Informed Consent Committee (ICC), ensuring compliance with OPWDD regulations, agency policies, and person-centered practices.
• Review and update Medication Monitoring Plans (MMPs) annually, including evaluation of target symptoms, medication-related interventions, behavioral supports, data trends, and recommendations for continued implementation.
• Conduct semi-annual reviews of Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) and Medication Monitoring Plans (MMPs), including analysis of behavioral data, progress toward outcomes, therapeutic effectiveness, and completion of semi-annual data summaries and recommendations.
• Facilitate annual clinical trainings on behavior support strategies, crisis prevention and intervention, data collection, rights restrictions, person-centered supports, and regulatory requirements.
• Review and monitor Medical Immobilization/ Protective Stabilization and Sedation (MIPS) protocols, and restrictive interventions to ensure effectiveness, regulatory compliance, and adherence to least-to-most restrictive practices.
• Provide emotional support, behavioral counseling, and educational training to individuals receiving services to promote self-advocacy, emotional regulation, informed decision-making, understanding of treatment recommendations, and successful participation in residential and community settings.

Required Qualifications and Experience

At least a Master’s degree in a related field or a BCBA (national board certification in behavior analysis), an LBA (NYS License as a Behavior Analyst), or an LMHC and 3 years of experience.

Travel Requirements

This position offers a part-time, hybrid and in field schedule and needs to report to Wading River, NY as needed. 

Disclaimer

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbent in this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of a person in this position.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Statement

With more than 250 years of combined experience, Little Flower Children and Family Services of New York and St. John’s Residence for Boys have a long-standing history of serving children, youth, adults and families of color. Our mission, vision and values are grounded in elevating the shared humanity of every staff member, community partner and those with whom we engage. We recognize that our DEIB work is continuously evolving as we strive for equity and inclusion for individuals of all races, ethnicities, genders, sexualities, ages, abilities, religions and lived experiences.

Accessibility

Some job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may be designed to protect the safety and health of the employee, their fellow employees and the individuals being served and may therefore exclude some individuals.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Little Flower Children and Family Services of New York provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other legally protected group status.