Behavior Specialist

Behavior Specialist

The Aegis behavior specialist has a multifaceted job within the organization. Their area of focus will be to specialize in the maladaptive behaviors of the individuals Aegis services. This requires an understanding of the principles of behavior and applied behavior analysis. Understanding the reason for the behaviors at their core, developing interventions, and mentoring direct care professions in the best interventions to utilize to minimize the maladaptive behaviors is required to be a successful Aegis behavior specialist.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of behavior for individuals, identifying antecedents, potential functions of behavior, possible environmental factors and analyzing assessment findings to design behavioral support plans
• Collaborate with individuals, their family and service team to develop behavior support plans that include positive practices and least restrictive interventions
• Develop individualized, comprehensive behavioral support plans consistent with the outcomes identified in the individuals’ service plans
• Implement activities and strategies identified in the individual's behavioral support plans consistent with the outcomes identified in the individual’s service plans
• Implement activities and strategies identified in the Individual’s behavior support plan including providing ongoing direct and indirect support, education and coaching to help ensure interventions are implemented with clinical integrity.
• Experience with and an understanding of the Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)
• Become a certified Ukeru trainer

KEY REQUIREMENTS:

• Understanding of the elements of a variety of approaches and techniques including Everyday Lives, Charting the Life Course, Applied Behavior Analysis methods, Person-centered Planning, principles of Trauma-Informed Approaches and Positive Behavioral Support
• Knowledge of principles and methods of habilitation, behavior management, safety techniques and programming planning principles
• Prior training in, and ability to use, evidence-based procedures and techniques e.g., modeling, prompting, fading, shaping, chaining. Ability to develop and adjust behavior support plans addressed to meet the needs of the individuals served
• Knowledge of pertinent community resources and facilities
• Ability to assess referrals in a timely manner, assess the appropriateness of the referrals and follow through to admission
• Complete required Behavior Plan of Support for new admissions within 60 days of admission
• Complete direct assessments which include; in-person observations of the individual, virtual meetings and phone calls
• Complete indirect assessments which include; interviews with parent/caregiver, staff, supervisors, individual and other team members
• Create individualized and person-centered goals that are effective and appropriate for the individual you are working with
• Utilize resources to elevate plans, assessments and goal writing
• Continuous meetings and supervision with your direct supervisor.  Handles feedback and critique of work professionally and able to update plans in conjunction with recommendations
• Ensure utilization of services is being met on a weekly and monthly basis
• Prioritizes the billing aspect that results from the delivery of services authorized 
• Meet with the individuals ISP team for emergency meetings, standard meetings and annual meeting
• Respond to individual crisis's appropriately and in a time appropriate manner
• Train, model and guide direct support staff in the behavior support plan.  Attend staff meetings and create and build an appropriate relationship with staff
• Appropriately respond to training needs and requests internally to support the individual
• Complete documentation to ensure billing and utilization is appropriately reflected.  
• Meet deadlines for plans, revisions and lesson planning and correspondence with internal and external team members
• Knowledge of state regulations, licensing regulations and 6100 regulations
• Open and consistent communication especially when developing and implementing plans, training and other aspects that include delivery of service for individuals
• Remains professional when faced with adversity, push back or disagreement in modality of service delivery
• Ability to manage time and work independently
• Other duties as assigned. 

REQUIREMENTS:

• 4-year Collage degree 
• Minimum 2 years actively working as a behavior support specialist under the ODP umbrella with adults with IDD/Autism
• Have the capability and experience in managing complex caseloads while working with participants.
• Understand the unique challenges and trauma that each participant might be processing and can provide the expertise and resources to help overcome those challenges as they arise.
• Ability to follow all personnel policies and rules of the organization.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION NEEDED: 

• ODP FBA certification that is current and good standing
• LBS, not required, but highly encouraged
• Possession of a valid driver's license and a demonstrated safe driving record
• Background check as appropriate under state regulations

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. To perform this job successfully, the employee is frequently required to be physically active. Daily movements include the 

• Ability to sit, stand, squat, bend, and pivot
• Ability to climb stairs in excess of 3 floors at a time
• Stamina to walk for 30+ minutes
• Lift objects weighing over 30 pounds
• Tolerate exposure to standard scents and chemicals such as laundry detergent, bleach, cleaning supplies, etc
• Ability to work with individuals that may need assistance to bear weight and assist individuals to an upright position
• Ability to perform CPR 

Other Skills and Abilities

• Driving record reflects safe driving skills and in good standing per State guidelines and Aegis insurance requirements
• Driving up to 30% of work-related time throughout Lehigh and Northampton County
• Position has potential for growth as such; the ability to drive to Carbon/Monroe/Pike, Schuylkill County, Lancaster County, Dauphin County for assessments, interviews and job-related tasks is required
• Attending meetings on and offsite 
• Communication via mobile devices/ Computer/Cellphone applications 
• Experience/understanding the use of Microsoft applications such as SharePoint, Excel, PowerPoint. Must have the ability to learn other computer software programs as required by assigned tasks.

Work Environment

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this. 
• Employees work within the community, consumers' homes, and office environments. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions
• Medical settings where exposure to germs may be elevated

Reports to Director of Behavioral Support Services & Community Programs