Behavior Intervention Specialist

Opengate, Inc. • Somers, NY

8h • $28 - $31

About The Position

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Behavior Intervention Specialist (BIS) to design, implement, and evaluate behavior programs tailored to meet the unique needs of the adults we serve with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This role ensures all programs align with the OPWDD 633 regulatory standards. The BIS reports directly to the Director of Clinical Services and plays a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life for the individuals we support.

Requirements

• Level 1 BIS: Must meet one of the following educational backgrounds: Master’s degree in a clinical or treatment field (psychology, social work, school psychology, applied psychology with a focus on human development and clinical interventions) and documented training in assessment techniques and behavior support plan development OR National Board Certification in Behavior Analysis (BCBA) and a Master’s degree in behavior analysis or a field closely related to clinical or community psychology as approved by OPWDD OR New York State license in mental health counseling
• Experience Requirement: At least five years of experience in working directly with individuals with developmental disabilities, including developing, implementing, and monitoring behavior support plans AND/OR Providing supervision and training in the implementation of behavior support plans.
• Level 2 BIS: Must meet one of the following educational and experience backgrounds: BCBA and a Master’s degree in Behavior Analysis, OR A field closely related to clinical or community psychology approved by OPWDD OR Master’s degree in a clinical or treatment field (psychology, social work, school psychology, applied psychology focused on human development and clinical interventions, or a related human services field) OR a New York State license in mental health counseling, AND specialized training or experience in functional assessment techniques and behavior support plan development (or willingness to obtain OPWDD-approved training). OR Bachelor’s degree in a human services field AND providing behavioral services for an OPWDD agency since at least December 31, 2012, AND Actively working toward a Master’s degree in psychology, social work, or special education, OR Completing at least one graduate-level course annually in an applied health service area of psychology, social work, or special education.
• This position is a non-sedentary role; requires frequent standing and walking.
• Able to lift 50 or more pounds and ability to turn, lift and assist individuals with movement.
• This position operates in a professional office environment.
• This position routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. Some filing is required requiring the ability to move files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand as necessary.

Responsibilities

• Conducts functional behavior assessments (FBA), as needed.
• Design individualized Behavior Support Plans (BSP) that align with OPWDD regulation and each person's needs.
• Reviews data to evaluate effectiveness of plans, and revises as needed.
• Provide training on implementation of plans to staff and attend all mandatory training.
• Visits Opengate residences and day habilitation programs daily, conducting observations to assess the behavior of people-supported, as well as monitor the implementation of the interventions in each person's plan. Provides feedback to staff on implementation fidelity.
• Prepares behavior progress reports for IDT meetings (e.g. Life Plan, CFA, etc.)
• Provide crisis intervention for people-supported, as necessary
• Debrief with people-supported and staff after major behavioral events
• Conduct travel readiness assessments as needed.
• Prepare reports for the Human Rights Committee (HRC) regarding the evaluation/effectiveness of psychotropic medication and other rights limitations/restrictive interventions.
• Provide behavior progress reports to behavioral health providers (psychiatric service providers)
• Act as a liaison between IDT members, clinics, mental health practitioners, hospitals, day programs, and families
• Participate in meetings such as IDT meetings, required departmental meetings, HRC review meetings, scheduled supervisory meetings, etc.
• Monitor all Behavior Intervention Reports (BIR) in agency's Electronic Health Record (EHR) and provide retraining as necessary.
• Maintain each person's clinical record in agency's EHR
• Maintain current certification in SCIP-R and CPR.
• Perform all job duties in full compliance with all laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Complete required documentation within designated time frames.
• Adhere to the agency's corporate compliance program including the code of business conduct, the NYS and federal false claims act, whistleblower protections and mandatory reporting.
• Fully cooperate in all corporate compliance investigations and reviews.

Benefits

• PAID training to help you succeed and grow in your role.
• Comprehensive Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance.
• Employer-paid vision and dental premiums to keep you covered.
• Tuition reimbursement for your personal and professional development
• Generous paid time-off to maintain your work-life balance
• A supportive, dynamic team environment where your contributions are valued and celebrated.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level