Behavior Intervention Specialist - OPWDD BIS 2

YAI • Brooklyn, NY

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Behavior Intervention Specialist (BIS) is responsible for identifying the habilitative, behavioral, and psychiatric needs of individuals supported by the agency. This role involves conducting formal and informal assessments, developing individualized support plans, and training direct care staff. The BIS plays a crucial role in ensuring that individuals receive appropriate, evidence-based interventions to improve their quality of life and manage challenging behaviors. This position requires a strong understanding of developmental disabilities, psychiatric conditions, and behavior support strategies, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with individuals, their support networks, and agency staff.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in clinical or treatment field of psychology, social work, school psychology or applied psychology as it relates to human development and clinical interventions, and documented training in assessment techniques and behavior support plan development; OR National Board certification in behavior analysis (Board Certified Behavior Analyst [BCBA]) and a Master’s degree in behavior analysis or a field closely related to clinical or community psychology approved by OPWDD; OR Current license and registration in Mental Health Counseling issued by the New York State Department of Education (NYSED).
• Successfully complete BIS School (or authorized equivalent training) through YAI within one (1) year of appointment.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evening and/or weekend hours.
• Ability to regularly travel to multiple programs throughout assigned region(s), as required.
• Must hold or obtain and maintain certification in Strategies for Crisis Intervention and Prevention – Revised (SCIP-R) or SCIP-R Restrictive and CPR if required for assigned program(s) within six (6) months of hire.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to engage, build relationships and work collaboratively with others.
• Strong dedication to enhancing quality care, incorporating strategies and techniques and team-based care.
• Ability to communicate clinical matters appropriately to individuals at all levels (family, DSPs, managers, providers, etc.).
• Basic computer skills – including email, utilizing Workday and related systems (DA, etc.) to complete tasks and appropriately document services and progress.
• Frequent walking, sitting, standing, bending, twisting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, pushing, pulling and reaching with hands and arms.
• Use hands to handle, finger or feel objects, tools or controls.
• Assisting with lifting/moving individuals of any weight with assistance of mechanical lifts or other equipment and/or pushing individuals in wheelchairs.
• Lifting and/or moving up to 25 pounds on occasion.
• Physical capacity to work with and implement emergency interventions as per the person’s Behavior Support Plan if/as needed, including lifting/moving individuals of any weight with or without assistance of equipment and/or other staff.

Nice To Haves

• Strong understanding of I/DD including autism spectrum disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, traumatic brain injury etc.
• Knowledge of co-occurring psychiatric diagnosis such as: mood disorders, anxiety disorders, OCD, psychotic disorder, trauma and neurocognitive disorders.
• Knowledge of hierarchy of restrictive/intrusive interventions.
• Familiarity with expected/therapeutic effects of psychotropic medications.
• Knowledge of ABA, CBT, DBT, positive psychology, other evidenced based approaches.
• Current certification in Strategies for Crisis Intervention and Prevention (SCIP-R or SCIP-R Restrictive) and CPR.

Responsibilities

• Identifies the habilitative, behavioral, and psychiatric needs of individuals through formal and informal assessments, using person-centered tools, Life and Staff Action Plans, and by working with individuals and their circles of support.
• Conducts behavioral and habilitative assessments, including questionnaires, standardized tests, rating scales, baseline data, direct and indirect observations, and functional behavior assessments (FBAs).
• Analyzes data from multiple sources and conducts research on related syndromes and conditions to support the development of hypotheses for behaviors using DSM V, ICD 10, DM-ID etc.
• Develops written, individualized habilitative and behavior support plans using proactive interventions in accordance with agency philosophy and OPWDD Person-Centered Behavioral Intervention Regulations.
• Researches and implements effective and appropriate evidence-based treatment interventions and behavioral approaches.
• Develops various types of habilitative and support plans including skills, counseling, behavior support plan, medication monitoring, environmental modifications, false reporting, and non-reversible medical diagnosis.
• Develops plans that instruct the planned use of medication (PRN), SCIP-R physical interventions and/or mechanical restraints to prevent, modify or control challenging behavior.
• Follows all protocols to obtain proper approvals and consent(s) for all interventions prior to implementation.
• Establishes baseline for each individual prior to implementation of habilitative and behavior support plan(s) and designs effective data collection systems.
• Directs and/or oversees day-to-day data collection by program staff, ensuring data are consistently obtained, totaled, and summarized.
• Ensures timely modifications are made to the plan(s) based upon regular monitoring and assessment of response to services.
• Oversees, maintains, and/or ensures appropriate and accurate completion of all required paperwork, communications, and documentation.
• Trains direct care staff and management on individual service, staff action plans, and behavior management services using the Explain Model Observe Evaluate (EMOE) training system.
• Develops and/or conducts specialized trainings regarding I/DD, illnesses, specific clinical/dual diagnoses, and interventions.
• Evaluates and provides feedback to program staff and supervisors regarding performance in Core Competencies.
• Supports direct care staff and works with the leadership team during crisis situations.
• Oversees and provides feedback relating to clinical duties performed by Assistant BISs or program designees, providing mentorship.
• Serves as a clinical team leader and key member of the treatment team, providing data, updates, and recommendations in interdisciplinary meetings and case reviews.
• Attends and actively participates in monthly BIS meetings for clinical supervision and updates.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or status as a Vietnam or disabled veteran.

What This Job Offers

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