Behavior Specialist

Rogers Memorial Hospital•Kenosha, WI

About The Position

The Behavior Specialist supports the delivery of high-quality Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) interventions within Rogers Behavioral Health treatment programs. The role involves assessing the function of behavior, developing and implementing individualized plans to address maladaptive behaviors, educating patients and support persons, collaborating with an interdisciplinary team, and monitoring and adjusting interventions to support patient outcomes. Behavior Specialists work with an assigned clinical leader to design and implement CBT-specific treatment plans addressing presenting symptoms. The position provides therapeutic services, including groups, under the supervision of a Clinical leader; participates in supervision and treatment team meetings; communicates patient progress and care needs; and documents services and assessments in the medical record according to applicable regulations and payer expectations. The role also includes training direct care team members and support persons in CBT interventions and behavioral treatment plans, and contributing to patient and facility safety. Additional duties may include self-directed learning, continuing education, and participation in committees or work groups. The role involves interaction with patients who may be aggressive or combative, and requires successful completion of aggression control training. Physical demands include walking, sitting, standing, moderate lifting of at least 20 pounds, and movements such as reaching, grasping, stooping, bending, and kneeling. The position requires effective verbal, written, auditory, interpersonal, and numerical skills, as well as the ability to work independently and complete assignments within specified timeframes.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in human services, psychology, social work, or a related field.
If working in an Addiction Recovery program that requires it, hold at minimum a valid Substance Abuse Counselor-in-Training credential or state equivalent.
Successfully complete aggression control training.
For Residential programs, hold a current, active driver’s license and be in good standing; this is preferred for all levels of care.
Complete American Heart Association CPR certification within 30 days of hire and recertify biannually.
Complete Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NCI) training within 60 days of hire or transfer and recertify annually.
Complete Community Based Residential Facility (CBRF) trainings within 90 days of hire.
Complete any additional unit-required training within the timeline established by leadership during onboarding.
Strong interpersonal skills and professional, assertive communication with patients, support systems, external professionals, colleagues, and supervisors.
Ability to work independently and complete assignments within specified timeframes.
Highly proficient verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to perform the physical demands of the position, including lifting at least 20 pounds.
Ability to read and communicate through written, verbal, and auditory skills and abilities.
Ability to plan, control, and direct aspects of employee relations; tact in dealing with employees and professional staff; and logical thinking and discretion in making decisions about policies, procedures, and standards.
Physically and mentally able to perform job duties, as verified by a licensed physician through a post-employment physical.

Nice To Haves

Twelve months of relevant Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment (CBT) experience is preferred.
Relevant experience may include clinical care, human services, or an educational equivalent.
A current, active driver’s license in good standing is preferred for all levels of care.

Responsibilities

Provide cognitive behavioral and other therapeutic services, including groups, according to clinical standards of care and under the supervision of the Clinical leader.
Participate in supervision sessions and communicate patient progress and recommended care-plan adjustments to the Clinical leader.
Monitor the effectiveness of interventions, administer and review outcome measures, and adjust interventions in consultation with the Clinical leader.
Document mental health services, treatment plans, outcome assessments, psychosocial information, and other patient care data in the medical record in a timely manner and according to applicable regulations and payer expectations.
Participate in multidisciplinary treatment team meetings and assist in developing treatment plans.
Communicate treatment interventions and support needs for assigned patients to interdisciplinary team members and support systems as needed.
Train and support direct care team members who are less familiar with CBT interventions.
Train and educate parents or other support persons on supporting CBT interventions and behavioral treatment plans, including positive reinforcement and strategies for challenging situations.
Support patient and facility safety.
Support changes in staffing or scheduling assignments when program and patient-care needs require.
Maintain knowledge of department processes, protocols, and procedures; pursue self-directed learning and continuing education; and participate in committees, task forces, and work groups as determined by management.
Perform other duties as assigned.