BEHAVIOR SPECIALIST

State of careers Rhode Island • Warwick, RI

3d • $54,686 - $61,176 • Onsite

About The Position

Within the Department of Behavioral Health, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals (BHDDH), to utilize a wide range of behavior modification techniques and implement individualized behavior plans in working with individuals with mental illness and/or behavior issues in a hospital setting; monitor and document progress in behavior modification efforts by collecting and charting clinical data as defined by the care plans; and to do related work as required. This role works under the close supervision of a professional supervisor and may supervise volunteers.

Requirements

• A working knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of learning theory, abnormal psychology, developmental psychology and data collection procedures.
• The ability to implement detailed, specific behavior treatment plans.
• The ability to make accurate observations.
• Communicate clearly both verbally and in writing.
• The ability to document timely and accurately in the medical record.
• The ability to record and represent data in statistical forms.
• Graduation from a college of recognized standing with a Bachelor's degree in psychology, sociology, social sciences, education, special education, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of one year experience working in a clinical setting under professional clinical supervision.
• Demonstrated proficiency with data collection and monitoring behavior progress.
• Proof of immunity against Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR), Varicella (Chickenpox), Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap), Hepatitis B titers, Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) prior to employment.

Nice To Haves

• Certification in de-escalation and/or Safety Care and willingness to become a certified de-escalation and/or Safety Care trainer.
• Demonstrated experience supporting individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities with co-occurring diagnoses.
• Knowledge of CMS Home and Community Based Services Final Rule, The Olmstead Decision and Division initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Utilize a wide range of behavior modification techniques and implement individualized behavior plans in working with individuals with mental illness and/or behavior issues in a hospital setting.
• Monitor and document progress in behavior modification efforts by collecting and charting clinical data as defined by the care plans.
• Work with patients with behavior issues to help them adjust better by utilizing a variety of behavior modification techniques.
• Implement and monitor formal behavior plans.
• Monitor progress, collect and chart clinical data to document changes in target behaviors.
• Perform clinical observation in terms of triggers of target behaviors in order to make educated recommendations for individualized behavior modification interventions.
• Engage individual patients or small groups of patients in therapeutic activities.
• Conduct and facilitate patient groups focused on therapeutic activities (e.g., peer support, social skills, anger management, computer skills, horticulture, etc.).
• Attend treatment team meetings, report on patients' progress, and assist in planning and evaluating clinical goals as defined by care plans.
• Document patients' progress based on collected data and clinical observations.
• Assist in providing in-service training on behavior modification techniques.
• Attend training sessions on mental health issues and behavior modification techniques as required.
• Implement behavior support plans for RICLAS, provide staff training, model behavioral interventions, observations, utilization of best practices and treatment modalities and clinical interventions.
• Collaborate across an interdisciplinary team.

Benefits

• State of Rhode Island employee benefits (details available on the Office of Employee Benefits' website).
• Direct deposit for all employees (required for new hires after September 30, 2014).

What This Job Offers

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