BEHAVIOR SPECIALIST

Apis Services, Inc.•Lewistown, PA

6h•$60,000 - $70,000

About The Position

The Behavior Specialist provides clinically oriented behavior support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and/or mental health diagnoses. The role works closely with clinical, programmatic, residential, and day support staff to develop holistic behavioral treatment plans that consider participants’ thoughts, feelings, and behaviors within interpersonal and systemic contexts. The specialist supports individual wellbeing, uses short- and long-range planning to anticipate and address issues, and participates on multidisciplinary teams. The role also includes training staff, families, and caretakers. The position evaluates individual needs, conducts functional assessments, develops and monitors Behavioral Support Plans (BSPs) and Restrictive Procedure Plans (RPPs), and uses behavioral data to assess progress and guide revisions. It involves collaboration with individuals, families, and interdisciplinary teams; staff and family training; documentation and regulatory compliance; participation in human-rights and review processes; and coordination of annual plan reviews and training.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Special Education, Counseling, or another health-related field; candidates completing a master’s degree may be considered with a bachelor’s degree, as may candidates with a bachelor’s degree and relevant experience.
At least 2 years of experience working with mental health/intellectual and developmental disabilities (MH/IDD) consumers.
Valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Two to five years of behavioral support services experience.
Knowledge or experience with Positive Approaches, Dual Diagnosis, Person Centered Thinking, Trauma Informed Care, group facilitation, and staff mentoring.
Excellent communication skills.
Strong writing, documentation, and record-keeping skills, particularly with Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBA) and written behavioral/treatment plans.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

Evaluate and conduct detailed assessments for individuals needing a Behavioral Support Plan (BSP) or Restrictive Procedure Plan (RPP).
Collect and evaluate behavioral data and observe individuals across settings to inform BSP/RPP development.
Collaborate with individuals, families, and teams to assess presenting issues and develop positive interventions and individualized BSPs/RPPs.
Conduct comprehensive functional assessments of issues such as aggression, self-injurious behavior, law-offending behavior, and elopement.
Ensure support plans are person-driven, integrate Practice Based Evidence, and reflect each individual’s clinical needs and preferences.
Train and mentor support and program staff, families, and team members on behavior plans and individual support preferences.
Implement and monitor activities and strategies identified in BSPs/RPPs.
Collect, organize, review, and analyze data on challenging behaviors; maintain tracking tools and progress documentation, including using Excel, and communicate trends and the need for changes in approach.
Review and revise BSPs/RPPs annually during Individual Support Plan (ISP) Annual Reviews or when a Critical Revision is requested.
Collect BSP/RPP signatures electronically using DocuSign.
Coordinate with interdisciplinary teams to schedule and facilitate annual BSP/RPP training.
Attend psychiatric, medical, and therapy appointments as needed; participate in Interdisciplinary Team and Quarterly ISP meetings as required.
Protect individuals’ human rights; participate in Human Rights Team (HRT) reviews and complete HRT summaries and supporting documentation.
Participate in County Human Rights Committee (HRC) reviews and coordinate with the Regional Director to ensure required documentation is complete and accurate.
Participate in County Positive Practices Review Committee (PPRC) reviews upon request.
Collect feedback from individuals and team members about their experiences of supports and services.
Document billable and non-billable time in SETWorks, Progress Notes, and Monthly Progress Review Summary Notes for each individual on the caseload, according to required schedules.
Submit monthly oversight information to supervisors and participate in supervision and mentoring meetings.
Review the ISP Caseload Tool monthly and review Authorization Spreadsheets, updating the team about changes in need.
Submit complete and accurate documentation and paperwork in accordance with state and federal regulations, PDCS, and HIPAA.
Complete PDCS annual training requirements and follow up on correspondence, mailings, and filing as needed.