Behavioral Health Assistant

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Corpus Christi, TX

2d•$3,650 - $4,595•Onsite

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Assistant works in the Behavioral Health Department, or another department depending on the State Supported Living Center’s structure, to support the learning of practical, functional, and meaningful skills and decrease challenging behavior. The role assists behavioral health specialists and behavior analysts with developing Skills Acquisition Plans (SAPs) and Positive Behavior Support Plans (PBSPs), collecting and reporting data, and completing behavioral, psychiatric, preference, strengths, functional, adaptive skills, and other assessments. The position also supports plan implementation, staff training, special treatment or training sessions, and assigned meetings. It works under moderate supervision with minimal latitude for initiative and independent judgment. The position is based at the Corpus Christi State Supported Living Center, which provides campus-based services and supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including people who are medically fragile or have behavioral problems. The role requires a flexible work schedule, overtime, and willingness to work weekends and holidays. Travel may be up to 5%, and telework is not eligible.

Requirements

Experience in psychological work; experience and education may be substituted for one another on a year-for-year basis.
Experience teaching, training, or coaching others.
Experience participating as a member of a multidisciplinary or interdisciplinary team.
Knowledge of behavioral analysis theories and practice and regulatory guidelines related to intellectual disabilities.
Knowledge of behavioral principles and behavioral research methodology, positive behavioral supports, Skills Acquisition Plans, the active treatment loop, and behavioral, psychiatric, adaptive, and other assessments.
Knowledge of facility operations, policies, procedures, laws, rules, standards, and guidelines.
Ability to implement educational and behavioral treatment and therapy; work with interdisciplinary teams and committees; train staff; communicate effectively; and provide accurate oral and written reports.
Ability to use computers and relevant software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and electronic health data systems such as CareTracker and IRIS.
Ability to assist with or administer assessments and score their results.
Ability to become certified as a Ukeru instructor if needed and provide Ukeru training.
Ability to observe and accurately document challenging behaviors and skill acquisition, model and monitor plan implementation, coach staff, document data and progress, and enter and report information using electronic records and Excel.
Must pass fingerprint criminal background, pre-employment drug, and specified registry checks.
Must be at least 18 years old to work at a state-operated facility.
Males aged 18–25 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Must be willing to work weekends and holidays and may be required to work overtime or extended hours.

Nice To Haves

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in psychology or a related field is generally preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist behavioral health staff in developing treatment and training strategies and providing therapy.
Assist the interdisciplinary team in developing treatment strategies, including baseline data, and gather information from direct care and clinical staff for individuals’ care plans.
Complete and assist with behavioral, psychiatric, preference, strengths, functional, adaptive skills, and other assigned assessments.
Train and assist direct care staff in implementing PBSPs and SAPs, provide special treatment sessions, serve as a restraint monitor, and perform Safe Use of Restraint (SUR) and Ukeru when necessary.
Maintain contact with direct care and professional staff regarding individuals’ overall care plans.
Collect, enter, tabulate, and report behavioral, SAP, and restraint data as needed.
Attend and participate in assigned meetings, including interdisciplinary team meetings.
Attend work regularly and follow assigned shift schedules, including rotating or extended shifts and overtime when required.
Participate in agency disaster response or recovery and Continuity of Operations activities when assigned; this may require a different shift pattern or work location.
Perform other duties as assigned.