Behavioral Health Counselor, Senior

UPMC•Pittsburgh, PA

About The Position

The Senior Behavioral Health Counselor works in RESPOND, a program serving children with autism spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental disorders who have severe problem behaviors. The program includes other LBS staff and provides services in a two-bed residential group home and clients’ family homes. Its purpose is to manage challenging behaviors, implement behavioral plans, and help prevent services or placement in a restrictive setting. The role requires travel within Allegheny County. Treatment team meetings and a working station are available at the Quantum Building in Pittsburgh’s Southside Works area. The counselor provides clinical and behavioral support across care settings, including individual and family therapy, crisis and safety planning, behavioral assessment, and development and updating of individualized behavior plans. The role also includes supervising and mentoring staff, coordinating care, collaborating with other services, and supporting administrative, regulatory, and documentation requirements. The position requires ongoing development of clinical skills using evidence-based approaches.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Psychology, Child Development, Applied Behavior Analysis, Early Intervention, Education, Special Education, Instruction in Learning, Social Work, or a related field.
Two years of clinical experience.
A qualifying behavioral health license or certification is required, such as Licensed Behavior Specialist (LBS), Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner, Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW), or National Certified Counselor.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
Comprehensive Crisis Management (CCMC).
Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting, with renewal.
Act 33 clearance, with renewal.
Act 34 clearance, with renewal.
Act 73 FBI Clearance, with renewal.
A copy of master-level transcripts must be attached for consideration.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of behavior principles and the evaluation and assessment process, as well as application of the current version of the DSM.
Behavior Specialist Licensure and/or Board-Certified Behavior Analyst certification is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Mentor new staff and student interns.
Manage administrative aspects of patient care independently, including scheduling and documentation.
Use clinical assessment tools and communicate results and treatment recommendations.
Provide direct patient care and support crisis and safety planning.
Deliver staff training and support regulatory and licensure preparation.
Complete required documentation and participate in team and interagency meetings.
Apply behavior support techniques and help develop individualized behavior plans.
Participate in special projects and ongoing training.
Build expertise in psychopathology, crisis intervention, and behavioral therapy.
Provide individual and family therapy across care settings.
Evaluate and update behavior plans as needed.
Supervise staff through individual, group, and onsite supervision, and lead team meetings.
Assume leadership responsibilities when needed to ensure continuity and safety.
Coordinate care and facilitate referrals for clients and families.
Ensure implementation fidelity of behavior plans and conduct functional behavior assessments (FBAs) with support plans.
Collaborate and liaise across services to improve care delivery.
Address and resolve service delivery issues.
Continuously develop clinical skills using evidence-based approaches.