Behavioral Specialist - 24 Hours Days, Autism Inpatient Unit

Hospital for Special Care•New Britain, CT

3d•$23 - $35•Onsite

About The Position

The Behavioral Specialist works in the Autism Inpatient Unit at Hospital for Special Care, implementing therapeutic treatment plans and helping maintain the safety of assigned patients. The role operates under the oversight of the Clinical Nurse Manager, with daily monitoring by the Behavior Specialist Supervisor, and provides patient care under the direction of a registered nurse. As part of the interdisciplinary treatment team, the Behavioral Specialist collects and documents data for functional assessment and observes patient responses to interventions under the direction of a registered nurse and BCBA. The position involves supporting patients with autism in a behavioral management setting, including patients who may be aggressive or self-injurious. The specialist uses hospital-taught de-escalation techniques, follows individualized behavior plans, and helps maintain a therapeutic environment. The role may require floating to other patient-care units or departments when operational or patient-care needs arise, provided the employee has the required competencies and qualifications.

Requirements

Baccalaureate degree in a human service field and six months to one year of direct childcare work with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder; or an associate degree in a human service field and two years of experience with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder; or five years of experience with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Ability to participate in the physical management of patients, including safe body positioning, blocking and deflecting possible aggression, and physically holding struggling patients using approved methods to maintain safety for extended periods.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds; reach with hands and arms; grasp and hold; bend, squat, and kneel without limitation; and physically escort potentially combative patients short distances.
Ability to run short distances occasionally and to stand, walk, and sit frequently.
Ability to remain calm in crises, make quick rational decisions, and prioritize immediate patient-care needs.
Ability to use hospital-taught de-escalation techniques and follow behavior intervention plans.
Working knowledge of professional medical terminology and definitions.
Legible writing, accurate spelling, and logical sentence and paragraph organization.
Strong communication skills, including expressing complex ideas, negotiation, active listening, and dialogue with multiple parties.
Ability to comprehend lengthy and complex messages and follow multistage and three-step commands.
Flexibility of thought, reasoning, organizational skills, and ability to function in behavioral and physical care situations.
Ability to float to other patient-care units or departments when required, provided the employee has the competencies and qualifications for the assignment.

Nice To Haves

Experience implementing Applied Behavior Analysis procedures with children and/or adolescents, including data collection, reinforcement, and instructional procedures.

Responsibilities

Maintain a safe and therapeutic environment by intervening in destructive behaviors, aggression, and expressions of self-harm using timely interventions outlined in individualized behavior plans.
Maintain the patient observation level ordered by the physician, BCBA, or Charge RN during each shift.
Supervise assigned patients in daily routines and assist with activities of daily living and basic hygiene according to individual needs.
Identify, report, and resolve potential or actual problems on the unit.
Report critical incidents promptly to the Charge RN and document them in the medical record; complete applicable incident, seclusion, and restraint forms and participate in debriefings.
Greet new admissions and escort them onto the unit under the direction of the Behavior Specialist Supervisor.
Review assigned patients’ behavior intervention plans at the start of each shift and collaborate with the behavior leadership team to suggest revisions based on observations.
Participate in hand-off shift reports.
Engage patients in organized group activities, participate with assigned patients, and modify activities to meet their developmental needs.
Set consistent and supportive therapeutic limits in accordance with hospital, unit, and department standards.
Participate in teaching visits and family or parent training as assigned.
Manage crises safely and effectively using the least restrictive safe patient-care alternative.
Anticipate and de-escalate patient distress before loss of control, as indicated in the behavior intervention plan.
Perform other related duties as required, assigned, or directed by the Charge Nurse.
Collect data for functional assessment and observe and document patient responses to interventions.
Provide care to assigned patients under the direction of the RN.

Benefits

Employer-subsidized medical and dental insurance
Vision insurance
403(b) retirement savings plan with employer match of up to 6%
Paid time off
Employer-paid life insurance
Short-term and long-term disability insurance
Health Savings Account with employer contributions
Flexible Spending Accounts
Employee Assistance Program
Tuition reimbursement
Professional development opportunities
Voluntary benefits, including pet insurance
Employee wellness programs with access to the onsite fitness and aquatics center
Employee referral bonus program
Employee recognition and appreciation initiatives