Behavioral Specialist - 24 Hours Days, Autism Inpatient Unit

Hospital for Special Care•New Britain, CT

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Behavioral Specialist works in the Autism Inpatient Unit and implements therapeutic treatment plans to support patient safety and care. The position operates under the oversight of the Clinical Nurse Manager, with daily monitoring by the Behavior Specialist Supervisor, and provides care to assigned patients under the direction of a registered nurse. As part of the interdisciplinary treatment team, the specialist collects data for functional assessment, observes and records patient responses to interventions, and documents program activities under the direction of a registered nurse and BCBA. The role involves maintaining a safe, therapeutic behavioral management environment for patients who may exhibit aggression or self-injurious behavior. The specialist uses hospital-taught de-escalation techniques and approved physical management methods when necessary. Employees may be asked to float to other patient care units or departments when operational or patient-care needs require it, provided they have 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 positioning, blocking and deflecting aggression, and using approved methods to hold struggling patients for extended periods when needed for safety.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds; reach, grasp, and hold; bend, squat, and kneel without limitation; and physically escort combative patients short distances.
Ability to occasionally run short distances and frequently stand, walk, and sit.
Ability to remain calm during crises, make quick rational decisions, and prioritize immediate patient-care needs.
Communication skills sufficient to express complex ideas, negotiate, actively listen, and dialogue with multiple parties.
Ability to comprehend lengthy or 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.
Working knowledge of professional medical terminology and definitions.
Legible writing, accurate spelling, and logical sentence and paragraph organization.
Ability to use hospital-taught de-escalation techniques and work under stressful conditions involving impaired, aggressive, or sometimes self-injurious individuals.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Implement individualized therapeutic treatment plans and behavior interventions while maintaining patient safety.
Maintain the documented level of patient observation ordered by the physician, BCBA, or Charge RN each shift.
Supervise assigned patients during daily routines and assist with activities of daily living and basic hygiene needs.
Collect data for functional assessment and observe and document patient responses to interventions under the direction of a registered nurse and BCBA.
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.
Participate in debriefings and actively participate in shift hand-off reports.
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 suggest revisions to the behavior leadership team based on observations.
Engage patients in organized group activities, participate with assigned patients, and adapt tasks to their developmental needs.
Set consistent, supportive therapeutic limits in accordance with hospital, unit, and department standards.
Participate in teaching visits and family or parent training as assigned.
Anticipate and de-escalate patient distress, handle crises safely using the least restrictive safe alternative, and intervene in destructive behavior, aggression, and expressions of self-harm as designated in behavior plans.
Perform other related duties as required, assigned, or directed by the charge nurse.
Float to other patient-care units or departments when required and when qualified for the assignment.