Behavioral Specialist

Sevita•Hattiesburg, MS

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Behavioral Specialist, IDD Services. This role provides services in residential, vocational, or in-home settings, offering invaluable support to individuals. The specialist ensures that support plans and services adhere to Individual Plans, quality standards, and regulatory requirements. This position involves conducting structured assessment interviews, observations, reviewing social history, completing functional assessments, and targeting behavior baseline information. The specialist will write and submit summaries of assessments and recommended behavior support plan components, advocate for the rights of individuals, and document progress and activity accurately and in a timely manner. Maintaining professional relationships, reporting alleged abuse or neglect, and ensuring confidentiality are key aspects of this role. The specialist will also support and train staff in implementing Individual Support Plans, attend meetings, and assist individuals with various daily living activities. Additional duties may include accompanying individuals to medical appointments, administering medications if assigned, monitoring health, and transporting individuals safely.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in a Human Services Field Required
Minimum of 2 Years of IDD Experience Required
Training in behavior modification techniques and/or experience providing behavior management treatment as required by state or program funder.
Knowledge of specialized populations such as individuals with a developmental disability, brain injury, or mental health; expertise in special disciplines such as behavioral support, early intervention, or crisis intervention.
Reliable, responsible, and caring nature with ability to work well with others.
Commitment to the company’s mission and values.
Current driver’s license, car registration and auto insurance if providing transportation for individuals receiving services.
All state-required training and certification completed in mandated timeframes.

Responsibilities

Provide services in residential, vocational, or in-home settings.
Ensure support plans and services adhere to Individual Plans, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
Complete structured assessment interviews with parents/care providers.
Conduct observation of the individual in appropriate settings.
Review social history information, complete functional assessments, and target appropriate behavior baseline information.
Write and submit a summary of assessment and recommended behavior support plan components to interdisciplinary team (IDT) or operations leader.
Advocate for the human and civil rights of individuals receiving services by attending and presenting behavior support plan information to review committees.
Document progress and activity; review records and logs to stay abreast of changes in service plans; maintain confidentiality; complete billing documentation as applicable; organize and record all documentation in an accurate and timely manner.
Maintain healthy and professional relationships with individuals, friends, families, guardians, and case managers; implement the company’s Customer Service Standards.
Report any instance of alleged abuse or neglect according to internal and external standards; report medical, behavioral, and other incidents following company policy and external requirements.
Maintain confidentiality and respect the rights of individuals according to applicable bill of rights; practice universal precautions; assist individuals in exercising their rights.
Support and train staff in implementing Individual Support Plans (i.e.: behavior intervention plans) and conduct classes and orientations as assigned.
Attend staff meetings and interdisciplinary team meetings as needed.
Assist with socialization and behavioral development, personal care, housekeeping, recreational activities, transportation, community orientation, shopping, financial management, citizenship, and other activities of daily living as needed.
Accompany individuals to medical appointments; relay instructions and information to and from medical providers as required.
Accurately administer and document delivery of medications and treatments; promptly report administration errors; maintain appropriate security of controlled medications and other medications and supplies.
Monitor individual’s health, documenting concerns and communicating with nurse or supervisor as appropriate; follow individual health care directives.
Transport individuals into the community; drive safely and according to local laws; assure proper use of safety equipment including seat belts, lifts, and wheelchair ties; report accidents and safety concerns to appropriate authorities, supervisor, or maintenance personnel immediately.
Check water temperature as required when assisting with bathing; participate in safety drills and protect persons being served in the event of emergency.
Comply with all established safety policies, procedures, and rules; report unsafe hazards to supervisor and participate in safety-related training or activities.