BIS 2 - Brooklyn

YAI•New York, NY

About The Position

The BIS 2 identifies and assesses the habilitative, behavioral, and psychiatric needs of people supported by YAI, develops individualized habilitative and behavior support plans, and monitors their implementation and effectiveness. The role uses person-centered tools, formal and informal assessments, functional behavior assessments, data analysis, and research into related syndromes and conditions to inform clinical hypotheses and interventions. Plans and interventions must follow agency philosophy and OPWDD regulations, with appropriate approvals and consent obtained before implementation. The position establishes baselines and data-collection systems, oversees staff data collection and required documentation, and modifies plans based on ongoing monitoring. The BIS 2 trains and provides feedback to direct-care staff and management, supports staff during crises, mentors Assistant BISs or program designees, and serves as a clinical team leader in interdisciplinary meetings and case reviews. The role requires a flexible schedule and regular travel among programs in assigned regions, with possible travel to other regions as needed.

Requirements

Master’s degree in a clinical or treatment field of psychology, social work, school psychology, or applied psychology related to human development and clinical interventions, with documented training in assessment techniques and behavior support plan development; or
National Board certification in behavior analysis (BCBA) and a master’s degree in behavior analysis or a closely related field of clinical or community psychology approved by OPWDD; or
Current license and registration in Mental Health Counseling issued by the New York State Department of Education.
Successfully complete BIS School or authorized equivalent training through YAI within one year of appointment.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and/or weekends, and regularly travel to multiple programs throughout assigned regions; travel to other regions may also be required.
Hold or obtain and maintain SCIP-R or SCIP-R Restrictive and CPR certification, if required for assigned programs, within six months of hire; additional certifications may be required based on assigned programs.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to engage, build relationships, and collaborate with others.
Strong dedication to enhancing quality care and incorporating strategies, techniques, and team-based care.
Ability to communicate clinical matters appropriately with people at all levels, including family members, direct support professionals, managers, and providers.
Basic computer skills, including email and use of Workday and related systems to complete tasks and document services and progress, including in electronic health records.
Ability to meet the position’s physical demands, including frequent walking, sitting, standing, bending, twisting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, pushing, pulling, and reaching; handling, fingering, or feeling objects, tools, or controls; assisting with lifting or moving individuals with mechanical lifts or other equipment and/or pushing individuals in wheelchairs; occasionally lifting or moving up to 25 pounds; and implementing emergency interventions as required by an individual’s Behavior Support Plan.

Nice To Haves

Strong understanding of I/DD, including autism spectrum disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, and traumatic brain injury.
Knowledge of co-occurring psychiatric diagnoses, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, OCD, psychotic disorder, trauma, and neurocognitive disorders.
Knowledge of the hierarchy of restrictive and intrusive interventions.
Familiarity with expected and therapeutic effects of psychotropic medications.
Knowledge of ABA, CBT, DBT, positive psychology, and other evidence-based approaches.
Current certification in SCIP-R or SCIP-R Restrictive and CPR.

Responsibilities

Identify the habilitative, behavioral, and psychiatric needs of people supported through person-centered tools, assessments, and collaboration with individuals and their circles of support.
Conduct behavioral and habilitative assessments, including functional behavior assessments, using questionnaires, standardized tests, rating scales, baseline data, and direct and indirect observations.
Analyze information from multiple sources and research related syndromes and conditions to support behavioral hypotheses, using references such as DSM V, ICD 10, and DM-ID.
Develop individualized habilitative and behavior support plans using proactive, evidence-based interventions in accordance with agency philosophy and OPWDD regulations.
Develop skills, counseling, behavior support, medication monitoring, environmental modification, false reporting, and non-reversible medical diagnosis plans as needed.
Develop plans involving PRN medication, SCIP-R physical interventions, or mechanical restraints when appropriate to prevent, modify, or control challenging behavior, address symptoms of diagnosed co-occurring psychiatric conditions, or maintain body alignment.
Follow required protocols to obtain approvals and consent before interventions are implemented.
Establish baselines and design data-collection systems to monitor progress under habilitative and behavior support plans.
Direct or oversee day-to-day data collection by program staff and ensure data are consistently obtained, summarized monthly, and supported by accessible data sheets.
Monitor individuals’ response to services and ensure timely modifications to plans based on individual needs.
Oversee accurate and timely completion of required paperwork, communications, and documentation, including monthlies, Staff Action Plans, Life Plan meetings, anecdotals, Person-Centered Plans, meeting minutes, and billing.
Train direct-care staff and management on individual services, staff action plans, and behavior management using the Explain Model Observe Evaluate training system.
Provide staff with clinical rationales, formal and informal feedback, role modeling, and instruction in habilitative and behavioral programming, data collection, and documentation.
Develop or conduct specialized training on I/DD, illnesses, clinical and dual diagnoses, interventions, symptoms, definitions, and common behaviors, including behavior as communication.
Evaluate staff performance in Core Competencies and provide feedback to program staff and supervisors.
Support direct-care staff and work with leadership, modeling and mobilizing supports during crises and recommending additional supports.
Oversee and provide feedback on clinical duties performed by Assistant BISs or program designees, mentoring them in clinical and data-collection skills.
Serve as a clinical team leader and treatment-team member by sharing data, updates, and recommendations in interdisciplinary meetings and case reviews, including Person-Centered meetings.
Interface with circles of support, including family members and support providers, and attend and participate in monthly BIS meetings as required for clinical supervision and updates.
Perform other duties as assigned.