Board Certified Behavior Analyst I

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•San Antonio, TX

10d•$6,535 - $8,305•Onsite

About The Position

The Board Certified Behavior Analyst I performs advanced behavior analysis work at San Antonio State Hospital, on the Maximum Security Unit. The role provides behavior analysis assistance and services to patients with cognitive, developmental, psychiatric, and physical needs, and offers consultation and technical assistance to staff in applied behavior analysis. The BCBA I participates in patient treatment and treatment-team processes, develops comprehensive treatment and safety plans, reviews patient progress and response to behavioral therapy, and debriefs staff and patients following restraint events. The role designs, implements, and evaluates individual and group behavior therapy programs and unit milieu management structures. The position works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude to exercise initiative and independent judgment, and may be assigned to a particular unit while also serving other hospital areas. The position requires regular attendance and may involve a specific or rotating shift, extended shifts, overtime, and flexibility in work hours. Disaster response or Continuity of Operations activation may require an alternate shift pattern or location. The position may be eligible for additional pay for work performed in maximum security locations. Employees must meet the hospital's immunization requirements and pass applicable pre-employment screening and registry checks.

Requirements

Certification as a Behavior Analyst by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.
At least six months of experience in psychology and behavior analyst work.
Master’s or higher-level degree from an accredited college or university in behavior analysis, special education, human services, psychology, or a related field.
Knowledge of applied behavior analysis principles and practices.
Knowledge of behavior support plan development, implementation, and evaluation.
Knowledge of medications used to assist with behavior management.
Knowledge of systems used to track treatment effectiveness.
Knowledge of behavioral service delivery to people with mental disorders and characteristics of developmental disabilities.
Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and departmental and agency policy.
Skills in writing and developing complex technical reports and other documents, and in using a computer and applicable software.
Ability to conduct comprehensive functional behavior assessments, develop behavior support plans, evaluate behavioral and program data, make clinical recommendations, and communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Must be at least 18 years old for employment at a state-operated facility.
Must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and applicable registry checks.
Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital procedures related to immunizations is required.
Males between ages 18 and 25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

Nice To Haves

Two or more years implementing behavioral services with adults with developmental disabilities, substance abuse, and/or serious mental illness using a person-centered approach.

Responsibilities

Observe and assess patients as part of treatment planning, and design positive interventions for behavioral challenges.
Systematically monitor functional behavioral assessments and behavior support plans through observation, staff interviews, and documentation review.
Consult with staff on effective approaches to preventing and addressing challenging behaviors; write behavior support plans, communicate them to direct care staff, provide in-person training, and update treatment teams as needed.
Involve the person served in behavioral planning as much as possible.
Evaluate individual and group behavioral therapy programs and unit milieu management structures, and design supplemental therapeutic programs.
Advise treatment teams and unit staff on patient interaction, behavioral interventions, unit milieu structure, patient-centered safety plans, and alternatives to seclusion or restraint.
Review patient progress and response to behavioral therapy services and debrief staff and patients when restraints occur.
Participate in the Behavioral Support Plan Peer Review Committee, review behavioral support plans for compliance and protection of patient rights and choices, and approve hospital behavioral plans.
Participate in quality management, patient safety, risk management, and infection control programs to support compliance with applicable standards, laws, and policies.
Attend work regularly, follow assigned schedules, and perform other duties as assigned, including supporting disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activation.