Community Living Behavior Specialist

Behavioral Health Allies•Kansas City, MO

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Behavior Specialist is a direct care and clinical support role responsible for assisting in the implementation and monitoring of behavior analytic services within Community Living residential settings. This position is designed for individuals who are enrolled in a graduate program in Applied Behavior Analysis or related field, actively working toward BCBA certification, and accruing supervised fieldwork hours in accordance with BACB requirements. The Behavior Specialist works under the direct supervision of a BCBA/LBA and must practice strictly within the scope of a trainee role, in alignment with BACB standards, Missouri LBA regulations, DMH expectations, and BHA policies. This role operates within a DSP-implemented residential model, requiring a strong emphasis on direct client engagement, implementation of behavior plans, and staff support and training assistance. The Behavior Specialist is not permitted to independently design, approve, or modify behavior plans, but plays a key role in ensuring programming is implemented effectively and consistently.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required
Currently enrolled in a Master’s program in ABA or related field
Active supervision agreement with a BCBA/LBA to accrue fieldwork hours
Must meet all BACB fieldwork requirements
Valid driver’s license meeting transportation requirements (Missouri Class E, out-of-state equivalent, or CDL with Passenger/School Bus endorsement).
Strong clinical leadership and team development skills
Expertise in ABA, BSP development, and behavior reduction strategies
Ability to analyze and act on clinical and operational data
High accountability and ownership mindset
Ability to collaborate across disciplines (operations, nursing, compliance)
Strong communication and coaching skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities and systems simultaneously
Innovative problem-solver who challenges outdated practices
Ability to lead calmly and decisively in high-pressure situations
Emotional resilience and professionalism in high-pressure situations
Excellent verbal and written communication abilities
Knowledge of crisis management, safety, and compliance standards
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and operational data management systems

Nice To Haves

Minimum 6 months of experience working with individuals with behavioral needs preferred
Experience in residential or educational settings preferred

Responsibilities

Ensures all behavioral interventions protect dignity, safety, and rights
Utilizes least restrictive, trauma-informed practices
Ensures individuals are treated with respect across all environments
Develops individualized BSPs and skill acquisition programs
Ensures programming aligns with each individual’s needs, goals, and preferences
Promotes autonomy and meaningful outcomes
Ensures behavioral supports promote community integration and engagement
Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to provide cohesive supports
Supports development of socially significant behaviors
Integrates behavioral, environmental, and medical considerations
Collaborates with nursing and operations to ensure comprehensive care
Monitors behavior trends and adjusts interventions proactively
Embeds skill acquisition into daily routines and environments
Designs programming that promotes independence and functional skills
Ensures learning occurs in natural environments
Ensures all documentation, assessments, and plans meet BACB and MO LBA standards
Maintains compliance with ethical and regulatory requirements
Uses data to drive clinical decision-making
Works closely with Operations, Nursing, and Direct Care staff
Provides clear communication and expectations across teams
Participates in interdisciplinary meetings and planning
Ensures consistent implementation of BSPs across all staff and shifts
Monitors fidelity and addresses gaps immediately
Supports staff in managing complex behaviors effectively
Implement Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) and skill acquisition programs as written
Assist in conducting assessments under supervision
Collect and record behavioral data accurately
Assist in analyzing data trends with BCBA support
Support crisis response under direction of BCBA
Provide hands-on, direct support to individuals served throughout the shift
Maintain continuous engagement and supervision
Implement behavioral interventions in real time
Support daily routines and activities
Assist with training DSPs on BSP implementation, basic ABA strategies, and reinforcement and prompting
Model appropriate techniques under supervision
Reinforce training provided by BCBA/BCaBA
Participate in supervised fieldwork in accordance with BACB requirements
Maintain documentation of fieldwork hours
Attend required supervision meetings
Follow all BACB Ethics Code requirements
Practice strictly within trainee scope: No independent clinical decision-making, no independent plan approval, no unsupervised assessment or treatment design
Ensure accurate and timely data collection
Report concerns or inconsistencies to BCBA
Assist in maintaining fidelity of implementation
Support clinical documentation as directed
Participate in on-call rotation and provide decisive leadership during crises
Serve as a calm, directive presence during high-pressure situations
The Behavior Specialist is accountable for the day-to-day implementation of behavioral services and development toward clinical competency.
This role is responsible for ensuring programming is implemented consistently, data is accurate and complete, engagement with individuals is active and appropriate, and learning and skill development toward BCBA competency is demonstrated.
The Behavior Specialist is expected to actively engage in both service delivery and professional development, not passively observe.
Participate in organizational initiatives and strategic planning
Conduct staff training, supervision, and performance evaluations as assigned
Participate in on-call rotations for behavioral crisis response
Complete all documentation, billing, and reporting requirements in accordance with BHA and regulatory guidelines
Uphold BHA’s mission and values in all work performed
Complete additional duties as assigned