Direct Support Professional - Registered Behavior Technician (DSP-RBT)

YAI•West Milford, NJ

About The Position

The Direct Support Professional - Registered Behavior Technician (DSP-RBT) provides supervision, protection, and person-centered care to individuals with moderate to complex needs in a range of settings. The role supports individuals’ health, safety, wellness, personal rights, communication, social connections, and personal goals in accordance with individualized service, behavior support, and program plans. Duties include personal care, activities of daily living, medication support, skill development, meal preparation, transportation, assistance with purchases, and safeguarding funds, as appropriate and authorized. The DSP-RBT maintains a safe, clean, and therapeutic environment; manages crisis situations in accordance with applicable plans and procedures; and uses person-centered, trauma-informed, and foundational teaching approaches. Under appropriate supervision, the role participates in treatment planning, implements behavior support plans, collects and reports behavioral data, observes and reports changes, and communicates with authorized representatives as instructed by a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst. The position also requires completing trainings and certification requirements, maintaining accurate daily records and other documentation, complying with regulatory requirements including HIPAA, and working collaboratively with program leadership, clinical staff, direct support staff, and the individual’s support team. Physical demands include frequent movement and assisting with lifting or moving individuals, including use of mechanical lifts or other equipment when needed.

Requirements

High school diploma or educational equivalent.
Must hold or obtain Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification within one year of appointment; for California assignments, may instead be a Licensed Psych Technician or Qualified Behavior Modification Professional.
Basic written and verbal communication skills.
Basic computer skills, including email and use of Workday and related systems.
Interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
Willingness to take initiative.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the position, including frequent walking, sitting, standing, bending, twisting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, pushing, pulling, reaching, and handling objects, tools, or controls.
Ability to assist with lifting or moving individuals of any weight, with mechanical lifts, other equipment, or other staff as applicable, and/or push individuals in wheelchairs; ability to lift or move up to 25 pounds or run on occasion.
Physical capacity to work with and implement emergency interventions in accordance with an individual’s Behavior Support Plan and Emergency Intervention Plan, including lifting or moving individuals of any weight with or without equipment or other staff.
A valid driver’s license may be required depending on position and location.
New Jersey Behavioral Health Stabilization Homes: at least six months of work or life experience with individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities and/or behavioral challenges; valid driver’s license with no more than five points; and completion of mandatory New Jersey drug-test screening.
California Enhanced Behavioral Supports Homes and/or Community Crisis Homes: at least six months of prior direct-care experience with individuals with developmental disabilities; completion of California DSP Training Year 1 and Year 2 within one year of appointment; CPR/First Aid, Ukeru, and CPI certifications, obtained through employer-provided training if needed, with annual recertification; health screening; and annual continuing education units through competency-based training as required by Titles 17 and 22.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a Human Services field such as social work or psychology.
Knowledge of intellectual and developmental disabilities, clinical syndromes, and/or intellectual and developmental disabilities with co-occurring behavioral or mental health needs.
Valid driver’s license strongly preferred for California assignments.

Responsibilities

Supervise, protect, and care for individuals at all times, maintain house rules, facilitate fire-safety learning, and identify and escalate signs of potential harm to self or others.
Provide support in a variety of settings in accordance with individualized service and behavior support plans, including for people with moderate to complex needs.
Promote health, wellness, and safety through appropriate supervision and crisis management in accordance with policies, procedures, and regulations.
Implement plans of protective oversight, Individual Behavior Support Plans (IBSPs), and Individualized Program Plans (IPPs).
Maintain a clean, safe, organized work and therapy environment; follow safe handling procedures and COVID mitigation and infection-control protocols.
Support individuals’ strengths, interests, abilities, personal rights, emotional well-being, and positive relationships.
Support personal goals, respectful person-first communication, socializing, activities, and connections to the community.
Provide personal care and assistance with activities of daily living, as appropriate and authorized.
Ensure medications are administered as prescribed and according to applicable guidelines.
Teach and develop skills; support advocacy, communication, self-expression, dispute resolution, and ethical decision-making.
Supervise or plan and prepare balanced meals and snacks in accordance with individuals’ dietary restrictions and guidelines.
Transport and escort individuals to recreational activities, medical appointments, home visits, and other activities.
Assist individuals with purchases and safeguard personal allowance and other funds.
Complete and maintain required trainings and apply skills to comply with YAI policies and licensing regulations.
Review communication logs and document events, progress notes, services, and other information using an electronic health record.
Complete required paperwork and documentation accurately and on time, including notifications, incident reports, file updates, maintenance requests, and applicable reports.
Maintain a therapeutic environment using Personal Outcome Measures, Person Centered Thinking, informed decision-making, and trauma-informed approaches.
Work as a member of the individual’s support team, communicate program needs, provide feedback, and take a solution-oriented approach to conflicts.
Consult with program leadership, clinical staff, and other direct support staff, and attend and participate in team meetings.
Use foundational and progressive teaching skills, including EMOE, task analysis, essential skills, supports, and modifications.
Comply with applicable federal, state, local, and other regulatory requirements, including HIPAA.
Maintain BACB requirements for RBT certification or license, as applicable, and complete required recertifications and trainings.
Model DSP/RBT skills using person-centered and trauma-informed approaches.
Under appropriate supervision, participate in treatment-plan development and develop and maintain knowledge of individual-specific clinical needs.
Under appropriate supervision, implement Behavior Support Plans (BSPs), collect and summarize observable behavior data, and report behavioral changes or other signs and symptoms to a supervisor.
Under appropriate supervision, communicate with authorized representatives about individual progress as instructed by the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst.
Perform other duties as assigned.