Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) -Behavioral Services

Citizen Advocates, Inc.•Malone, NY

1d•$65,587 - $74,855•Hybrid

About The Position

The Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) - Behavioral Services is a key member of the interdisciplinary treatment team responsible for providing behavioral, clinical, and consultative services to individuals receiving OPWDD Community Living services. The LCSW functions as the agency's Behavioral Intervention Specialist (BIS), providing behavioral assessment, Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs), development and oversight of Behavioral Support Plans (BSPs) and Therapeutic Support Plans (TSPs), counseling, crisis intervention, staff consultation, and behavioral training. The position promotes person-centered, trauma-informed practices that enhance independence, emotional wellness, quality of life, and community inclusion while ensuring compliance with OPWDD regulations and agency standards.

Requirements

Master's Degree in Social Work from an accredited college or university.
Current New York State Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) license in good standing.
OPWDD clearance prior to employment.
Valid New York State Driver License meeting agency requirements.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA, OPWDD regulations, Medicaid requirements, and Citizen Advocates policies.
Maintain all required licensure, certifications, and continuing education.

Nice To Haves

Minimum two (2) years of experience working with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
Experience conducting Functional Behavioral Assessments.
Experience developing Behavioral Support Plans.
Experience within OPWDD-certified residential or HCBS settings.
Experience providing behavioral consultation, counseling, and staff education.
Highly developed ability in the administration, scoring, and interpretation of psychological tests, specifically objective, projective, and neurological test batteries.
Highly developed verbal and written communication skills.
Demonstrated skill in clinical interviewing.
Demonstrated ability in group therapy, group management, individual therapy, and family counseling.
Excellent supervisory skills to oversee the work of interns and staff assigned to the psychology lab.
Demonstrated skills in consultation and the ability to work as part of a team.
Crisis Management/Composure
Confidentiality

Responsibilities

Serve as the assigned Behavioral Intervention Specialist (BIS) for individuals receiving Community Living services.
Complete Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs), behavioral analyses, psychosocial assessments, record reviews, interviews, and environmental assessments.
Develop, implement, monitor, revise, and evaluate Behavioral Support Plans (BSPs), Therapeutic Support Plans (TSPs), behavioral interventions, and individualized support strategies.
Conduct admission behavioral assessments and annual behavioral reassessments, or more frequently when clinically indicated.
Evaluate emotional, behavioral, environmental, and psychosocial factors affecting an individual's functioning.
Provide individual supportive counseling, behavioral coaching, crisis intervention, and therapeutic interventions within the LCSW scope of practice.
Identify individuals requiring psychiatric or psychological evaluation and coordinate referrals when appropriate.
Collaborate with psychiatrists, psychologists, nursing staff, rehabilitation professionals, care managers, and community providers to coordinate comprehensive services.
Participate in psychiatric consultations by providing behavioral observations, clinical recommendations, and treatment progress.
Ensure behavioral services promote dignity, self-determination, informed choice, and the least restrictive interventions possible.
Develop individualized positive behavior support strategies utilizing evidence-based practices.
Monitor implementation fidelity of Behavioral Support Plans across residential, day, vocational, and community settings.
Complete routine behavioral observations and document findings.
Review behavioral tracking systems and analyze behavioral trends.
Recommend modifications to interventions based upon behavioral data.
Ensure behavioral documentation complies with OPWDD regulations and agency standards.
Complete required behavioral progress notes according to established timelines.
Participate in incident reviews involving behavioral concerns and recommend preventative interventions.
Assist with behavioral risk assessments and crisis prevention planning.
Participate in Human Rights Committee, Incident Review Committee, Restrictive Intervention Review Committee, and other clinical committees as assigned.
Support implementation of Positive Behavior Supports and Trauma-Informed Care practices.
Monitor restrictive interventions and recommend reduction strategies whenever clinically appropriate.
Participate as an active member of interdisciplinary treatment teams.
Attend admissions, annual Life Plan meetings, semi-annual reviews, special team meetings, and discharge planning meetings.
Provide clinical recommendations supporting individualized outcomes and person-centered planning.
Assist teams in developing meaningful behavioral objectives and measurable outcomes.
Collaborate with Care Managers regarding behavioral recommendations and service coordination.
Develop and deliver employee training regarding: Positive Behavior Supports, Trauma-Informed Care, Crisis Prevention, De-escalation Techniques, Behavioral Documentation, Motivational Interviewing, Therapeutic Communication, Emotional Regulation, Person-Centered Supports, Compassion Fatigue and Staff Resiliency.
Provide coaching and consultation to supervisors and Direct Support Professionals regarding implementation of behavioral interventions.
Assess staff competency and recommend additional education or coaching as needed.
Provide education to families, guardians, and other stakeholders regarding behavioral supports and interventions.
Ensure behavioral services comply with OPWDD regulations, Medicaid requirements, HIPAA, agency policies, and accepted clinical standards.
Maintain complete, timely, and accurate documentation.
Monitor required documentation deadlines.
Maintain confidentiality of all protected health information.
Maintain current knowledge of evidence-based behavioral interventions and best practices.
Participate in agency quality improvement initiatives.
Maintain knowledge of OPWDD regulations including Parts 624, 633, and applicable HCBS regulations.
Participate in survey preparation and regulatory audits as assigned.
Maintain organized clinical records and secure storage of confidential information.
Maintain inventory of behavioral assessment materials and program resources.
Attend required meetings and mandatory trainings.
Maintain required professional licensure and continuing education.
Demonstrate professionalism, sound judgment, flexibility, and ethical decision-making.
Maintain acceptable attendance and dependable work performance.
Perform additional duties as assigned.
Knowledge of, and strict adherence to, the 633 regulations must be maintained.
Provides clinical consultation, coaching, and mentoring to supervisors and Direct Support Professionals regarding behavioral interventions and implementation of support plans.