Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) -Behavioral Services

Citizen Advocates, Inc.•Malone, NY

68d•$65,587 - $74,855•Onsite

About The Position

The Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is a key member of the interdisciplinary treatment team 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 support independence, emotional wellness, quality of life, and community inclusion while ensuring compliance with OPWDD regulations and agency standards. The position is responsible for all aspects of behavior programming, including observation, evaluation, development, implementation, monitoring, and maintenance. Duties include clinical and behavioral assessments; creating, implementing, monitoring, revising, and evaluating plans and interventions; counseling and crisis support; interdisciplinary coordination; staff consultation and training; documentation and quality assurance; and administrative and regulatory responsibilities. The role provides clinical consultation, coaching, and mentoring to supervisors and Direct Support Professionals. It is full-time, Monday through Friday, with minimal travel between program locations as needed. Hours and schedules may vary based on company need and workload.

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, with ability to travel between program locations as needed.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA, OPWDD regulations, Medicaid requirements, and Citizen Advocates policies.
Maintain required licensure, certifications, and continuing education.
Knowledge of and strict adherence to OPWDD Part 633 regulations.
Highly developed verbal and written communication skills and demonstrated clinical interviewing skills.
Demonstrated ability in group therapy, group management, individual therapy, and family counseling.
Demonstrated consultation skills and ability to work as part of a team.
Crisis management and composure; confidentiality.
Ability to provide clinical consultation, coaching, and mentoring regarding behavioral interventions and support-plan implementation.

Nice To Haves

At least two years of experience working with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
Experience conducting Functional Behavioral Assessments.
Experience developing Behavioral Support Plans.
Experience in 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, including objective, projective, and neurological test batteries.
Excellent supervisory skills to oversee the work of interns and staff assigned to the psychology lab.

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 reassessments, or more frequently when clinically indicated.
Evaluate emotional, behavioral, environmental, and psychosocial factors affecting individuals’ functioning.
Provide supportive counseling, behavioral coaching, crisis intervention, and therapeutic interventions within the LCSW scope of practice.
Identify individuals who may need psychiatric or psychological evaluation and coordinate referrals when appropriate.
Collaborate with psychiatrists, psychologists, nursing staff, rehabilitation professionals, care managers, community providers, families, guardians, and other stakeholders to coordinate services and behavioral supports.
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 using evidence-based practices.
Monitor implementation fidelity of Behavioral Support Plans across residential, day, vocational, and community settings; conduct observations; review behavioral tracking systems; analyze trends; and recommend data-informed modifications.
Ensure behavioral documentation complies with OPWDD regulations and agency standards, and complete progress notes within 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 Positive Behavior Supports and Trauma-Informed Care practices; monitor restrictive interventions and recommend reduction strategies when clinically appropriate.
Participate in interdisciplinary treatment teams, admissions, annual Life Plan meetings, semi-annual reviews, special team meetings, and discharge planning meetings.
Provide clinical recommendations for individualized outcomes and person-centered planning, and 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 on Positive Behavior Supports, Trauma-Informed Care, Crisis Prevention, de-escalation, behavioral documentation, Motivational Interviewing, therapeutic communication, emotional regulation, person-centered supports, compassion fatigue, and staff resiliency.
Coach and consult with supervisors and Direct Support Professionals on behavioral interventions; assess staff competency and recommend further education or coaching as needed.
Ensure behavioral services comply with OPWDD regulations, Medicaid requirements, HIPAA, agency policies, and accepted clinical standards.
Maintain complete, timely, and accurate documentation; monitor documentation deadlines; and protect confidential health information.
Maintain current knowledge of evidence-based behavioral interventions, best practices, and OPWDD regulations, including Parts 624 and 633 and applicable HCBS regulations.
Participate in quality improvement initiatives, survey preparation, and regulatory audits as assigned.
Maintain organized clinical records, secure confidential information, and maintain inventory of behavioral assessment materials and program resources.
Attend required meetings and mandatory trainings; maintain professional licensure and continuing education; and demonstrate professionalism, sound judgment, flexibility, and ethical decision-making.
Maintain acceptable attendance and dependable work performance, and perform additional duties as assigned.
Travel between program locations as needed.