SAP Specialist

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•POLLOK, TX

3d•$4,095 - $5,921•Onsite

About The Position

The SAP Specialist performs highly complex skill acquisition planning and instructional work with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities at a State Supported Living Center. The role develops and implements Skills Acquisition Plans (SAPs) to address skill deficits and promote independence in areas such as education, vocation, socialization, recreation, self-administration of medication, and daily living. The specialist works with an interdisciplinary team to assess needs, plan instruction, train staff, monitor progress, document outcomes, and support safety. The position works under limited supervision and allows considerable initiative and independent judgment. The role produces training materials and manuals, coordinates with habilitation therapy staff regarding communication supports and adaptive equipment, and provides day-to-day oversight and training to direct support professionals and, as assigned, other SAP Specialists. It also communicates progress to the interdisciplinary team, contributes to discharge planning presentations for community providers, and may assist with tours, regulatory inquiries, or investigations related to SAP implementation. The position is based at the Lufkin State Supported Living Center in Pollok, Texas, and is not eligible for telework.

Requirements

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in rehabilitation, psychology, sociology, social work, education, or a related field, and experience working with individuals receiving IDD services; OR bachelor’s degree in one of these fields and one year of experience working with individuals receiving IDD services; OR high school diploma and two years of experience working with individuals receiving IDD services.
Valid Texas Driver’s License.
Knowledge of behavioral analysis theories and practice, regulatory guidelines, Skill Acquisition Plans, the active treatment loop, facility operations and policies, and IDD and ICF/IID standards.
Skills in education and training, active treatment, educational and behavioral treatment, observation and documentation, modeling plan implementation, and monitoring staff implementation.
Ability to assess functional levels; work with interdisciplinary teams; train staff; solve problems and make sound decisions during critical incidents; and plan, implement, supervise, and evaluate individualized instruction.
Ability to communicate effectively and provide accurate oral and written reports; work independently and cooperatively; and safely perform CPR and restraint techniques once trained.
Computer skills, including use of Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and electronic health data systems.
Must pass fingerprint-based criminal background, pre-employment drug, and registry checks. State Supported Living Center employees are also subject to random drug testing.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old. Males aged 18–25 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Must be willing to work weekends and holidays; flexibility in working hours, overtime, and extended hours may be required.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement Skills Acquisition Plans to build individuals’ skills and support community reentry or maximum independence in their current setting.
Review electronic health records and prior plans, assessments, behavior support information, and outcomes; analyze relevant information and share it with the interdisciplinary team.
Administer, score, and interpret formal and informal assessments of individuals’ strengths, needs, preferences, and functional skills, including vocational or day-programming assessments when assigned.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to develop SAP content, including skill analyses, goals, instructional steps, materials, prompts, and data collection procedures.
Produce and update training aids and manuals, trial SAPs with individuals, and train direct support professionals to implement plans correctly.
Monitor plan quality and implementation through treatment integrity and procedural fidelity checks, progress-note reviews, and observations across settings, including scheduled holidays, evenings, and weekends.
Document individual progress in the electronic health record and communicate progress to the interdisciplinary team at least monthly through reports, notes, email, and meetings.
Provide day-to-day oversight and training to staff implementing SAPs; coordinate or oversee other SAP Specialists as assigned and serve temporarily in a supervisor role when assigned.
Coordinate with habilitation therapy staff to ensure communication supports and adaptive equipment are available and used appropriately; train staff on these supports as needed.
Ensure SAP materials are available and in working condition, conduct routine checks, and submit orders for replacement materials as needed.
Promote safety, respond to agitation and aggression, use verbal de-escalation and trained Ukeru and Safe Use of Restraints techniques, and help maintain a safe treatment environment.
Present information to community providers about individual transitions during discharge planning and participate in community presentations or tours as assigned.
Respond to questions from regulatory surveyors and provide information during investigations concerning SAP implementation or personally observed incidents.
Participate in disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activities as assigned, which may require a different shift pattern or work location.
Attend work regularly, follow assigned shift schedules, and perform other duties as assigned.