Behavior Specialist

Summary: The Behavior Specialist is responsible for developing and implementing positive behavior support plans (PBSPs) for individuals served. The specialist works closely with individuals, their families, and interdisciplinary teams to ensure that behavioral interventions are effective, ethical, and in compliance with regulatory standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Behavioral Assessment: Conduct functional behavior assessments to identify the causes and functions of challenging behaviors.
• Plan Development: Develop comprehensive Positive Behavior Support Plans (PBSPs) based on assessments, including strategies for teaching appropriate behaviors and minimizing triggers for challenging behaviors.
• Intervention Implementation: Oversee the implementation of PBSPs, ensuring that interventions are carried out consistently and effectively by all team members.
• Training: Provide training to direct care staff, families, and other stakeholders on implementing PBSPs and managing challenging behaviors using evidence-based practices.
• Data Collection: Design and implement systems for collecting data on behavior interventions, monitor progress, and make data-driven decisions to adjust PBSPs as needed.
• Crisis Intervention: Provide support during behavioral crises, intervention plans when necessary.
• Collaboration: Work closely with interdisciplinary teams, including licensed professionals, to ensure that PBSPs are integrated into the overall care plan.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of assessments, PBSPs, training sessions, and ongoing monitoring activities in compliance with CES Waiver and CSSP standards.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all behavioral interventions comply with state and federal regulations, including those related to restraint and seclusion, and participate in audits and reviews as required.
• Consultation: Provide consultation services to other team members on best practices in behavior management and positive behavior supports.
• Behavioral Prevention and Intervention Plans: Develop and draft behavioral prevention and intervention plans for individuals identified as being at risk of harmful behaviors, ensuring that all plans include clear descriptions of inappropriate behaviors, triggers, and intervention actions to prevent escalation.
• Emergency Safety Procedures: Establish and implement detailed emergency safety intervention plans, including the identification of triggers, specific interventions to be used, and procedures for reviewing the plan within 48 hours of an intervention (CSSP Certification Manual).
• Plan Approval: Ensures that individual and/or parent/guardian are included in the Plan Development and have reviewed and approved plan and related strategies at least annually.

Compliance/HIPAA:

While performing the duties of this job, employee will comply with all federal, state and local laws and regulations pertaining to Easterseals Arkansas.  Employee has access to protected health information of the individuals directly served in Easterseals programs in which employee is engaged, except psychotherapy notes. Employee will not attempt to access any other protected health information unless otherwise approved by Supervisor or Privacy Officer.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are represented

Supervison: 

No direct supervisory responsibilities.

Education and/or Experience:                                                 

Bachelor’s degree required, master's degree preferred in Psychology, Social Work, Special Education, or a related field. Certified Positive Behavior Support Specialist or Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) preferred. Minimum of 3 years of experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities, particularly in the development and implementation of behavior support plans; preference given for additional years of experience.

Core Competencies:

• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with Individuals served, families, staff, other providers and PASSE care management teams.
• Strong knowledge of behavior analysis and positive behavior support strategies.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
• Ability to work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams and families.
• Proficiency in data collection and analysis.
• Ability to manage and de-escalate crises effectively.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Competence in instructional, oral, and written communication, organizational and interpersonal relations skills.
• Ability to work with a variety of individuals regardless of age, education, functionality, and with minimal direction.
• Ability to present information and train staff who have varying levels of knowledge/experience.
• Ability to independently prioritize and plan work activities.
• Ability to problem-solve independently or in a group setting.
• Ability to foster quality in others.
• Strives to constantly improve processes and services.
• Knowledge of Word, Excel, and Google.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

Must maintain Positive Behavior Support Specialist Certification or Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) license, if applicable.

Valid Arkansas Driver's License

Other Skills and Abilities:                                                  

Ability to lift and transfer individuals according to weight guidelines for lifting. 

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and see, taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Employees will refer to the individual’s treatment plan for guidance when lifting or moving an individual greater than 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Easterseals Arkansas has designated this position as a “non-safety sensitive” position under the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment.