BEHAVIOR THERAPIST- ADULT RESIDENTIAL

PURPOSE:

The purpose of the Behavior Therapist is to provide behavior intervention and treatment services to the clients of Little City Foundation that are individualized, behaviorally-based treatment models consistent with best practice and research on effectiveness that are directly related to an individual’s therapeutic goals.  The Behavior Therapist conducts appropriate analysis, generates related behavior support plans, and ensures the effective implementation of all in-home treatment and programming for individuals on their caseload. As a primary function, the Behavior Therapist is responsible for the training staff, program leadership and family (if applicable) to ensure effective implementation of the behavior support plan, as well as all relevant policies and procedures. The Behavior Therapist is responsible for adhering to professional and legal requirements and principles as well as demonstrating sound professional judgment at all times.

The Behavior Therapist works under the clinical supervision of the BCBA, and overall supervision of the Deputy Chief, Centralized Support Services.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The list of essential duties and responsibilities, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the task to be performed. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein is such duties are a logical assignment to the position.

1. Fully assesses the individuals on the assigned caseload annually, including analysis of the presenting behavior and its antecedents and consequences, and develops written behavior strategies based upon the individual needs.
2. Monitors progress on at least a monthly basis and more frequently if needed to address issues with the individuals’ progress toward behavioral goals and objectives.  If necessary, update written strategies to reflect progress or emerging needs.
3. Supervises the implementation of the behavior strategies by training of the direct support staff, home leadership and family (if applicable) to ensure that they apply the interventions properly, understand the specific services and outcomes for the individual, and know the procedures for reporting progress.
4. Ensure due process of all plans prior to implementation including Behavior Support Committee Review, guardian approval and Human Rights Committee approval if required.
5. Maintain a client service record to support services provided.
6. Complete monthly billing (ROCS) for each individual served.
7. Ensure that all treatment methodologies are evidence based and reflect the most recent research findings.
8. Participate on the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) for each individual assigned.
9. Advocate for each individual assigned during psychiatric evaluations and reviews by providing data towards the individual’s behavioral and/or adaptive skills goals and objectives.
10. Provides agency wide trainings on ABA and related behavioral concepts during each New Employee Orientation (NEO) and as requested.
11. Participates in the clinical team’s on call rotation.
12. Maintains American Heart Association certification in First Aid and CPR, if required.
13. Successfully completes Little City Foundation required training, re-training, and any additional training as required by Little City Foundation policies and practices, or as assigned by his or her immediate supervisor.
14. Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum qualifications include current certification or ability to meet certification requirements for a Level 2 Behavior Therapist by the Department of Human Services within two months of hire (Bachelor’s degree in a human service field and 1,500 hours of coursework, training and/or supervised professional experience in the application of behavior analysis). Preferred two years’ experience with individuals with autism or other developmental and intellectual disabilities in a residential setting with a proven ability to communicate effectively within a variety of situations. Ability to work independently and a team member. Excellent time management skills.  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is subject to sitting for prolonged periods; frequently walks, stands, grasps,  lifts, holds, or feels objects; occasionally stoops, kneels, crouches, or crawls.  Extended use of computer and typing is required. The employee frequently is required to use manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination when working and handling office equipment. The employee is subject to assist and support up to 25 pounds with varying amounts of assistance on a reoccurring basis.  The employee is required to have corrected vision and hearing within normal range and the ability to operate office equipment. No occupational exposure to blood, body fluids, communicable diseases or other potentially infectious substances (Category I). Typical office environment. 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.

Disclaimer:  The intent of this job description is to provide a representative level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position.  Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.