The Behavior Specialist is responsible for assessing, developing, and implementing behavioral interventions for individuals with intellectual disabilities and or autism. The specialist collaborates with a multidisciplinary team to create tailored strategies that support positive behaviors and reduce challenging behaviors, with the ultimate goal of improving the individual's quality of life.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct comprehensive behavioral assessments to identify the causes and triggers of challenging behaviors.
- Develop individualized behavior support plans (BSPs) based on assessment data, emphasizing positive behavior support and skill-building.
- Implement, monitor, and adjust behavior plans in collaboration with the individual, their family, and the care team.
- Provide direct support and guidance to individuals in various settings, such as homes, community environments, or day programs.
- Train staff, caregivers, and family members on the implementation of behavior intervention strategies.
- Collect and analyze behavioral data to measure the effectiveness of interventions and make necessary adjustments.
- Provide crisis intervention and develop strategies to de-escalate behaviors when necessary.
- Work collaboratively with other professionals, including therapists, case managers, and educators, to ensure a comprehensive approach to the individual’s care.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation on interventions, progress, and communication with the team.
- Stay current with best practices in behavior analysis and apply evidence-based methods in service delivery.
Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in psychology, behavior analysis, special education, social work, or a related field.
- Experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities and or autism.
- Knowledge of behavior analysis principles and techniques, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
- Strong observational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with individuals, families, and multidisciplinary teams.
- Certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) is preferred but not required.
Work Environment:
This position may require travel to various locations, including clients’ homes, community programs, and residential facilities. The work environment can be physically and emotionally demanding, requiring patience, empathy, and resilience.