Behavioral Specialist

James L. Maher Center

JOB POSTING

Position: Behavioral Specialist (BS)

Location: Barrington, Warren, RI

Schedule: Full Time, Part-time; 1st, 2nd and 3rd shift

POSITION SUMMARY:

Behavioral Specialists (BS) provides short time, intensive, behavioral interventions and replacement skill-building strategies for our participants. The BS will provide social-emotional-behavioral supports within the context of the participant’s overall ISP addressing specific behaviors and offering immediate reinforcement. Specific services include, but are not limited to, cognitive behavioral approaches, structured activities and implementing de-escalation strategies along with positive behavioral supports, TIC, behavior modification and behavioral analysis and functional analysis training.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Training

·Completes and maintains all required State mandated trainings such as, Universal Precautions, Medication Administration with a competency assessment test ,CPR / First Aid, Signs & Symptoms of Illness & Injury and Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities, and Hospitals (BHDDH) CORE trainings within 90 days of employment;

· Attends meetings and training sessions as required by BHDDH and JLMC;

·Completes annual trainings related to Participants’ IP, BP and related plans;

·Completes all additional required trainings specific to applicable title. Including but not limited to: Behavioral Specialist Certification course through RELIAS and on-going Behavioral Specialist professional development courses.

Daily Programing

· Provide therapeutic behavioral supports to participants to assist with their individual needs, including interventions, treatment options and restoration of daily living skills and crisis prevention services

Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with support staff, psychologists, and administrators in structured problem solving and coordination of programs

· Provides transportation to and from activities;

· Assists in the implementation of individual plans for individuals and behavioral plan goals;

· Assists individuals in the pursuit of recreational, social and community activities based on their

preferences and individual plans;

· Assists and encourages individuals in the establishment of social networks;

· Promotes participation and involvement in community outings;

· Works all assigned schedules, including but not limited to: arriving and departing on time,

requesting time off in advance, and notifying your supervisor of changes to your assigned work

schedule;

· Ensures each individuals’ rights are protected;

· Treats individuals with dignity and respect;

Activities of Daily Living

· Administers medications to individuals as assigned;

· Observes individuals for any changes in behavior or health that may have resulted from

medication administration;

· Ensures individuals are dressed neatly and appropriately and are groomed at all times;

· Assists and encourages individuals to care for immediate personal needs such as toileting,

washing their hands, and eating;

· Prepares nutritional meals based on individual needs and preferences;

· Encourage individuals to assist in the preparation of meals and snacks as appropriate to their

individual plan and behavior plan;

· Keeps residence - both interior and exterior - and resident personal space clean, organized, and

tidy and encourage them to participation in home beautification and upkeep as appropriate

according to their individual plans;

· Teaches individuals daily skills such as household chores, laundry, cleaning, and washing dishes,

as appropriate according to their individual plan;

Communication

· Observes individuals for evidence of injury or bruises and evaluates for changes in emotional and physical status;

· Reports any noted problems to the Direct Support Manager or Supervisor immediately and complete a written incident report form;

· Reports all medical related incidents to the Direct Support Manager or Supervisor and the delegating nurse;

· Acts as a representative for James L. Maher Center in a professional manner when required, to families, service coordinators, State officials, community partners, local businesses, and employers;

·Represents James L. Maher Center in a professional manner to families, service coordinators,

State officials, and community partners when required;

·Maintains resident confidentiality;

·Communicates with Residential Director when items related to individuals personal needs and personal space needs to be purchased;

Teamwork

· Assists the Day and Residential Coordinators in the preparation for the annual Individual

Planning Meeting;

· Treats all individuals and coworkers and with dignity, respect, and fairness;

· Provides support to other team members when individuals are having behavioral issues;

Documentation

·Documents all program data, including but not limited to: individual plan data, behavior plan

data, assessments, individual funds requests, maintenance requests forms, and supply acquisition forms;

·Documents individuals health (i.e. seizure charts, weight, bowel movements, fluid intake.);

· Ensures that all documentation is completed accurately and in a timely manner;

· Ensures Medication Administration Record entries are completed daily;

·Completes communication log books during shift;

· Clocks in and out before and after every shift and submits Leave Request forms when applicable;

Safety

· Assists individuals when entering and exiting vehicles while on community outings, as well as

entering and exiting the building safely;

·Supervises meal times based on individual needs, especially those identified as a risk for choking;

· Observes appropriate staffing ratios as directed by the IP;

· Reports unsafe conditions, environment, and equipment to the Residential Director

· Follows safety protocols to foster a safe working environment;

All other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

Valid driver’s license

Ability to drive company vehicles.

Ability to lift/push/pull 50lbs.

Ability to work on holidays and during inclement weather.

A favorable National Criminal Background check along with OIG clearance

High School Diploma or GED

Associates Degree and two plus years of related field experience and/or four or more years of related experience and training in residential setting

This job description is subject to change

Encompasses all Behavior Specialists position.

Reports to: Home or Residential Manager or Residential Director

Behavioral Specialists (BS) provides short time, intensive, behavioral interventions and replacement skill-building strategies for our participants. The BS will provide social-emotional-behavioral supports within the context of the participant’s overall ISP addressing specific behaviors and offering immediate reinforcement. Specific services include, but are not limited to, cognitive behavioral approaches, positive support, structured activities and implementing de-escalation strategies. This position involves working designated shifts with varying hours.

• Second and Third shift available in our residential program in Middletown, Newport, Barrington, Bristol, and Warren
  
• Second Shift, and overnight hours (Shift differential pay)
  
• One shift per weekend is required in our residential programs
  

Responsibilities and Duties

Provide direct support to individuals with developmental disabilities fostering independence through active participation

Provide services to persons with developmental disabilities within the context of an environment that is free from any types of abuse, neglect, mistreatment or any other human rights violations

Provide therapeutic behavioral supports to participants to assist with their individual needs, including interventions, treatment options and restoration of daily living skills and crisis prevention services

Work closely with the Residential Nurse to support clients with medication administration and other related duties - where applicable - while fostering an atmosphere and environment of healthy physical-living

Ability to lift, bend and transfer - if/when necessary - when supporting clients

Provide personal care/hygiene support when necessary

Possible use of own vehicle, providing transportation for activities and appointments

Complete other duties and projects as assigned

Flexibility & Dependability

Strong oral and written communication skills and organization

Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with support staff, psychologists, and administrators in structured problem solving and coordination of programs

Maintain confidentiality

Complete all paperwork and documentation in a timely manner

Attend all staff, team, and ISP meeting and trainings

Qualifications and Skills

Associates Degree and two or more years of related field experience and training OR Bachelor’s degree or GED with four or more years of related experience and training in residential setting*

Valid Driver's License

• Applicant must pass a National Criminal Background check with fingerprints
  

Availability to work various shifts, weekends and evenings, as indicated by participant needs

• Must be 18 years or older
  

We are an Affirmative Action/EEOC employer.

Minority/female/disability/veteran

Qualifications

• Applied behavior analysis
  

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $22.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
  
• Flexible schedule
  
• Flexible spending account
  
• Health insurance
  
• Life insurance
  
• Paid time off
  
• Parental leave
  
• Retirement plan
  
• Tuition reimbursement
  
• Vision insurance
  

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
  
• Day shift
  
• Evening shift
  
• Holidays
  
• Night shift
  
• Weekends as needed
  

Work Location: In person