BSS - Cost Pool Team 3

POSITION SUMMARY Under the supervision of the Director(s) of Behavior Support, the Behavior Support Specialist (BSS) is responsible for the implementation and evaluation of all behavior support services for the people he/she is supporting. This includes, but is not limited to data collection, employee training, crisis intervention, individual and group counseling, case reviews and other interdisciplinary treatment team meetings, training and consultation with other team members. The BSS will work in collaboration with the DBS in conjunction with the person and their circle of support to ensure the highest quality of clinical services in a manner that is consistent and aligned with the Agency mission and vision, and the philosophy of the Council on Quality and Leadership (CQL). DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS • Provides assistance with the review and evaluation of behavioral data for target maladaptive behavior to assist the Director of Behavior Support with the development and implementation of formal Behavior Modification Programs. • Assists with analyzing potential existing functions of maladaptive behavior (including any current, unplanned and planned contingencies) utilizing baseline procedures. • Conducts direct observations of behavior, reviews records/behavioral data, and verbal/written input from team members, including direct support employees when necessary. • Assists with the implementation of behavioral planning by providing training to employees on all formal Behavior Modification Programs (e.g. Behavior Support Plan, Behavior Support Staff Action, Behavior Support Symptom Management Plan, Behavior Support Desensitization Plan, etc.). • Observes and assists with monitoring individuals’ progress on, and team members’ implementation of Behavior Support Plans; communicates all relevant information to the applicable Director of Behavior Support to ensure timely revisions of plans to ensure that the individuals are progressing • Assists in the completion of staff observations and provides feedback to program staff on implementation of Behavior Support Plans. • Instructs staff in specific, proactive, active, reactive, and data collection procedures that emphasize proactive interventions to encourage the development of adaptive skills that will serve the same function as the target maladaptive behavior. • Provides consultation regarding issues such as crisis intervention, behavior modification programs, diagnostics, and teaching/training programs for the individuals as needed. • Assists with the preparation of required paperwork necessary for Human Rights Committee meetings and with obtaining informed consent for behaviorally indicated restrictions. • Assists with providing written and verbal reports to individuals’ psychiatrists and other consultant clinicians to assist in accurate diagnosis and treatment if requested. • Provides crisis support, as indicated, to assist individuals in coping with various psychological stressors. • Attends Interdisciplinary Treatment Team meetings, Clinical Supervision meetings, Behavior Support Department meetings and other Clinical Services meetings as requested by their direct supervisor. • Attends in-service training programs, clinical and academic conferences and workshops and other educational presentations to maintain current knowledge of relevant clinical issues and techniques as requested or directed by the assigned supervisor. • Addresses emergency situations as they occur in the program according to established policies and procedures, and ensures communication of such situations in a timely fashion. • Recommends and facilitates referrals for individuals to clinics and private psychologists for individual, conjoint, family, and/or group therapy, when indicated. • Provides accurate, complete, and concise information regarding individuals’ cognitive and adaptive functioning and needs, including evaluation results and progress on behavior support plans, to team members and collateral providers when applicable. • Supports alternate locations and caseloads as assigned • Ensures that all required documentation (paper and electronic) is completed/processed appropriately, in a timely manner, and meets quality and compliance thresholds. • Performs other duties as assigned. Responsibilities of All FREE Employees • Always communicate in a respectful manner with all people including the people we support, supervisors, other valued team members, and members of the community. • Complies fully with FREE’s confidentiality policies by holding in strictest confidence all information pertaining to members, residents, the people we support and their families, clients, providers, contractors, and employees. • Meets all safety training requirements; adheres to all safety policies and reports any and all unsafe conditions; takes measures to prevent accidents and/or eliminate conditions that pose a safety or health risk. • Coordinates, supports, attends and participates in all required events/ meetings/ reviews/ committees, including ones outside of standard working hours. • Meets all job requirements and stays in compliance. • Adheres to FREE’s standard of ethical behavior as outlined in the Employee Handbook and Code of Conduct as well as applicable laws and regulations. Please note the above duties, responsibilities, and essential functions are a non-exhaustive list, and may be changed by FREE at any time, with or without notice to the employee. QUALIFICATIONS • Education: o Bachelor’s degree in psychology, human services, sociology, or another related field required. • Experience: o Minimum of one (1) year of experience providing services and supports to individuals with disabilities or another related human services field required. • Specialized Training, Licenses, Certifications: o Not required, training will be provided upon hire as needed • Knowledge, Skills, Competencies, and Abilities: o Ability to effectively understand and communicate verbally with staff and the individuals we serve o Excellent writing, computer, organizational, interpersonal, problem-solving, and analytical skills o Ability to maintain a calm demeanor when responding to crises o Ability to identify behavioral crises and situations and escalate to BIS or DBS as needed. o Knowledge of behavioral principles preferred • Other Requirements: o Valid driver’s license and satisfy criteria to be a driver for the agency required o Ability to work a flexible schedule according to program needs: start and end time of shift will vary, 2 evening days per week, and 2 weekend days a month required to meet the needs of the programs. WORK ENVIRONMENT This role is performed in-person on-site and requires travel between residential and day habilitation programs, hospitals, FREE locations, and other community locations to attend meetings and provide services to the supported individuals. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS • Employee is required to sit, walk and stand for prolonged period of time (at least 8 hours). • Employee is required to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing. • Employee is required to operate standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, fax and filing cabinets. • Employee is required to reach with hands and arms. • Employee is required to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch or stand on a stool as needed. • Employee is required to be able to lift 50 pounds at a time. Notwithstanding the above listed physical requirements of this position, FREE will provide reasonable accommodations to allow employees to perform the essential functions of the position, provided such reasonable accommodations do not cause undue hardship on FREE.