BEHAVIOR SUPPORT SPECIALIST

Job Title: Behavior Support Specialist

Job Type: Full-time

Job Salary: $50,000 per year

Job Location: Berks County, PA

The Behavior Specialist provides clinically oriented behavior support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and/or mental health diagnosis. The Behavior Specialist will work closely with our clinical, programmatic, residential and day support staff to develop holistic behavioral treatment plans that consider thoughts, feelings and behaviors of our participants within an interpersonal and systematic context. This systemic approach requires participation on a multidisciplinary team and the training of staff, families and caretakers. This position supports Berks County behavioral supports.

DIRECT DUTIES:

• 
  Complete evaluation / detailed assessment of needs for individuals needing a Behavioral Support Plan (BSP) or a Restrictive Procedure Plan (RPP)
• Collect and evaluate behavioral data
• Observe individual in various settings for the purpose of developing a BSP/RPP
• Collaborate with the individual, their family, and their team for the purpose of developing a BSP/RPP
• Conducting comprehensive functional assessments of presenting issues (e.g., aggression, self-injurious behavior, law offending behavior, elopement etc.)
• Partner with the individual, their family, and their team in order to develop positive interventions to address specific presenting issues
• Develop individualized BSP/RPP
• Ensure that all support plans are Person Driven, integrate Practice Based Evidence and reflect the core clinical needs of the individual
• Train and mentor support/program staff, families and team members on the individual’s behavior support plan and the individual preference for supports
• Implement activities and strategies identified in the individual’s BSP/RPP
• Monitor implementation of BSP/RPP
• Collect, organize, review, and analyze data on challenging strategies
• Maintain and update individuals’ behavioral data tracking tools/create progress documentation utilizing excel and convey trends, progress, success or the need to change approaches
• Review and revise BSP/RPP annually for each individual at Individual Support Plan (ISP) Annual Review or whenever a Critical Revision (CR) is requested by the individual’s supports team
• Collect BSP/RPP signatures electronically through DocuSign
• Partner with interdisciplinary teams to schedule and facilitate annual training on BSP/RPP
• Attend (as required / virtually) psychiatric, medical, and therapy appointments as needed for consumers
• Participate as needed in Interdisciplinary Team and Quarterly ISP meetings
• Ensure /Protect all individual’s human rights
• Participate in ongoing Human Rights Team (HRT) Reviews
• Complete the individual(s) HRT Summary and necessary supporting documentation
• Participate in various County Human Rights Committee (HRC) Reviews
• Complete the necessary supporting documentation and coordinate with Regional Director that all necessary documentation is complete/accurate
• Participate in various County Positive Practices Review Committee (PPRC) upon request
• Collects feedback on the individual and team members’ experiences of the supports and services provided
• Complete accurately documentation of billable/non-billable time in SETWORKS, Progress Notes (PN) and Monthly Progress Review Summary Notes (MPRSN) daily/weekly/monthly for every individual on BSS caseload
• Submit required monthly oversight information to supervisors
• Participate in necessary supervision/mentoring meeting with supervisor
• Review ISP Caseload Tool monthly for accuracy
• Conduct Assessments and treatment planning on all consumers.
• Develops and Maintains Service Plans.
• Data collection and Analysis.
• Training and Modeling for Staff.

Administrative Functions:

• Complete all assessments and documentation as required by RHD, funder, licensing/ accreditation entities.
• Other duties as assigned

Education and Experience:

• Master's degree in Psychology, Social Work, Special Education, Counseling or other related heath fields.
• Two to Five years behavioral support services experience
• Knowledge and experience with: Positive Approaches, Dual Diagnosis, Person Centered Thinking, Trauma Informed Care, group facilitation and staff mentoring a plus.
• A valid PA Driver license is required and personal vehicle with state minimum liability insurance coverage.

Job Competencies

• Effective Communication: Ability to clearly and respectfully communicate with residents, families, staff, and external agencies. Demonstrates active listening and ensures transparency in all interactions.
• Excellent writing, documentation, and record keeping skills; particular emphasis on Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBA) and written behavioral treatment plans.
• Ethical Practice: Upholds confidentiality, integrity, and ethical standards in all interactions and decisions, ensuring the rights and dignity of residents are prioritized.
• Leadership and Accountability: Provides clear direction to staff, models positive behaviors, and takes responsibility for the success of the residential program. Holds self and team members accountable for meeting expectations and standards.
• Collaboration: Works collaboratively with other professionals, families, and community partners to ensure quality care and services are provided to residents.
• Cultural Humility: Demonstrates respect for and understanding of the diverse backgrounds, needs, and perspectives of residents, staff, and families, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment.
• Problem Solving and Conflict Resolution: Approaches challenges with a solution-focused mindset, resolving issues in a fair and timely manner, while maintaining professionalism and promoting a positive atmosphere.
• Adherence to Policies and Procedures: Ensures compliance with all regulatory and organizational standards, maintaining a safe, respectful, and efficient residential environment.
• Well-organized and detail orientated
• Excellent Customer service skills (both internal and external)
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Leadership and management skills
• Resident relations and retention
• Knowledge and understanding of state and federal regulations regarding group home/ residential care
• Behavioral issue management and crisis intervention skills
• Compliance with regulatory standards
• Proficiency in direct supervision, developmental disabilities care and medication administration
• Life saving measures (CPR) and first aid certifications

Budget Management

• Previous supervisor/management experience in group home/residential setting
• Medical terminology knowledge
• Demonstrates a strong working knowledge of the appropriate regulations, Apis values and program policies and procedures.
• Basic computer and internet literacy with the ability to utilize applications like emails, time recording and other programs to enter and retrieve data as necessary to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Subject to employment screenings, including FBI clearance, if applicable.

About APIS

Apis Services, Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Inperium, Inc.) provides a progressive platform for delivering Shared Services to Inperium and its Constellation of affiliate companies. Allowing these entities to advance their mission and vision. By exploring geographical program expansion and focusing on quality outcome measures to create cost savings that result in reinvestment into the organizations stakeholders through capacity creation and employee compensation betterment. Apis Services, Inc. and affiliate’s provide equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment in compliance with all federal and all applicable state and local laws and regulations, including nondiscrimination in hiring and employment. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy/childbirth, veteran status or any other basis protected by law. This policy of non-discrimination and equal employment opportunities extends to every phase and aspect of hiring and employment.