Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Consultant
Wage : $35.00 - $40.00 per hour, based on experience
Hours : Monday - Friday, 32 - 40 hours per week
Location : Nanaimo, BC
Job Purpose
The PBS Consultant follows the Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Model of Service delivery to assist families and caregivers caring for children with diverse needs and moderate to severe challenging behaviours.
The PBS Consultant meets with families in their homes to carry out assessments, collect data, develop a PBS Plan, and assist with implementation. The PBS Consultant works collaboratively with other service providers (e.g., school personnel, counselors, psychiatrists, CYMH, and interventionists) to facilitate successful family and community experiences for individuals with neurodiverse needs, including autism spectrum disorder and/or developmental delays. This program is contracted by the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD), and referrals are made by the Children and Youth with Support Needs (CYSN) team.
CARF : In behavioural consultation programs, emphasis is placed on reducing or eliminating challenging or inappropriate behaviours and replacing them with appropriate alternative behaviours. The goal is to understand what the individual is trying to communicate and to teach both the individual and caregivers the skills to approach challenging behaviours effectively.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Develop and implement Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Plans and Safety Plans in collaboration with families and other professionals.
- Conduct Functional Assessment Interviews and Observations for each child, using assessment tools as needed.
- Build a professional, collaborative relationship with parents or caregivers, ensuring their goals and values are maintained through all service phases: Assessment and Goal Creation, Implementation, and Maintenance.
- Educate caregivers on neurodiversity and diagnoses such as ADHD, Autism, FASD, ODD, ID, and Anxiety.
- Support caregivers in understanding their child's strengths and needs related to their diagnosis, and how these influence challenging behaviours and PBS plan development.
- Provide written tri-annual Positive Behaviour Plans and other documents such as letters of support or program hold letters.
- Monitor progress and collect data on target behaviours.
- Coach families, caregivers, and professionals on PBS strategies and assist in teaching functional, alternative replacement behaviours weekly.
- Collaborate with other professionals on the support team and assist in service coordination and liaison with the ministry and other providers.
- Work to reduce barriers to service and advocate for families and caregivers.
- Provide monthly reports on daily activities, including hours worked with each family and other contract deliverables.
- Perform other related duties as required.
Qualifications
Education
- A Master’s degree in Psychology or Social/Human Services, or a combination of a bachelor’s degree in a related field and relevant experience with neurodiverse individuals.
- Completed training, courses, or experience in behavioural psychology focused on neurodiversity and developmental delays; experience in behavioural intervention strategies is required.
- Knowledge of and training in Positive Behavioural Support (PBS) and/or Registered Behaviour Therapist (RBT) certification is an asset.
- The Behaviour Analyst Certification Board (BACB) Verified Course Sequence towards becoming a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) is an asset.
Experience
- Three to five years of direct service experience with neurodiverse and/or developmentally delayed individuals, including behavioural intervention development and implementation.
- Experience working with interdisciplinary teams, collaborating with caregivers, and providing direct coaching is preferred.
- Experience in writing individual behaviour plans is an asset.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Ability to train and transfer behavioural skills effectively using Behaviour Skills Training.
- Understanding of behavioural functions and analysis.
- Flexibility and adaptability working with families, caregivers, and diverse teams.
- Supportive advocacy skills for families.
- Excellent communication and report-writing skills.
- Ability to manage a heavy caseload with complex situations.
- Strong organizational, time management, and general management skills.
- Deep understanding of Applied Behavioural Analysis, Positive Behaviour Support, neurodiversity, and developmental delays.
Personal Characteristics
- Ability to work independently and in teams.
- Stress management skills and self-care strategies.
- Respect for family values and boundaries.
- Empathy and strengths-based approach in collaboration with families and caregivers.
Working Conditions
- Reliable vehicle required for daily work.
- Comfort working primarily in family homes, some with pets.
- Ability to handle crisis situations.
- Work hours may vary outside normal office hours based on client needs.
- Adherence to the ethical standards of the Behaviour Analyst Certification Board.
BGC Central Vancouver Island is an equity employer and encourages applications from persons with disabilities, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, and individuals of all sexual orientations and genders to contribute to a diverse and inclusive staff team.
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