Senior Behavioural Specialist

The Talbot Group; Toronto; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The Talbot Group is seeking a Post-Senior Behavioural Specialist to enhance the quality of life for children within its services. This role involves behavioral support, leadership, and collaboration with a multi-disciplinary team to ensure the best outcomes for individuals with complex needs. Candidates should possess a Master's degree in a related field and extensive experience in behavioral intervention strategies.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant field is essential.
• Minimum of 5+ years experience with individuals with disabilities.
• Proficient in behavioural support and assessments.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement individualized behaviour support plans.
• Supervise and mentor junior behaviour specialists.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams for holistic care.

Skills

Crisis Management

Functional Behaviour Assessment

Analytical Skills

Communication

Education

Master's degree in Applied Behaviour Analysis or equivalent

Tools

Electronic Health Records (EHR)

Behavioural Data Analysis Software

Job description

Purpose of Post

The Post-Senior Behavioural Specialist role within Children's Services at the Talbot Group is designed to provide advanced behavioural support and intervention strategies for children with intellectual disabilities, autism, and complex behavioural needs.

The core purpose of the post is within a person centred philosophy, to be responsible for the overall management of the assigned services, working in conjunction with the multi-disciplinary team. He/She will ensure services to persons with a disability are provided within a relationship which is based on respect and equality and that promotes their independence.

The Manage will also be responsible for the supervision and assessment of staff under his/her direction and to take a leadership role in clinical governance including quality assurance, practice development and clinical practice.

This role is critical in improving quality of life, independence, and social integration for children in Talbot Group's care.

Essential Qualifications And Experience

Candidates must meet the following criteria on the closing date:

Qualification:

Master's degree or higher in -, Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), Behavioural Science, - PBS, or an equivalent field.

Additional Certifications in Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), - or trauma informed care

Essential Experience:

Clinical/Behavioural Experience:

Minimum 5+ years of hands-on experience working with individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), or mental health challenges.

Proven track record in designing and implementing behaviour support plans.

Leadership & Supervision:

Experience supervising and mentoring behaviour specialists or ABA therapists.

Ability to train staff and families on behavioural strategies.

Assessment & Intervention Skills:

Expertise in conducting functional behaviour assessment, , ABC assessments, and data-driven interventions.

Familiarity with evidence-based practices (EBPs) in positive behaviour support

Regulatory & Compliance Knowledge:

Understanding of HIQA, disability rights laws, and ethical guidelines

Experience working within residential, community-based, or clinical settings.

Additional Preferred Skills:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and report-writing skills.
• Experience with multidisciplinary teams (psychiatrists, occupational therapists, etc.).
• Proficiency in electronic health records (EHR) and data-tracking software.
  
  

Desirable Experience

Specialized Populations:

Experience working with children and young adults with complex needs (e.g ID, ASD, + mental health conditions).

Familiarity with neurodiversity-affirming approaches.

Advanced Clinical Skills:

Background in positive behavioural support and behaviours of concern.

Leadership & Program Development:

Previous involvement in developing behavioural programs or policies within an organization.

Experience auditing or improving service quality in residential/care settings.

Participation in research or publishing in behavioural science.

Technical & Data Proficiency:

Advanced skills in behavioural data analysis.

Community & Multi-Agency Work:

Collaboration with schools, social services, mental health services

Experience in advocacy or policy work related to disability rights.

Cultural Competency:

Ability to work effectively with diverse populations (e.g., different ethnicities, LGBTQ+ individuals).

Multilingual skills (if relevant to the service area)

Soft Skills & Traits:

Strong conflict resolution and de-escalation abilities.

High emotional intelligence and resilience in high-stress situations.

Creative problem-solving for complex behavioural cases.

Principal Duties And Responsibilities

Advanced Behavioural Support

• Develop and implement individualized behaviour support plans (BSPs) based on assessments.
• Use evidence-based practices (e.g., Positive Behaviour Support, ABA) to manage behaviours of concern.
  
  

Leadership & Mentorship

• Provide guidance and supervision to behavioural specialists and care staff.
• Lead training sessions on de-escalation techniques, trauma-informed care, and proactive strategies.
  
  

Collaboration & Multi-Disciplinary Work

• Work closely with psychologists, social workers, teachers, and families to ensure a holistic approach.
• Liaise with external agencies (e.g., HSE, schools, therapists) to coordinate care.
  
  

Monitoring & Evaluation

• Track behavioural progress through data analysis and reporting.
• Adjust intervention strategies based on ongoing assessments.
  
  

Safeguarding & Advocacy

• Ensure child protection policies are followed.
• Advocate for the rights and well-being of children in care.
  
  

Crisis Intervention

• Respond to high-risk behaviours with appropriate de-escalation and safety measures.
  
  

Conduct Functional Behaviour Assessments:

Evaluate the reasons behind a child's behaviours of concern to develop appropriate interventions.

Advocate for Children's Needs:

Promote the rights and well-being of children with disabilities.

Health and Safety

Perform duties in a manner conducive to health and safety and in accordance with Talbot Group policies and procedures.

Ensure all staff are aware of their responsibilities in the event of an emergency accident/incident.

Training and ongoing development

Educate families and support staff on behaviour support strategies.

Be aware of current developments within relevant profession and maintain a commitment to ongoing professional development.

Promote and participate in research/evidence based clinical audit and encourage its practical application to service user care within the service area.

Attend and participate in education and in - service programmes as required by the needs of the service user and in compliance with Talbot Group policies and national standards e.g. prevention, detection and response to abuse.

Educate and support all assigned staff including the induction of new staff and ongoing performance appraisal.

Special Skills And

Competencies

Professional Knowledge & Experience

Behavioural Assessment & Intervention Skills

Expertise in conducting Functional Behaviour Assessments (FBA).

Ability to design and implement individualized Positive Behaviour Support Plans (PBSPs) using evidence-based practices (EBP).

Proficiency in data collection, analysis, and progress monitoring to adjust interventions.

Knowledge of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), and trauma-informed approaches Crisis Management & De-escalation

Advanced training in crisis prevention (CPI, PROACT-SCIPr, MAP).

Ability to model and train staff in de-escalation techniques.

Experience managing high-risk behaviours (aggression, self-injury, elopement).

• Clinical & Ethical Decision-Making
  
  

Strong understanding of ethical guidelines of relevant regulatory bodies).

Ability to balance client rights, safety, and least-restrictive interventions.

Experience in multidisciplinary collaboration (psychiatry, OT, SLT, social work).

• Leadership & Staff Development
  
  

Mentoring and supervising junior behaviour staff or therapists.

Delivering training workshops on behavioural strategies for caregivers and teams.

Experience in quality assurance (auditing PBSPs, ensuring compliance).

• Communication & Advocacy
  
  

Exceptional report-writing and documentation skills (e.g., PBSPs, progress reports).

Ability to simplify complex behavioural concepts for families and non-specialists.

Advocacy for person-cantered, rights-based approaches in care.

• Technical & Analytical Proficiency
  
  

Experience with behavioural software

Competency in electronic health records (EHR) and data visualization tools.

Understanding of research methodologies to stay updated on best practices.

• Soft Skills & Personal Attributes
  
  

Empathy & Patience - Ability to build rapport with clients with challenging behaviours.

Adaptability - Adjusting strategies based on individual needs and environmental factors.

Problem-Solving - Creative approaches for complex cases where standard interventions fail.

Resilience - Managing stress in high-intensity situations.

Competencies appropriate to the post:

Communication & Interpersonal: Can speak clearly, fluently and in a compelling manner to both individuals and groups. Adapts communication style to suit audience. Writes in a clear and concise manner, using appropriate templates, style and language for the reader. Establishes, maintains and concludes therapeutic interpersonal relationships with services users/residents and other stakeholders. Is able to build rapport quickly with others.

• Adaptability & Reliability: Able to react effectively at short notice to changing circumstances. Willing to accept advice and suggestions from others and to learn from experience by changing own behaviour. Demonstrates a high level of dependability in all aspects of the job.
• Problem Solving and Initiative: Builds a logical approach to address problems or opportunities or manage the situation at hand by drawing on their knowledge and experience base and calling on other resources as necessary. A bias for taking action; the ability to think ahead of the current situation, particularly before problems or crises occur.
• Quality and Person Centredness: Demonstrates eagerness to understand service user/resident needs. Views the service user/resident as central to the delivery of every day service through consistent understanding, tolerance, care, support and empathy while promoting empowerment, independence and choice. Determined to offer a quality service through the achievement of goals and quality standards.
• Leadership and Accountability: Manages performance to deliver team goals. Creates a climate in which people want to do their best. Promotes confidence and positive attitude while influencing others to follow a common goal. Demonstrates accountability for leading, directing, monitoring and evaluating work that is provided by all employees.
• Scope of Practice: Is educated, competent and has the authority to perform the full range of roles, functions, responsibilities and activities, required of his/her profession in Ireland. Accepts responsibility for ensuring that his/her professional practice and conduct meet the standards of the professional, ethical and relevant legislative and regulation requirements. Demonstrates a commitment to maintaining, enhancing and extending their knowledge, expertise and competence throughout their professional career.
  
  

Diversity & Inclusion

At the Talbot Group we believe that diversity drives innovation and inclusion fuels success. We are committed to building a workplace that reflects the communities we serve, where every employee feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work.

We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other dimension of diversity. We recognize that diverse perspectives strengthen our team and enhance our ability to create meaningful impact.

The Talbot Group provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) and makes employment decisions based on merit, competence, and business needs. We are dedicated to providing accommodations for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.