SENIOR BEHAVIOR SPECIALIST

State of careers Rhode Island; Burghill; On-site; GBP 43,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Rhode Island seeks a Senior Behavior Specialist to assist a Clinical Psychologist in developing and implementing individualized behavior plans in a hospital setting. You will monitor progress, conduct behavior analyses, and lead group therapies for individuals with mental health or developmental disabilities.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in Psychology or ABA and at least three years of clinical experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis, or closely related field with emphasis in Clinical, Abnormal or Behavioral Psychology.
• Minimum of three years of clinical experience with mental health and/or developmental disability populations.
• Any combination of education and experience substantially equivalent to the above.

Responsibilities

• Assist a Clinical Psychologist in designing and writing individualized behavior plans and interventions.
• Monitor and document progress using care plans and data.
• Perform behavior analysis to identify triggers and inform interventions.
• Engage patients in therapeutic activities and small groups.
• Provide direct behavioral treatment to high-risk clients.
• Attend treatment team meetings and report patient progress.
• Assist in training staff on behavior modification techniques.

Skills

Learning theory

Abnormal psychology

Developmental psychology

Data collection

Behavior modification

Observation

Written communication

Medical records documentation

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Psychology / ABA

Job description

Department

Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals

Division

Social/Human Services

Salary

$57,806.00 - $65,606.00

Job Profile

JC-02151400-5 - Senior Behavior Specialist (C94 L1293 BHDDH Developmental Disabilities)

Scheduled Work Days & Work Hours

11:30am - 7:00pm; Monday through Friday; Flexibility will be required to include evenings and weekends.

Non-Standard/Non-Exempt, 35.0

Job Requisition Number

JR104074 SENIOR BEHAVIOR SPECIALIST (Open)

Pay Grade

C00322 A

Classification

Senior Behavior Specialist

Class Definition

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES : To assist a Clinical Psychologist in the design and writing of individualized behavior plans and intervention strategies that apply behavior modification techniques in working with individuals with mental illness and/or behavior issues in a hospital setting; to monitor and document progress in behavior modification efforts by collecting and charting clinical data as defined by care plans; and to do related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the supervision of a Supervising Clinical Psychologist from whom specific instructions are received; work is reviewed for technical competence and conformance to instructions, program plans and established policies and procedures.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Generally none, but in some cases may supervise Behavior Specialists.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

• To assist a Clinical Psychologist in the design and writing of individualized behavior plans and intervention strategies that apply behavior modification techniques in working with individuals with mental illness and/or behavior issues in a hospital setting; to monitor and document progress in behavior modification efforts by collecting and charting clinical data as defined by care plans; and to do related work as required.
• To perform behavior analysis in terms of triggers of target behaviors to make educated recommendations for individualized behavior modification interventions.
• To engage individual patients or small groups of patients in therapeutic activities.
• To provide direct behavioral treatment to high-risk clients in various settings.
• To run and facilitate patient groups focused on therapeutic activities (i.e., peer support, social skills, anger management, computer skills, horticulture, etc.).
• As required, to attend treatment team meetings and report on patients’ progress.
• To document patients’ progress based on collected data and clinical observations.
• To assist in providing in-service training related to behavior modification techniques.
• As required, to attend training sessions on mental health issues and behavior modification techniques.
• To do related work as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS FOR APPOINTMENT:

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND CAPACITIES: A working knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of learning theory, abnormal psychology, developmental psychology and data collection procedures; the ability to implement specific and detailed behaviour treatment plans; the ability to make accurate observations; the ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing; the ability to accurately and timely document in the medical record; the ability to record and represent data in statistical forms; and related capacities and abilities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Education: Possession of a Bachelor’s Degree, from a college of recognized standing, in Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis, or a closely related field with emphasis in Clinical, Abnormal or Behavioral Psychology, Behavior Treatment or Applied Learning Theory; and

Experience: A minimum of three year’s clinical experience working with mental health and/or developmental disability populations,

Or. any combination of education and experience that shall be substantially equivalent to the above education and experience.

Supplemental Information

Assist with the development, implementation and maintenance of Behavior Support Plans for RICLAS residents.
Proficient in the development and implementation of behavior modification strategies to include observation, modeling, staff training, utilization of best practice treatment modalities, and clinical interventions with the ability to modify behavior plans as appropriate.
Demonstrated proficiency with data collection, data interpretation and data reporting. Ability to collaborate across an interdisciplinary team comprised of both internal and external stakeholders.
Certification in de-escalation and/or Safety Care and willingness to become a certified de-escalation and/or Safety Care trainer preferred – the role of the trainer is to assist with training all RICLAS employees.
Demonstrated experience supporting individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities with co-occurring diagnoses.
Knowledge of CMS Home and Community Based Services Final Rule, The Olmstead Decision and Division initiatives. State-wide travel to all residential sites, off-site meetings, and training as needed.

Preferred skills: Extensive work experience within the developmental disabilities field, residential settings, vocational rehabilitation, person-centered planning, and systems-change preferred. Strong communication skills, including both written and oral communication. Proficient with Microsoft Office with advanced PowerPoint and Excel skills required.

Benefits

For information regarding thebenefits available to State of RhodeIsland employees, please visit the Office of Employee Benefits' website at http://www.employeebenefits.ri.gov/.

Also, be advised thata new provision in RI General Law 35-6-1 was enacted requiring direct deposit for all employees. Specific to new hires, the law requires that all employees hired after September 30, 2014 participate in direct deposit. Accordingly, any employee hired after this date will be required to participate in the direct deposit system. At the time the employee is hired, the employee shall identify a financial institution that will serve as a personal depository agency for the employee.