Behavior Specialist-Community Residences

Oak Hill; Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Behavior Specialist to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities. This pivotal role involves assessing behavioral needs, designing interventions, and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to ensure effective support for program participants. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in Applied Behavior Analysis and a passion for promoting independence and dignity. Join a team that values innovation and commitment to quality service delivery, where your expertise will make a significant impact in the community.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree required with 2+ years of experience in behavioral assessments.
• Knowledge of behavioral issues in individuals with disabilities is essential.

Responsibilities

• Create and revise Functional Behavior Assessments and Behavioral Support Plans.
• Collaborate with psychiatrists and support teams to monitor treatment effectiveness.

Skills

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Behavioral Support Plans

Data Analysis

Interpersonal Skills

Problem Solving

Education

Master’s degree in Psychology

Master’s degree in Education

Doctoral degree in Applied Behavioral Analysis

Tools

Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA)

Behavioral Support Plans (BSP)

Data Collection Systems

Job description

Behavior Specialist-Community Residences

Hartford, CT, USA

Job Description

Posted Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 4:00 AM

Oak Hill has been enhancing the lives of people with disabilities since 1893! We invite you to join our team of highly committed professionals. Founded in 1893 by trailblazer and visionary, Emily Wells Foster, Oak Hill has over 129 years of experience providing the highest quality services to people with varying disabilities. Oak Hill sets the standard, partnering with people with disabilities, to provide services and solutions promoting independence, education, health, and dignity.

OAK HILL

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

BEHAVIOR SPECIALIST

GENERAL PURPOSE

The Behavior Specialist works in Community Programs, assisting the Planning and Support Team (PST) to assess the behavioral needs of and design interventions for program participants with Intellectual Disabilities, Autism, and/or mental health diagnoses as a means of enhancing the lives of program participants in keeping with the Oak Hill mission. The Behavior Specialist is familiar with and utilizes principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

SUPERVISORY AND OTHER CONTACTS

The Behavior Specialist works under the supervision of the Clinical Supervisor and Senior Director of Community Programs. The Behavior Specialist may have contact with any person who falls within the range of Oak Hill’s programs, and specifically with Direct Support Staff, supervisors, families and guardians, and other persons on the Planning and Support Team.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Creates and revises Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) and Behavioral Support Plans (BSP) for program participants within Oak Hill Programs to address their behavioral challenges/psychiatric needs, reducing maladaptive behaviors, and developing and increasing socially appropriate skills and competencies along with personal growth. The Behavior Specialist will use appropriate tools and assessments to complete FBA and to draw valid conclusions based on principles of Positive Behavior Support (PBS)/Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA). When needed, designs and performs a Functional Analysis (FA), done or supervised by a BCBA.
• Creates and revises Behavioral Support Plans and utilizes data analysis to meet Department of Children and Families (DCF), Department of Developmental Disabilities (DDS), Department of Public Health (DPH) and Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) regulatory requirements by creating appropriate data collection formats and data analysis review systems.
• Familiarity with and the ability to discuss components of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and DDS Psychiatric Treatment Plan requirements.
• Works in collaboration with the Treating Psychiatrist to guide the Planning and Support Team in monitoring the effectiveness of psychotropic medication to evaluate effectiveness and determine the need for modification in treatment. Collaborates with Counselors, Social Workers, Psychologists and other professionals to identify and treat participants’ behavioral health needs.
• Determines program effectiveness and the need for modification by direct observation of the participant and support staff, monitoring data, reviewing and evaluating quarterly reports, and preparing and presenting annual Behavioral Review with the Planning and Support Team (PST) members.
• Instructs supervisors on how to accurately create Behavioral quarterly reports, calculate and summarize data to present to psychiatrists which analyze all tracked target behaviors and include any other relevant factors that may be impacting the participant. Reviews and signs off on Behavioral Reports to ensure that they are accurate and data analysis and recommendations address trends.
• Prepares data/graphs and analysis for DDS Program/Clinical Review. Attends PRC/Clinical Review and is the lead presenter in such forums.
• Facilitates the exchange of information related to program development and implementation by working with Planning and Support Team members, parents and guardians, psychiatrists, therapists, and Direct Support Staff, as indicated for each Program Participant.
• As indicated for each participant, assists staff in acquiring the skills and techniques necessary for implementation of all Behavior Support Plans by conducting in-services focusing on the core components of the plan including the data collection systems and the review process.
• Ensures that staff have the competencies needed to work effectively with program participants and works with the Learning Center to address special needs by conducting in-services related annually, addressing relevant issues upon request. Works with Learning Center to provide additional in-servicing in Positive Behavior Supports, ABA, or other skills when needed.
• Provides ongoing support and direction in the reduction of challenging behaviors and increasing appropriate behavior to the Planning and Support Team, including Direct Support staff. Works with the Oak Hill Learning Center in developing person-centered Psychological/Physical Management Techniques (PMT) intervention procedures, as indicated in Behavior Support Plans, to ensure that the correct procedures are applied when needed.
• Assists the Planning and Support Team in choosing and identifying program participants who are appropriate for existing vacancies by meeting, observing and reviewing each referral, and their records.
• Attends and participates in job-related meetings such as staff meetings, team meetings and PRC. Seeks and attends appropriate seminars, workshops and conferences in order to maintain current professional and technical knowledge and certification/licenses and to further professional development.
• Participates in review of applications and interview process for potential Behavior Specialist candidates. Assists in the orientation and training of new Behavior Specialists as necessary or requested.
• Communicates concerns and issues related to program participants’ well-being to administrators so that these can be addressed in a timely manner.
• Familiarity with Oak Hill, DDS, DCF, DPH, and DMHAS policies, procedures and requirements which relate to the position of Behavior Specialist, to ensure their implementation when appropriate.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Requirements: Master’s degree in Psychology, Education, Human Services or related field with 2 years or more experience in a similar job, performing assessments and designing Behavioral Support Plans interventions using Positive Behavior Supports/Applied Behavior Analysis.

Preferred Candidates will have: a Master’s or Doctoral degree in Applied Behavioral Analysis, Psychology, Education, or a related field, be a BCBA, or be licensed in Counseling, Psychology, or Social Work, or working toward such qualification.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of behavioral issues which are common among individuals with Intellectual Disabilities, Autism and/or mental health needs.
• Skills and ability to assess needs, and evaluate, plan, and implement ways of addressing these issues.
• Knowledge of behavioral intervention techniques, data collection systems, staff development, and the skills and abilities needed for their implementation.
• The ability to quickly develop a working knowledge of DDS, DCF, DPH, and DMHS regulations and guidelines which apply to behavior intervention issues in the program setting.
• The ability to teach staff behavior intervention techniques.
• Ability to maintain organized and accurate records.
• Good interpersonal skills, and the ability to communicate effectively and professionally with others.
• Ability to understand and express ideas well, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to effectively present information to individuals and groups.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to be flexible and dependable.
• Ability to carry out responsibilities with minimal supervision.
• The ability to respond appropriately in emergency situations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Persons in this job must possess the physical and emotional health needed for effective and efficient completion of duties. Persons in this job may be required to perform lifting and transferring activities and may be required to restrain residents/program participants; may be exposed to risk of injury from abusive/assaultive residents.

The following physical activities are performed within the frequency listed below:

Sitting frequently Stooping/Squatting/Kneeling: occasionally

Standing: frequently Bending: occasionally

Reaching: (overhead or below) floor to 24" occasionally

Walking: frequently Balancing: occasionally

Hearing: frequently Talking: frequently

Using hands: frequently (for fine grasp up to gross push and pull activities)

Using fingers: frequently (for fine grasp up to gross push and pull activities)

Restraining: occasionally Blocking: occasionally

Seeing: (close, far, color, depth), constantly

Driving: (45 miles) occasionally

The following activities are performed occasionally. Some activities are performed during CPR, some during Emergency First Aid, others during the application of Physical Management Training, lifting and transferring and other job duties.

1. Using arms in upward, inward, outward, and downward motions in bent and extended positions.
2. Bending knees while sustaining body weight.
3. Maintaining standing balance during transfer in pivot and with knees bent.
4. Bending at waist while standing or kneeling.
5. Maintaining firm hand grasp.
6. Rising from crouch.
7. Turning head to side and lower chin toward chest.
8. Using arms in bent and extended positions to reach wheelchair tie downs systems and safety restraints, push/pull wheelchair, raise wheelchair over curbing/ramp.
9. Using leg, ankle and foot to apply leverage to wheelchair rear frame bar.
10. Using arms and hand to manually pump hydraulic lift.

Pounds required to handle while providing physical assistance to participants including assisting people in wheelchairs:

Push 100-200 occasionally 1ft. - 40ft

Pull 100-200 occasionally 3ft

Lift 0-90 occasionally 2ft

Transfer 0-90 occasionally 2ft

Pivot 75-90 occasionally 2ft

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Exposures: (likely or possible, low to moderate levels)

Physical aggression, Molds, Dust, Communicable diseases

** occasionally 0% - 33%

frequently 34% - 66%

constantly 67% - 100%

Behavior Specialist

Paygrade 8

Non-Union

Updated 12/8/95, 9/96, 9/05, 9/12, 9/15, 9/19

We support equality for and advancement of all people, based on their qualifications and actions alone, without regard to color, gender, age, religion, national origin or disability.