Behavior Support Specialist (BSS) 26-196

New Horizons Resources, Inc.; Pleasant Valley (NY); On-site; USD 34,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

New Horizons Resources, Inc. in Pleasant Valley, NY is seeking a Behavior Support Specialist to assist the Behavior Intervention Specialist in designing and evaluating behavioral strategies.

The role involves conducting assessments, developing Behavior Support Plans, and training staff to implement proactive and reactive interventions across programs. The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in related fields and at least 2 years of I/DD behavioral support experience, valid driver license, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, counseling or ABA with 2 years of related experience.
• Valid driver license and ability to drive to appointments.
• Proficiency with EHR systems and MS Office.
• Knowledge of OPWDD regulations and best care practices.
• Willingness for evenings/weekends as needed.

Responsibilities

• Assist in conducting functional assessments and risk evaluations.
• Develop, review and train staff on behavior support plans.
• Monitor data collection and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Provide trainings to staff and participate in meetings with stakeholders.
• Communicate effectively with team, families and advocates.

Skills

Behavior analysis

Data collection

Staff training

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Electronic Health Records

Microsoft Office

Job description

• Location 123 West Rd,Pleasant Valley, NY, 12569,United States
• Base Pay $25.00 - $27.00 / Hour
• Job Category Behavior Support Specialist
• Employee Type Regular Full Time

Contact information

• Name HR Department
• Phone [phone] ext 1365 or 1352

The Behavior Support Specialist (BSS) is responsible for assisting the Behavior Intervention Specialist in the administration of behavioral services including, but not limited to: conducting, reviewing, and updating Functional Behavioral Assessments, Risk Factor Assessments, and Capacity to Consent Evaluations; developing, reviewing, updating, and training staff on Behavior Support Plans (replacement behaviors, proactive strategies, reactive strategies), Specialized Treatment Plans, and Medication Monitoring Plans to address challenging and moderate to high risk behaviors; overseeing, analyzing data collection; being aware of, up-to-date on, and applying OPWDD regulations as well as I/DD and autism spectrum best care practices. Required to actively and consistently communicate with staff throughout the NHR organization; to provide ongoing trainings to stakeholders on plans, appropriate and best practices interventions, and other topics related to challenging risk behaviors and mental health; and to attend residence, organizational, and family meetings as requested and as needed. Must be able to implement SCIP-R / Ukeru interventions as necessary. Candidate must be able to prioritize multiple tasks, must possess excellent verbal and written skills, must be a team player, and must be amenable and responsive to supervision.

Requirements

Essential Skills and Experience Required:

• Bachelor's Degree in related fields of Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or Applied Behavior Analysis + 2 years of related behavioral management experience supporting people with I/DD.

Possess a valid driver license with a driving record acceptable to NHR’s insurance carrier and possess the ability to drive agency vehicles to transport individuals served to and from appointments, day programs, and other activities or events in the community at large.

Possess computer proficiency, particularly with Electronic Health Records systems and Microsoft Office applications.

Must keep current with psychological, behavioral, and clinical principles and applications and be able to implement these in interventions. Attend trainings as requested and as necessary.

Must be flexible, “hands‑on,” and team player.

Must be able to work occasional evenings or weekends as requested and required.

Comfort with and ability to provide staff with trainings on behavior support plans, medication monitoring plans, and specialized treatment plans.

Foundational understanding of underlying best care and applied behavioral approaches such as functions of behaviors, application of functions to the creation of replacement behaviors, application of functions and replacement behaviors to the creation of proactive and reactive interventional strategies.

Ability and desire to work collaboratively as a part of multiple teams.

Desire for, and receptiveness to, supervision.

Possess good interpersonal, written, oral and communication skills demonstrated by an ability to relate appropriately and affectively to individuals from a variety of backgrounds as well as their families and their advocates; to constructively relate and communicate with peers, staff, and supervisors; and to function successfully as part of a team with mutual respect, care, and trust.

Properly maintain files, oversee the implementation of programming and data collection as it relates to behavior management plans and guidelines.

Possess excellent attention to details, be highly organized, and utilize productive and efficient time management.

Obtain and maintain required certification in First Aid, CPR, SCIP-R and Ukeru.

Ability to physically assist individuals as required; and, to intervene physically when appropriate using approved techniques to safeguard the individual, oneself and others during behavioral crises.

Ability to work independently (when appropriate) and in a group both in person and remotely via phone and online programs such as Zoom.

Ability to utilize and apply document templates to the creation of new documents.

Ability to use sound judgment while following agency policies, practices and procedures.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties associated with this position, an employee (using approved agency lifting techniques) will be called upon to support and lift adult individuals with developmental and other disabilities; transfer these individuals to and from wheelchairs; on and off toilet seats; in and out of showers; and in and out of vans or other vehicles. An employee in this position must be able to physically intervene (when appropriate and in an approved manner) to protect the individual from causing harm to themselves or others and to safely evacuate the facilities/van during an emergency. These duties may entail lifting/supporting/transferring up to 50-70 pounds on one or more occasions during the work shift and occasionally up to 200 pounds with assistance from other staff or devices.

Employees will regularly be required to stand; walk; sit; use hands (or hands and arms) to carry handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop; crouch and kneel. Employees will also be regularly required to hear (with or without hearing devices), see (with or without corrective lenses) and speak.

Summary

In a manner consistent with New Horizons Resources, Inc. Mission Statement, Unifying Principles and applicable laws and regulations, an employee in this position shall:

Assist in the development, review and revision of Risk Factor Assessments, Functional Behavior Assessments, Capacity to Consent Evaluations in accordance with agency policies, regulatory guidance, and best care practices as indicated by individual need, team decision, and input and guidance from the BIS and/or the DCS.

Assist in the development of all types of support plans; monitor and report on progress, update and revise plans as necessary and in accordance with agency policies, regulatory guidance, and best care practices as indicated by individual needs, team decisions, with input and guidance from BIS/DCS.

Assist in the development and implementation of plans, replacement behaviors, and intervention strategies (proactive and reactive strategies) for individuals in accordance with OPWDD regulations, in accordance with best care practices, in accordance to expectations of BIS/DCS, and in accordance with the agency's vision of positive behavioral supports and teaching alternative appropriate behaviors which foster maximal behavioral independence.

Obtain Consents and Authorizations for Behavior Support Plans, Medication Monitoring Plans, and Specialized Treatment Plans.

Present Consents, Authorizations, Behavior Support Plans, Specialized Treatment Plans, and Medication Monitoring Plans to the Human Rights Committee.

Participate in treatment team meetings, life plan meetings, staff meetings, Human Rights Committee meetings, Admissions-Discharge Committee meetings, Incident Review Committee meetings, and family meetings.

Engage in direct observations and interactions with individuals receiving services in residential and day habilitation settings with a frequency of observations and interactions determined in collaboration with NHR staff, Assistant Executive Director, and BIS/DCS. For example, some individuals receiving services might need daily observations and interactions from the Behavior Support Department while other individuals receiving services might need semi-annual observations.

Provide hands‑on assistance, instruction, training and supervision of staff in the implementation of plans and enhanced services for individuals utilizing person centered supports as well as gold standard applied behavior analysis techniques and other best care methods of intervention for individuals diagnosed with I/DD and autism spectrum.

Provide additional, ongoing and behaviorally/clinically specialized trainings for staff and other stakeholders.

As part of the interdisciplinary team, participate in the development of enhanced services and supports utilizing person centered planning philosophy.

Assist team with crisis intervention, problem solving, and support as needed and onsite when possible.

Be part of a Behavioral Support team that includes Behavioral Intervention Specialists and a Qualified Licensed Social Worker or Psychologist. Work collaboratively with Behavioral Support Team members. Other duties as assigned.

Additional Information

• Position ID 26-196
• Program Name Quality Assuarance
• Scheduled Shift Monday thru Friday 8:30am-5pm and occassional evening and weekend as needed