Behavioral Intervention Specialist

Racker; Town of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 51,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

Racker is seeking a Behavior Specialist to help individuals develop skills and reduce unsafe behaviors, enabling independence and happiness. The role requires working independently with families in their homes, with autonomy, good judgment, and reliability.

The ideal candidate is knowledgeable in behavioral principles, compassionate, goal-directed and flexible, with strong communication skills for paperwork and collaboration with supports.

Qualifications

• Education/Certification: Master’s degree in Human Service related field per OPWDD requirements; and a valid New York State Driver’s license.
• Knowledge of behavioral principles and assessment techniques.
• Ability to assess belonging, generosity, mastery and independence.
• Ability to work in families’ homes with autonomy and reliability.

Responsibilities

• Create person-centered behavioral supports and interventions to develop functional behaviors and reduce unsafe behaviors.
• Collaborate with individuals and families to understand behavior functions and support positive changes.
• Complete behavioral assessments as scheduled or as needed.
• Develop individualized, strength-based goals from assessments and interactions.
• Participate as a team member and coordinate with staff from Racker and other agencies.
• Prioritize client supports and facilitate transitions to periodic support and graduation.
• Respond to crises as part of the support team.

Skills

Driver's license

Behavioral principles

Circle of Courage

Assessment skills

Education

Master's degree in Human Service related field

Job description

Overview

At Racker, we believe in building a world where all people know they belong. If you’re looking to make a meaningful, human-centered impact, we invite you to be part of this team!

The Behavior Specialist is responsible for helping individuals develop skills and eliminate unsafe behaviors so they can be independent, safe, and happy. The Behavior Specialist uses evidence-based practices and proactive strategies to address significant behaviors that affect participants’ quality of life. The Behavior Specialist works independently with families in their homes, requiring autonomy, sound judgment, and reliability.

The ideal candidate is knowledge able in behavioral princ iples, compassionate, goal- directed and flexible. Strong written and oral communication skills are essential for partnering with families, completing paperwork, and collaborating with professional and natural supports. This role requires the use of assessments and data and a commitment to ongoing learning and the adoption of new methods. The ideal candidate will also bring creativity and playfulness to their interactions, helping make strategies and tools that are engaging, accessible, and meaningful.

Why Racker?

Working at Racker isn't just a job — it’s a commitment to building inclusive, supportive communities.

• A dynamic and mission-driven work culture.
• Ongoing professional development opportunities.
• A supportive team environment.
• Opportunities to innovate and make a difference every day.

Join us — and help individuals thrive in the ways that matter most.

Salary is $51,000 - $61,000 per year, depending on experience. This position is benefits eligible.

#socialworker

Responsibilities

• Create person-centered behavioral supports and interventions to develop, increase, and maintain functional behaviors in order to prevent or greatly reduce unsafe behaviors, and enrich the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities
• Work in partnership with individuals and their families/caregivers to understand the function of each individual’s behavior and develop tools to support positive changes; evaluate effectiveness and revise as needed.
• Complete behavioral assessments , scheduled and as a need occurs.
• Develop individualized, strength-based goals based on assessment, input and interactions with the individual and family
• Participate as an active member of the individual’s team; collaborate professionally with staff from Racker as well as staff from other agencies
• Prioritize support needed by individuals in the program. Work toward transitioning to periodic support and graduation.
• Respond to crises as presented by individuals and their families as a member of the support team.

Qualifications

Education/Certification: Combination of BCBA, LMSW, MSW or a Master’s degree in Human Service related field per OPWDD requirements; valid New York State Driver’s license; and ability to meet Racker’s Approved Driver criteria

Skills/Abilities: Ability to understand the purpose of behaviors; Ability to assess unmet needs in areas of belonging, generosity, mastery, and independence (Circle of Courage model); Ability to work in a variety of settings.

Knowledge: Understanding of behavioral principles, human development needs, family dynamics, developmental disabilities; knowledge of county and community resources.

Requirements: A bility to operate standard office equipment. Use of a personal vehicle for flexible and timely response to meet with clients in the community. Use of a personal smart phone for communication and documentation.

Our approach to Diversity and Inclusion -

"A world where all people know they belong."\