Behavioral Specialist

communityoptions; Moonachie (NJ); On-site; USD 50,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive insurance benefits

Paid holidays

Generous PTO

Employee incentive & discounts

403b retirement plan

Career growth opportunities

University partnerships with tuition

Job summary

Community Options, Inc. in Rutherford, New Jersey is hiring a full-time Behavioral Specialist to support individuals with developmental disabilities in a community-based setting. The role emphasizes teaching skills, crisis response, and collaboration with an interdisciplinary team.

The position requires a bachelor's degree (master's preferred), a valid driver's license, and the ability to work a flexible schedule. Starting pay is $55,000 with opportunities for growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or master's degree in a related field.
• Experience developing behavior support plans and training staff.
• Valid driver's license with satisfactory driving record.
• Ability to interact professionally with individuals and teams.

Responsibilities

• Observe and interact with individuals.
• Create prevention plans and support plans.
• Complete functional assessments.
• Train staff on implementation of plans.
• Prepare progress reports for the support group.
• Participate as an active IDT member and contribute to IHP development.
• Attend staff meetings for multiple locations.
• Cooperate with licensing and department staff during inspections.
• Criminal background, registry, and drug screening checks required.

Skills

Communication

Crisis management

Time management

Problem solving

Calm under pressure

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree (preferred)

Job description

Community Options, Inc. is a national non-profit agency providing services to individuals with disabilities in 12 states.

We are now hiring a Full-Time Behavioral Specialist to provide support in Rutherford, New Jersey. The Behavioral Specialist uses best practices and technology within a community-based setting to teach people with developmental disabilities how to acquire the physical, intellectual, emotional, and social skills needed to live as independently as possible. This individual must be able to handle the pressure of training in a public environment, exercise patience, work with a flexible schedule, and respond to crisis situations. Ingenuity and creativity must be utilized when determining the best training methods, assistance, and support for an individual.

Starting Pay Rate: $55,000

Responsibilities:

• Observe and interact with individuals
• Create prevention plans and support plans
• Complete functional assessments
• Train staff on implementation of plans
• Prepare progress reports for individual's immediate support group
• Serve as an active member of each person's Inter-Disciplinary Team (IDT), which includes involvement in Individual Habilitation Plan development
• Attend staff meetings for various locations
• Additional tasks and responsibilities may be assigned
• Employee must cooperate with the license and department staff in any inspection, inquiry, or investigation
• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of checks of criminal background, central registry, child abuse registry, and drug testing

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree/ masters' degree preferred plus one year of experience in developing behavior support plans and teaching staff to implement plans
• Valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record
• Complete all state and agency required training per state guidelines
• Understanding and commitment to community-based supports for persons with disabilities
• Knowledge and understanding of local regulatory agency operations
• Experience with problem solving against multiple priorities
• Ability to establish a comfortable and supportive relationship with individuals receiving supports
• Ability to exercise good judgment and remain calm in crisis situations
• Ability to present facts and recommendations effectively in oral and written form
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent time management skills

Why Community Options?

• Competitive Insurance Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision)
• Paid Holidays - Including a Birthday Holiday
• Generous PTO
• Employee Incentive & Discount Programs
• 403b Retirement Plan
• Incredible career growth opportunities
• University partnerships that include tuition reduction

Community Options is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V