Behavioral Support Specialist

EmergencyMD; Monroeville (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 34,440 - 48,216; Part time

Job summary

A leading community care organization in Allegheny County seeks a Behavioral Specialist to provide comprehensive behavioral support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This role involves creating and implementing personalized behavior plans and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to ensure effective interventions. Ideal candidates will possess a Master's degree in a related field and have relevant experience. A commitment to ethical practices and strong communication skills are essential. Flexible working hours are available.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years' experience with individuals who have developmental disabilities.
• Behavior Specialist licensure or certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop individualized Behavior Support Plans through Functional Behavior Assessments.
• Design and implement Positive Behavior Support Plans.
• Communicate with the support team including therapists and family members.
• Document individual progress and evaluate behavioral interventions.

Skills

Effective Communication

Behavioral Management

Crisis Intervention

Ethics and Integrity

Documentation Skills

Education

Master's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Education, or related field

Bachelor's degree in similar discipline

Job description

Overview

Allegheny Community Home Care

Behavioral Specialist – Job Description

Position Summary

The Behavioral Specialist assists in providing behavioral supports to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across existing programs. This role is responsible for identifying behavioral goals and intervention strategies using Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and developing individualized, person-centered Behavior Support Plans (BSPs). The Behavioral Specialist embraces individualized care and applies positive, evidence-based approaches to support behavioral change.

Essential Responsibilities

• Develop individualized Behavior Support Plans by conducting Functional Behavior Assessments in collaboration with program staff.
• Design and implement Positive Behavior Support Plans using prevention and intervention strategies grounded in positive approach methodology.
• Communicate effectively with all members of the individual\'s support team, including the person served, community living specialists, program managers, quality administrators, family members, advocates, support coordinators, therapists, and other providers.
• Document individual progress and evaluate the effectiveness of behavioral interventions and collaborative services.
• Observe and assess individual responses to behavioral plans and modify interventions as necessary.
• Conduct behavioral assessments upon referral from staff or other appropriate sources.
• Actively participate in treatment team meetings while maintaining a person-centered focus.
• Provide and document staff training on behavioral management plans, including intervention techniques, required documentation, and behavior guidelines.
• Support and encourage individuals to maximize independence.
• Provide crisis management services and clinical consultation as needed.
• Develop proficiency in psychopathology, crisis intervention, de-escalation techniques, and behavioral therapy.
• Attend psychiatric and psychological consultations as required.
• Serve as a positive role model, demonstrating professionalism, dignity, and respect toward individuals served, staff, administrators, and providers.
• Participate in professional development and training opportunities.
• Develop additional resources, plans, and assessments to address identified needs.
• Compile and distribute reports accurately and within established timelines.
• Work cooperatively with administrative and program staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned by executive program staff.

Core Competencies

• Ethics, Responsibility & Integrity: Builds trust through honesty, accountability, and authenticity.
• Effective Communication: Communicates clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing.

Work Schedule

• 15-25 hours per week
• Flexible schedule, including potential evenings, weekends, or early mornings

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Vision acuity essential for position
• Work environment: 70% indoors, 30% outdoors
• Possible exposure to cold, heat, dust, and odors
• Ability to:
  • Lift up to 20 pounds regularly
  • Respond quickly to sounds
  • Navigate uneven terrain or confined spaces
  • Identify and respond to potentially dangerous situations

Education & Experience

• Master\'s degree (preferred) in Social Work, Psychology, Education, or a related field from an accredited institution; Bachelor\'s degree in a similar discipline required.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience working directly with individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Behavior Specialist licensure and/or certification preferred, including:
  • Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
  • National Certified Counselor (NCC)
  • Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP)
  • Other comparable behavioral health licenses
• Strong knowledge of behavioral principles, evaluation methods, and assessment processes.

Pre-Requisites

• Maintains current licensure at agency expense
• Valid driver\'s license and access to a reliable vehicle
• Strong documentation and time-management skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities
• Maintains confidentiality of individual and agency information
• Demonstrates professionalism and a positive image
• Knowledge of and compliance with agency policies and procedures

Employment Statement

Employment with Allegheny Community Home Care is at-will. This means employment is not for a specified duration, and either the employee or the organization may terminate employment at any time, with or without cause.

By accepting this position, the employee acknowledges understanding and agreement with the duties and responsibilities outlined above, as well as any additional duties assigned by their supervisor.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Allegheny Community Home Care is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law