DSHS DDA Behavior Technician (Psychology Affiliate)

State of Washington; Kent (WA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5% premium pay for King County staff

Free ORCA card for transportation

Job summary

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) – Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) seeks a Behavior Technician (Psychology Affiliate) to support adults in SOCR programs. You will implement behavioral and crisis intervention services, collect data for functional assessments, and help ensure successful implementation of Positive Behavioral Support Plans.

You will train staff, collaborate with clinicians, and stay current with best practices in community-based care

Qualifications

• Knowledge of positive behavior support and ABA.
• Ability to develop and implement PBSPs and collect data.
• Strong communication and training skills.
• Ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams with cultural sensitivity.

Responsibilities

• Provide behavioral support services to eligible DDA clients in SOCR programs.
• Collect and analyze behavioral data and develop Positive Behavior Support Plans under clinical oversight.
• Implement positive interventions to reduce challenging behaviors and promote adaptive functioning.
• Support clients and staff during transitions into SOCR programs and after crisis intervention.
• Train and model behavior support strategies for staff and vendor staff.
• Collaborate with mental health experts and present in meetings; provide trainings on behavioral supports.

Skills

Positive behavior support

Applied behavior analysis

Functional assessment

Behavioral intervention strategies

Education

Master’s degree in psychology, education, or related field

Bachelor’s degree in psychology, education, social work, or related field

Job description

DSHS DDA – Behavior Technician (Psychology Affiliate)

As a Behavior Technician with the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), you will play a vital role in supporting adults with developmental disabilities in our State Operated Community Residential (SOCR) programs. In this 24/7 residential setting, you will implement psychological, behavioral, and crisis intervention services, including data collection for functional behavioral assessments and execution of positive behavioral supports. You will also provide coaching, modeling, and consultation to the participant’s support system, helping ensure successful implementation of Positive Behavioral Support Plans. By identifying barriers and collaborating with Psychology Associates, Psychiatric Adult Counselors, Behavior Specialists, and vocational partners, you will help enhance the quality of care and the success of participants in the community.

Some of what you’ll do:

• Provide behavioral support services to eligible DDA clients in the State Operated Community Residential (SOCR) program, both in participant homes and the community.
  
• Collect and analyze behavioral data, conduct functional assessments, and develop or implement Positive Behavior Support Plans under clinical oversight when needed.
  
• Implement positive interventions and strategies to reduce challenging behaviors and promote pro-social, adaptive functioning.
  
• Support clients and staff during participant transitions into the SOCR program, between homes, or after crisis intervention, identifying and addressing barriers to success.
  
• Train and model behavior support strategies for SOCR staff and vocational vendor staff, ensuring consistent plan implementation.
  
• Collaborate with mental health experts and other professionals, represent DDA in meetings, and provide trainings on behavioral supports and interventions.
  
• Stay current on best practices in community-based care and participate in team meetings, trainings, conferences, and workshops.
  

What we’re looking for:

• Knowledge of positive behavior support, applied behavior analysis, functional assessment, and development of effective behavioral intervention strategies for individuals with developmental disabilities.
  
• Understanding of child and human development, psychological principles, developmental disabilities, and community-based long-term care programs.
  
• Ability to develop, implement, oversee, and evaluate Positive Behavior Support Plans, collecting and analyzing data to guide interventions.
  
• Strong communication and training skills, including delivering instruction to clients, families, staff, and other stakeholders and using alternate communication methods as needed.
  
• Ability to work collaboratively in multi-disciplinary teams, develop positive relationships, and demonstrate cultural sensitivity and respect for diverse perspectives.
  
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills, including managing multiple priorities, adapting to change, and safeguarding confidential information.
  
• Commitment to person-centered planning, consumer choice, self-direction, and professional development through staying current with best practices.
  

Who should apply?

• A Master’s degree in psychology, education, or a related field from an accredited program AND at least one year of relevant experience designing or implementing comprehensive behavioral therapies for individuals with developmental disabilities and challenging behaviors. OR
  
• A Bachelor’s degree in psychology, education, social work, or a related field AND at least three years of relevant experience designing or implementing comprehensive behavioral therapies for individuals with developmental disabilities and challenging behaviors.
  

Additional information:

• Work schedule: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday
• King County employees receive 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary and are eligible to receive a free ORCA card for transportation use.

Questions?

Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Ricky Luna at [e-mail] and reference job number #08719.

The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at [phone]. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nebotism) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here. Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.

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