DSHS DDA Psychology Affiliate

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services; Kent (WA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5% premium pay

Free ORCA card

Job summary

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) – DDA seeks a Behavior Technician (Psychology Affiliate) to support adults with developmental disabilities in State Operated Community Residential (SOCR) programs, in homes and community settings.

You will collect and analyze behavioral data, perform functional assessments, develop or implement Positive Behavior Support Plans, and train staff and vendors to ensure plan fidelity.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Provide behavioral support services to eligible DDA clients in the 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.

Skills

Positive behavior support

Applied behavior analysis

Functional assessment

Intervention development

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Organizational skills

Professional development

Education

Master’s degree in psychology/education or related field

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

Job description

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.

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.

We Are Searching For Professionals With

• 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.

The Department of Social and Health Services’ 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.

Supplemental Information

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.

Relationship and Reporting Structure 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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