Intensive Behavior Intervention Specialist

Chapter247; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Cornerstone is seeking an Intensive Behavioral Intervention (IBI) Specialist to support youth in residential programs. You will partner with program leadership and direct care staff to design and implement behavioral plans, guided by functional assessments and evidence-based interventions.

Responsibilities include developing BSPs, performing assessments, updating BAS annually, and training staff to apply strategies, while ensuring policies and safety protocols are followed.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related human services field as stated.
• Must have Indiana license in psychology, clinical counseling, social work or related field.
• Minimum age of 21 and valid Indiana driver’s license.
• Background screening completed and maintained.
• One year of experience with neuropsychiatric or behavioral challenges preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop a Behavioral Support Plan (BSP) for each resident.
• Conduct assessments (medical, environmental, psychiatric, etc.) to inform BSP.
• Perform functional behavior assessments and update annually.
• Provide competency-based training on BSP to staff and ensure implementation.

Skills

Behavioral management

Negotiation

Communication

Organization

Advocacy

Business sense

Education

Master’s degree in applied behavioral analysis

Master’s degree in social work

Master’s degree in psychology

Master’s degree in counseling

Tools

Basic computer skills

Job description

Cornerstone is committed to total satisfaction through delivery of services, quality of our life skills training and support, and the continual improvement of our quality management system within our Youth Residential Services. The Intensive Behavioral Intervention (IBI) Specialist is responsible for the partnering with the Program Director, Deputy Program Director and the direct care staff at the assigned service site(s). Intensive Behavioral Intervention (IBI) services shall be provided to children placed in residential programs approved by DCS as an Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) program when the children exhibit behaviors that decrease the child’s quality of life, independence and meaningful participation in the community. Generally, IBI services address manifestations that are amenable to change in response to specific, carefully programmed, constructive interactions with the environment. IBI services are a highly specialized, individualized program of instruction and behavioral intervention. IBI is based upon a functional, behavioral and/or skills assessment of the child’s treatment needs. The primary goal of the IBI specialist is to reduce behavioral excesses, such as tantrums and acting out behaviors, and to increase or teach replacement behaviors that have social value for the child and increase the child’s access to their community. Program goals are accomplished by the application of research-based interventions. This Position will require working direct care shifts and/or preforming direct care work.

The tasks are highly complex and require behavioral management skills, negotiation and communication skills, organizational abilities, advocacy skills, and overall business sense.

JOB SUMMARY: Cornerstone is committed to total satisfaction through delivery of services, quality of our life skills training and support, and the continual improvement of our quality management system within our Youth Residential Services. The Intensive Behavioral Intervention (IBI) Specialist is responsible for the partnering with the Program Director, Deputy Program Director and the direct care staff at the assigned service site(s). Intensive Behavioral Intervention (IBI) services shall be provided to children placed in residential programs approved by DCS as an Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) program when the children exhibit behaviors that decrease the child’s quality of life, independence and meaningful participation in the community. Generally, IBI services address manifestations that are amenable to change in response to specific, carefully programmed, constructive interactions with the environment. IBI services are a highly specialized, individualized program of instruction and behavioral intervention. IBI is based upon a functional, behavioral and/or skills assessment of the child’s treatment needs. The primary goal of the IBI specialist is to reduce behavioral excesses, such as tantrums and acting out behaviors, and to increase or teach replacement behaviors that have social value for the child and increase the child’s access to their community. Program goals are accomplished by the application of research-based interventions. This Position will require working direct care shifts and/or preforming direct care work.

The tasks are highly complex and require behavioral management skills, negotiation and communication skills, organizational abilities, advocacy skills, and overall business sense.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop a Behavioral Support Plan (BSP) for each assigned resident. The BSP is developed based upon the belief that all behavior has purpose and meaning for the individual. This belief requires a BSP that is the result of a careful and deliberate process conducted by the Intensive Behavioral Intervention (IBI) Specialist.
• The BSP is a component of the Individualized Program Plan (IPP). The BSP will suffice for the requirement for goals for “any specialized services, such as counseling” required for the Treatment Plan by 465 IAC 2.
• To develop the BSP, theIntensive Behavioral Intervention (IBI) Specialistshall obtain information potentially associated with unwanted behavior(s) from assessments of the child including but not limited to:

• medical/health assessments;

• meaningful day assessments;

• environmental assessments;

• psychiatric assessments;

• other assessments such as speech and language when communication difficulties play a role, as

indicated for the individual.

• As a part of the development of the BSP, theIntensive Behavioral Intervention (IBI) Specialistshall perform a functional behavior assessment utilizing:

• a review of records including information from all assessments;

• interviews with knowledgeable informants; and

• direct observation of the child.

• TheIntensive Behavioral Intervention (IBI) Specialist shall review thefunctional behavior assessment of each child annually at minimum and be either updated to accurately reflect the hypothesized cause or function of the individual’s behavior or confirmed that the assessment continues to accurately reflect the function of the individual’s behavior
• TheIntensive Behavioral Intervention (IBI) Specialist Will ensure the Behavioral Support Plan developed for each child shall include:

• identifying information for the child;

• operational definition for alternate or replacement behaviors to be increased or taught;

• alternate or replacement behavior objectives;

• data collection instruction for alternate or replacement behaviors to be increased or taught;

• operational definition for targeted behaviors to be decreased;

• data collection instructions for targeted behaviors to be decreased;

• pro‑active or preventative strategies;

• re‑active or de‑escalation strategies;

• identification and signature of the author; and

• when indicated, the signature of the child, the child’s legal guardian and the signature of the referral source.

• If the BSP incorporates restrictive interventions, theIntensive Behavioral Intervention (IBI) Specialist shall ensure theBSP must have approval of the legal guardian/ referral source prior to implementation. Use of restrictive interventions in a BSP shall be in compliance with 465 IAC 2.
• TheIntensive Behavioral Intervention (IBI) Specialistshall monitor the BSP to adjust and readjust the individual’s environment and BSP as necessary in attempts to minimize the unwanted behavior. The BSP shall be assessed by theIntensive Behavioral Intervention (IBI) Specialiston a regular basis, with at minimum monthly reports to the legal guardian or referral source of progress.
• TheIntensive Behavioral Intervention (IBI) Specialistshall provide competency‑based training on the child’s BSP to all persons working with the child prior to these persons beginning to work with the child.
• TheIntensive Behavioral Intervention (IBI) Specialistensures that all persons working with the child shall implement the child’s BSP.
• TheIntensive Behavioral Intervention (IBI) Specialistfollows established clinical counseling procedures and related policies throughout all areas of Cornerstone.
• TheIntensive Behavioral Intervention (IBI) Specialistadheres to all policies and procedures as defined in the Employee Handbook and Cornerstone Operational Policies and Procedures Manual.

REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree in applied behavioral analysis; social work; psychology; counseling; or a related human services area of study approved by DCS.
• Must have current Indiana license in psychology, clinical counseling, social work or other related fields.
• Minimum age of 21 per licensure requirements.
• Valid Indiana driver’s license and driving record that meets eligibility requirements of Cornerstone’s insurance carrier (for all positions requiring driving).
• Must meet and maintain background screening requirements of program(s) assigned to.
• No felony convictions or other criminal offenses involving a dependent population.
• Successful completion of pre-employment physical.
• One year of experience working with neuropsychiatric or behavioral challenges and/or individuals identifying with the DD/ID population preferred.
• Knowledge of current trends and research in the use of psychotropic medications with individuals with developmental disabilities preferred.
• Previous experience providing service and support to individuals with disabilities or in the Department of Children Services or like entity.
• Ability to work flexible hours and locations and cover direct care shifts as necessary.
• Experience in managing systems, processes, and people.
• Valid Mantoux tuberculin test or chest x-ray within thirty days of employment.

BUSINESS AND TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Ability to apply general understanding and knowledge to carry out instructions in written, verbal or schedule form.
• Ability to handle and carry out multiple tasks.
• Basic computer skills with the ability to learn and effectively utilize identified computer software applications to accomplish tasks.
• Ability to operate general office, household and adaptive equipment.
• Ability to read, comprehend, interpret and apply information from general procedures, safety rules, instructions, data and reports.
• Ability to use Basic English grammatical skills to write routine reports and general correspondence.
• Organizational skills and ability to accurately document data and maintain records.

COMMUNICATION/INTERACTION SKILLS

• Verbal and written skills to effectively communicate information to various audiences and customers.
• Ability to effectively work as a team member and promote a positive work culture.
• Ability to communicate (written and verbal) with all levels of personnel, internal and external to the company

SELF MANAGEMENT SKILLS

• Maintain regular attendance, punctuality and accurate record of attendance.
• Ability to organize self and work activities and take initiative to accomplish tasks.
• Demonstrate cooperative attitude and tolerance for stress when confronted with critical situations.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, integrity and accountability within the scope of responsibilities.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

• Must have ability to work a flexible schedule either in‑person or remotely, which may include days, evenings, weekends, and/or overnight shifts.
• Must provide own transportation, have valid driver’s license and driving record must meet insurability requirements.
• Must take and successfully complete medication administration training, prior to start date.
• Must maintain and provide documentation of auto insurance.
• Must have ability to lift/move/transfer individuals or materials weighing up to 75 lbs. periodically.
• Must have ability to stand, walk, stoop, and bend frequently.
• Must have manual dexterity sufficient to reach, handle items, work with the fingers, and perceive attributes of objects and materials (such as medication, first aid supplies, with meal preparation and household tasks).
• Must maintain CPR and First Aid certification and must stay current on all other training as defined by Indiana state guidelines, industry accreditation standards and company guidelines.
• Must successfully complete background check at the time of hire (prior to delivery of services to youth) and annually thereafter.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, toxic and caustic chemicals, and fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.