Behavior Intervention Specialist

NOTE: All applicants must comply with ICL/NYC’s vaccination policy.  Individuals selected for employment cannot begin working until they  provide verification that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (with an FDA-authorized vaccine).

WORK SCHEDULE AND LOCATIONS: Bronx, Manhattan and Canarsie, Brooklyn

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty listed satisfactorily.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions unless this causes undue hardship to the agency.

1. Under the supervision of the licensed psychologist, provides initial and annual psychological assessments on all individuals following the format established by the program and having the approval signature of the supervising licensed psychologist.
2. Assesses individuals’ behavior and implement program(s), as necessary, to increase frequency of appropriate behaviors and reduce the frequency and intensity of inappropriate behaviors. Ensures that all behavior plans / strategies are available to staff and that data collection is designed so as to be measurable and objective. Instructs and trains staff in the implementation of behavior plans / strategies by explaining and demonstrating procedures. Provides feedback to ensure correct implementation.
3. Monitors each program by direct observation, review of data and interview of management, clinical and direct care staff (Skill Builders). Revise, as necessary, to ensure progress. Provides written monthly summaries of progress, annual and semi­-annual and other reports as necessary
4. Attends all scheduled clinical, supervision and treatment team meetings. Reports on individual’s response to behavior plans / strategies and overall psychological functioning. Provides analysis of behavior to ITT and families / advocates.
5. Acts as liaison with psychiatrist including completion of the behavior portion of Psychiatric Consult form prior to scheduled appointments.
6. Attends psychiatric consultation follow up appointments to advocate for individuals served on an as needed basis.
7. Responsible for obtaining informed consent for behavior plans / strategies that involve the use of SCIP - R Personal Intervention Techniques and any other strategy that may involve untoward risk to an individual and for any medication prescribed to address maladaptive behavior. Duties include completion of the Informed Consent Form, reviewing strategy and / or medication with parent / advocate and presenting to the Human Rights Committee.
8. Completes written Psychological reports as necessary.
9. Develops outcomes, objectives and methods to address psychological problems or needs, and to maximize assets of the psychological problems or needs, and to maximize assets of the program participants for inclusion in the IPP, with approval of the licensed psychologist, and in collaboration with interdisciplinary team members.
10. Provides, or assures, psychological services occur on a regular basis to achieve IPP outcomes and objectives.  
11. Develop new, or strengthen existing
12. Provides in-service training and support to residence staff related to psychological services.
13. Determines needs in collaboration with the licensed psychologist, submits requests for equipment and supplies necessary to provide psychological services, and maintains an inventory of same.
14. Submits needs and assets, recommendations and evaluations on each individual prior to initial / annual reviews based on the assessment and observation.
15. Attends / participates in all case reviews where an individual has a behavior problem / goal plan or condition based staff training.
16. Develops new or strengthens existing adaptive behaviors, and modify maladaptive behaviors through written behavior support plans complying with individuals’ rights and standards free of time-out room.
17. Functions as an interdisciplinary team member and assures compliance with all applicable Agency and regulatory standards, policies and practices.
18. Reviews outcome performance records on individuals with a behavior goal or plan, condition-based staff training, or any active intervention during that month.
19. Participates in design and implementation of the IPP
20. Provides clinical supervision of Non-QIDP program staff members, when necessary.
21. Meets regularly with supervising Licensed Psychologist for supervision and collaboration.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to facilitate, promote, and support Informed Choice and self-advocacy
• Ability to understand and use person centered planning principles
• Ability to listen carefully to what people say
• Ability to use professional judgment and assess the needs of individuals
• Ability to recognize and address health and safety issues in an appropriate and timely manner

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Master’s Degree in Psychology or related field
• At least one year of  clinical experience working with individuals with intellectual and / or developmental disabilities
• BCBA certification preferred
• Management experience highly desirable
• Residential experience highly valuable