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Form of workJob Description
The Behavior Intervention Specialist
Intervention Specialist (BIS) works in conjunction with the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) to assure the mental health and behavioral needs of the individuals we serve. The BIS is responsible for the assessment of behavioral needs and implementation of behavioral programs that will decrease maladaptive behavior(s) and increase positive replacement behaviors. This position may have supervised/unsupervised contact and or conversational interaction with individuals while working in the residences and day habilitation facilities.
Essential Accountabilities:
- Participate as an active member of the IDT through the provision of behavioral consultation particularly on individuals with identified or emerging behavioral challenges.
- Participates in meetings including, but not limited to ISP, Day Programs, Departmental, Case Reviews, Special IDT, Consult Reviews, and staff trainings.
- Performs formal and informal assessments including, but not limited to an individuals’ social, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral functioning.
- Complete formal assessment of adaptive functioning at least every three years or more frequently as needed.
- Utilize formal and informal assessments to complete semi-annual and annual psychological reports. Prepare and distribute written reports in a timely manner.
- Participate in the clinical assessment of substantial diminution (CASD) for QA investigations which may include observations, data collection and monitoring, interviews with staff members and the individuals we serve to determine the presence of a substantial diminution.
- In conjunction with the IDT, completes a functional behavioral assessment prior to developing a behavior support plan.
- Writes behavior support plans and monitoring plans and revises them at least annually.
- Establishes consistent data collection methods used to develop behavior support plans/monitoring plans and to monitor the effectiveness of interventions (in both the residence and day program). Reviews data at least monthly.
- In conjunction with the IDT, develop necessary protocols and programming to monitor and reduce maladaptive behaviors including Supervision Protocols, Pica Checklists, and Behavioral Incentive Programs.
- Debriefs with staff and individuals after major crisis or behavioral events and provides supportive counseling as indicated.
- Provide individualized and group interventions to meet the needs of identified individuals (e.g. teaching positive replacement behaviors, ABA, coping skills, sensory groups, etc).
- Provide and maintain written progress notes to document group and/or individual interventions, specific behavioral interventions, observations, debriefings, trainings, and consultations.
- Follow all department and agency wide systems for proper record keeping and documentation of work duties and individuals’ progress.
- Train multi-level staff in the implementation of behavior support plans/monitoring plans and in general approaches to managing challenging behaviors and other behavioral health issues.
- Provide appropriate consultation with psychiatrists including attendance at psychiatric appointments as needed and communication of accurate behavioral progress to assist psychiatrist with management of psychotropic medication and treatment planning.
- Work with interdisciplinary team members to monitor psychotropic medications in relation to the individual’s current behavioral status.
- In conjunction with the IDT, obtains informed consent for psychotropic medications, MIPs, and restrictive behavior support plans. Ensure that HRC packet is complete and include all components prior to presentation.
- Presents psychotropic medications, MIPs, and restrictive behavior plans to the Human Rights Committee for approval.
- Perform yearly audit reviews of psychological/behavioral documents to ensure reports and documents are present and organized in the appropriate sections of the individuals' records and to ensure regulatory compliance.
- Participate in various agency committees, as assigned.
- Must be able to work flexible hours and travel to multiple sites. Caseloads and schedules are subject to change based on individual’s need/request.
- Perform all techniques required in SCIP, CPR, & First Aid, as needed.
- Maintain confidentiality at all times.
- Other duties as requested
Qualifications
A Master’s degree from a program in a clinical and /or treatment field of psychology and have had documented training in the assessment techniques and behavioral support plan development; at least 5 years’ experience working directly with individuals with developmental disabilities, including the devising, implementation, and monitoring of behavioral support plans; and /or providing supervision and training to others in the implementation of behavior support plans. A valid driver’s license and/or access to a vehicle is highly preferred.
Since 1980, WellLife Network, has been meeting the growing challenges of individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and mental illness. Our multidisciplinary approach and centralized referral process help to ensure that each person we serve receives the appropriate range of services and level of care, with an individual treatment plan, coordinated by highly competent and supportive case management professionals.
In its early years, WellLife Network operated and maintained community residential facilities for people with developmental disabilities and mental illness, and to provide programs of care, service, habilitation, rehabilitation, social and recreational activities, in a homelike environment. Partnerships Make It Happen for almost four decades, WellLife Network has changed, evolved and expanded, while remaining true to its mission of meeting the diverse needs of New York communities, business and society and assisting those we serve achieve greater personal and economic independence. WellLife Network has a long and valued tradition of working in partnership with government, the business community, private philanthropy and our colleagues in the nonprofit sector to offer proactive responses to society’s social and economic challenges. Since its founding, the WellLife Network culture has been marked by program growth and organizational development. A Network of Services - A Culture of Caring and Best Practices Today, with an annual operating budget of $100 million, a workforce of 1,800 staff, interns and volunteers and an affiliate subsidiary company, WellLife Network delivers critical services in the areas of behavioral health, intellectual/developmental disabilities, housing, co-occurring substance abuse behaviors, family support, vocational training and care management. These services meet the pressing needs of more than 25,000 individuals and families annually, some 2,000 New Yorkers every single day. A culture of caring, best practices models, a spirit of innovation and a commitment to measuring results and producing high return on investment drive our work. A key element to our successful growth is our focus on technology, financial viability and quality assurance – critical infrastructure supports that enable WellLife Network to deliver services with cost-efficiency, effectiveness, transparency and accountability in a manner that mirrors the standards of high-performing business enterprises.
In its early years, WellLife Network operated and maintained community residential facilities for people with developmental disabilities and mental illness, and to provide programs of care, service, habilitation, rehabilitation, social and recreational activities, in a homelike environment. Partnerships Make It Happen for almost four decades, WellLife Network has changed, evolved and expanded, while remaining true to its mission of meeting the diverse needs of New York communities, business and society and assisting those we serve achieve greater personal and economic independence. WellLife Network has a long and valued tradition of working in partnership with government, the business community, private philanthropy and our colleagues in the nonprofit sector to offer proactive responses to society’s social and economic challenges. Since its founding, the WellLife Network culture has been marked by program growth and organizational development. A Network of Services - A Culture of Caring and Best Practices Today, with an annual operating budget of $100 million, a workforce of 1,800 staff, interns and volunteers and an affiliate subsidiary company, WellLife Network delivers critical services in the areas of behavioral health, intellectual/developmental disabilities, housing, co-occurring substance abuse behaviors, family support, vocational training and care management. These services meet the pressing needs of more than 25,000 individuals and families annually, some 2,000 New Yorkers every single day. A culture of caring, best practices models, a spirit of innovation and a commitment to measuring results and producing high return on investment drive our work. A key element to our successful growth is our focus on technology, financial viability and quality assurance – critical infrastructure supports that enable WellLife Network to deliver services with cost-efficiency, effectiveness, transparency and accountability in a manner that mirrors the standards of high-performing business enterprises.
