Behavior Specialist Pbis (Positive Behavioral Interventions And Supports)

POSITION SUMMARY:

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) services are individually designed for waiver participants who have significant behavioral difficulties that jeopardize their ability to remain in the community. The primary focus for this service is to decrease the intensity and/or frequency of the targeted behaviors, and to teach safer or more socially appropriate behaviors.

The service must be provided by agencies approved by NYSDOH. The Program Director of the agency providing the service is responsible for assessing the waiver participant, and developing the PBIS plan for each waiver participant. The Program Director may perform the function of a Behavioral Specialist or supervise the Behavioral Specialist.

The Behavioral Specialist may be responsible for the development and/or implementation of the Detailed Plan under the direction of the Program Director.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assessment: Comprehensive assessment of behavior, skills and abilities.
• Development of a written a holistic structured behavioral treatment plan with specific person centered goals
• Writing: Detailed Plans, Behavior Support Plans, Summaries, Individual Service Reports, progress/visit notes
• Training formal and informal supports to effectively use the principles of the plan.
• Regular reassessments and data collection of the effectiveness of the behavioral treatment plan.
• Working with the participant to implement the plan and to teach safer or more socially appropriate behaviors.
• Documenting: Writing progress notes for each visit, collateral contact, ect.
• Complete all paperwork associated with the job within the required timeframes.
• Attending regular supervision meetings (at least once a month) and trainings.
• Attend CTMs (Clinical team meetings) as scheduled for each client.
• Other duties as assigned.

Limitations and exclusions:

The participant must be present whenever PBIS services are provided, including training sessions and discussions with supports.

The number of hours utilized to complete the initial behavioral assessment must be included in the service plan and may not exceed ten (10) hours per service plan period. Hours are not provided to write the plan. PBIS is limited to two hundred forty (240) hours annually, not to exceed eight (8) hours per day.

Training hours cannot exceed ten (10) hours per service plan period and are contained in the approved number of annual service units a provider is authorized to deliver. The provider cannot exceed the number of approved annual hours of service contained in the service plan.

Note: This service does not duplicate other services available through the New York MA State Plan.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Office and Community Based including clients’ and individuals’ homes.

Modality: In person one on one, may have other support staff present (e.g. HCSS staff) and/or natural supports.

Setting: The PBIS should be provided in the environment in which the significant maladaptive behavior occurs. (Usually the participant’s home or community).

CONFIDENTIALITY STATEMENT:

Agency records are maintained in a safe and secure area with specific access availability to ensure confidentiality. Agency records, files, documents and reports are the exclusive property of the Agency. Only authorized personnel will have access to clinical/financial/personnel records.

All agency records, files, documents and Access to confidential employee/Participant information files will be limited to agency personnel involved in the care and service of the Participant.

Agency staff with access to computer files hold all information in strictest confidence in the processing, storage and discarding of all data. Only authorized personnel will have access to written and computer data information; Authorized personnel will be assigned passwords/access codes to computer files necessary to conduct their responsibilities.

I have been oriented to the agency’s confidentiality policy. I understand that any Agency employees who do not honor the Confidentiality Policy are subject to termination and possible legal action. I agree to abide by the agency’s confidentiality policy.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

A Behavioral Specialist must have:

At least 2 years of experience developing and implementing intensive behavioral treatment plans.

AND be a/an:

• Person with a Bachelor's degree in psychology; or
• Individuals with a Bachelor’s degree in any subject AND one of the following:
• A Certified TBI specialist
• Certified in Applied behavioral analysis
• Certified Dementia Practitioner
• CARES Dementia Specialist
• Certified Behavior Analyst Assistant
• Licenced Occupational Therapist:
• Licensed Physical Therapist :
• Registered Professional Nurse:
• Certified Rehabilitation Counselor;

* Any certifications or licenses must be issued by New York State.

The Behavioral Specialist must be supervised by a PBIS Program Director.

CUSTOMER SERVICE/INTERPERSONAL SKILLS:

• Maintains appropriate office presence;
• Responsible and cooperative with participants/families, supervisors, fellow employees, and providers;
• Remains respectful and empathetic toward clients and coworkers
• Maintains friendly working atmosphere;
• Maintains professional attitude;
• Maintains professional appearance;
• Accepts constructive criticism as evidenced by appropriate changes in behavior;
• Utilizes established channels of communication;
• Recognizes, accepts and respects people as individuals; and
• Recognizes limitations and seeks assistance appropriately.
• Assists other employees where needed

SPECIALIZED SKILLS AND TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines
• Effective and efficient telephone, written and electronic communication skills
• Excellent customer service telephone skills
• Proficiency with PC's and computer programs including Word, Excel, and Adobe Acrobat
• Position requires training and experience in general office procedures, policies, and methods
• Must have the ability to read and comprehend instructions
• Self-directing and organized with quality interpersonal skills

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

LIGHT WORK: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.