Behavioral Intervention Specialist

Job Summary:
Responsible for creating and providing personalized behavioral support and intervention plan to address the behavioral, emotional, and psychological needs of individuals. This includes conducting assessments, developing individualized treatment plans, implementing evidence-based interventions, and monitoring progress. To collaborate with a multidisciplinary team and offers counseling, guidance, and education to individuals, their families when needed, and staff to ensure the delivery of high-quality clinical services consistent with the agency’s mission and vision. Strong knowledge of developmental disorders, mental health conditions, behavioral management techniques, and therapeutic strategies is required. To assist in providing crisis intervention whether on site or by phone. BIS also upholds the philosophy of the Behavioral Mental Health Model/Positive Behavioral Support and Gentle Teaching. Must possess excellent interpersonal skills, empathy, emotional intelligence, and organizational abilities.

Essential Functions:

• Conduct comprehensive assessments:
  • Conduct comprehensive assessments to evaluate the behavioral, emotional, and psychological functioning of individuals with developmental disorders and dual diagnosis.
• Collaborate on personalized treatment plans:
  • Collaborate with clients, their families when needed, staff, and the multidisciplinary team to develop and implement personalized treatment plans addressing specific goals and needs.
• Provide evidence-based interventions and therapeutic strategies:
  • Provide evidence-based interventions and therapeutic strategies tailored to the unique needs of each individual, focusing on behavioral management, skill-building, de-escalation, interpersonal conflict, and emotional regulation.
• Offer counseling, guidance, and support as needed:
  • Offer counseling as needed, guidance, and support to individuals, their families, staff by helping them understand and cope with the challenges associated with developmental disorders and dual diagnoses. Will also conduct onsite support as needed.
• Monitor and document individual progress:
  • Monitor and document individual progress, collect data and maintain accurate records of behavioral observations, treatment plans, and intervention outcomes.
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team
  • Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team, including psychologists, medical liaison, staff, and multidisciplinary team, to ensure a comprehensive approach to care.
• Stay up to date with research and best practices:
  • Stay up to date with current research, best practices, and advancements in the field of developmental disorders and dual diagnosis, applying new knowledge to inform treatment strategies.
• Compliance:
  • Adhere to ethical guidelines and maintain confidentiality in all aspects of client care and documentation.

Education and Requirements:

• Master’s degree in counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field. Specialization in developmental disorders and dual diagnosis is preferred.
• Previous experience working with individuals with developmental disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions, preferably in a clinical or community setting.
• Knowledge of diagnostic criteria, assessment tools, and evidence-based interventions for developmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disabilities, or other similar conditions.
• Familiarity with various mental health conditions commonly associated with developmental disorders, such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders, autism spectrum disorders (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), etc.
• Knowledge of OPWDD (Office for People with Developmental Disabilities) regulations and guidelines.
• Strong understanding of behavioral management techniques, cognitive-behavioral approaches, positive behavior support strategies.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to establish rapport and build therapeutic relationships with individuals, their families, or staff.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with professionals from different disciplines to provide holistic care.
• Empathy, patience, emotional intelligence, and a non-judgmental approach when working with individuals with developmental disorders, their families, and staff.
• Valid licensure or certification as required by NYS.
• May require weekdays, weekends, and evenings, as dictated by the needs of the clients and the organization.

*This job description does not contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities. Other duties may be assigned. Failure to comply with job duties or responsibilities will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including suspension and/or termination.