Behavioral Specialist in Kearny, New Jersey at Pathways to Independence

About Company:

Pathways to Independence, Inc. is a private nonprofit organization providing pre-vocational and vocational training opportunities to adults with disabilities. PTI was founded in 1978, as a sheltered workshop, by a group of concerned community members who recognized the need in the West Hudson, South Bergen areas for vocational training and employment for persons with disabilities. Since then, the agency has continued to expand its spectrum of services to include assisting people with various disabilities in pertinent employment settings.

Our commitment is to provide the best quality services possible to consumers we serve. Through the training programs PTI offers, it is our intent that each individual will develop the skills necessary to create his or her own future, filled with promise of dreams realized.

Pathways to Independence, Inc. is approved for service by the New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities, the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired and New Jersey Transit. Among our many programs, the following have received state certification and national accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities and the Division of Developmental Disabilities:

• Community Services: Community Integration
• Employment Services: Trial Work Experience.
• Employment Services: Comprehensive Vocational Evaluation Services
• Employment Services: Employee Development Services
• Employment Services: Organizational Employment Services
• Community Employment Services: Pre-Placement. Placement
• Community Employment Services: Job Development (Intensive Services).

About the Role:

The Behavioral Specialist plays a critical role in assessing, developing, and implementing individualized behavioral intervention plans to support clients with diverse behavioral health needs. This position focuses on improving clients' social, emotional, and adaptive functioning through evidence-based strategies and therapeutic techniques. The specialist collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams, families, and caregivers to ensure comprehensive care and consistent application of behavioral interventions. By monitoring progress and adjusting plans as necessary, the Behavioral Specialist helps clients achieve meaningful improvements in their quality of life and independence. Ultimately, this role contributes to fostering positive behavioral changes that support long-term well-being and community integration.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Behavioral Science, or a related field.
• Experience working with individuals exhibiting challenging behaviors, preferably in a healthcare or social assistance setting.
• Knowledge of applied behavior analysis (ABA) principles and behavioral intervention techniques.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage clients, families, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards in behavioral health practice.
• 21 years of age, valid NJ driver's license and be acceptable to agency's insurance carrier to transport Consumers

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis, Social Work, or related discipline.
• Certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or equivalent credential.
• Experience working with children or adults with developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, or mental health conditions.
• Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems and data management software.
• Training in crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct thorough behavioral assessments to identify client needs and challenges.
• Develop and implement individualized behavior intervention plans based on assessment data and best practices.
• Provide direct one-on-one or group behavioral therapy sessions to clients.
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, families, and caregivers to coordinate care and ensure consistency in intervention strategies.
• Monitor client progress through data collection and analysis, adjusting plans as needed to optimize outcomes.
• Train and support families and caregivers in behavior management techniques to promote generalization of skills.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of client interactions, progress notes, and treatment plans in compliance with regulatory standards.
• Stay current with research and developments in behavioral health to continuously improve intervention approaches.

Skills:

The Behavioral Specialist utilizes strong analytical skills to assess client behaviors and develop tailored intervention plans that address specific needs. Effective communication skills are essential for collaborating with clients, families, and healthcare teams to ensure consistent and supportive care environments. The role requires proficiency in data collection and interpretation to monitor client progress and make evidence-based adjustments to treatment strategies. Empathy and patience are critical in building trust and rapport with clients facing behavioral challenges. Additionally, organizational skills support accurate documentation and compliance with healthcare regulations, ensuring high-quality service delivery.