Primary Purpose:

The Behavior Specialist is responsible for developing and monitoring behavioral services for individuals supported by CCARC, Inc. In collaboration with the Vice President of Clinical Services and staff, the Behavior Specialist designs, implements, and reviews plans that promote positive behavioral alternatives for individuals whose current behaviors interfere with their day and residential service placements. All services provided by the Behavior Specialist must adhere to the agency’s policies and the regulations established by the State of Connecticut. Additionally, the Behavior Specialist must operate in accordance with the policies set forth by the agency's Board of Directors.

A Master’s degree in psychology, special education, or a related field is required. Preferably,candidates should have at least two years of work experience with individuals with developmental disabilities. Experience in behavior analysis, data collection, writing, implementing, and providing training on data-driven habilitation programs is also preferred.

Days/Hours of Position: Monday - Friday 8:00 am-4:00 pm 40hrs/Full-Time

Benefits:

Health InsuranceFree VisionDental InsurancePTO401(k)401(k) Employer MatchFlexible Spending AccountLife and AD& InsuranceDisability Insurance

Essential Functions:

• Provide support to individuals having been identified as having behaviors that interfere with their day and/or residential service placement. Components of behavioral support include client observation, data analysis, program planning, and quarterly reporting.
• Prepares and sends quarterly reports to appropriate interdisciplinary team members. Services to be provided include direct observations of this individual in day and/or residential service settings, staff and family consultations.
• Trains staff in proactive approaches to prevent or minimize interfering behaviors. This includes designing behavior plans that address maladaptive challenging behaviors that would focus on teaching the client more appropriate and adaptive replacement behaviors. Staff to be trained includes personnel assigned to implement behavior plans.
• Assist the Vice President of Clinical Services with the Department of Developmental Services Program Review Committee (PRC) and Human Rights Committee (HRC) process. Includes preparation of documents to be reviewed by the committee(s), and any necessary responses to PRC/HRC recommendations.
• Organize and maintain behavior files.

Other Related Responsibilities:

Attends annual and semi-annual Individual Plan (IP) meetings as needed, as well as intermittent meetings. Summarizes the quarterly reviews for the interdisciplinary team and contributes to the development of the individual’s plan, especially with respect to continued, revised, or terminated behavioral interventions.

Attends day and residential staff meetings as requested when the agenda includes behavioral issues and as appropriate to the responsibilities of the position.

Assists with staff trainings in proactive approaches to behavior habilitation and other issues related to services for persons with disabilities.

To keep the Vice President of Clinical Services informed of meeting outcomes, program issues and changes asConducts periodic audits of behavioral programs and related documentation in the agency’s residential services programs necessary.

Minimum Education and Experience Required: Master’s degree in psychology, Special Education or related field required. At least 2 years' work experience with people with developmental disabilities preferred. Experience in behavior analysis, data collection, writing, implementing and in-servicing data-based habilitation programs preferred.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Experience in positive behavioral approaches and active treatment.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills and an ability to work effectively with staff and interdisciplinary teams.

Knowledge of principles of behavioral analysis and development of proactive behavior plans.

Knowledge of Department of Developmental Services regulations related to behavioral issues (PRC, HRC, URR, etc.).

Ability to meet all of the DDS requirements to become approved to provide Clinical Behavior Support under the HCBS Waiver.

Good observational, interview and written skills.

Must have valid Driver’s License, be insurable with Agency carrier and have own vehicle to use.

Ability to meet the physical demands of the job – sitting, standing, close visual acuity, ascending or descending stairs, kneeling, reaching, stooping, grasping, repetitive movements of the wrists, hands or fingers, kneeling, exerting up to 10 pounds of force by pushing, pulling or lifting

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work. Other tasks and duties may be assigned as necessary.

Physical Requirements:

Occasional lifting up to ten lbs.Vision must be good or corrected to normal to perform normal job duties.Hearing must be good to have the ability to understand information to perform job duties. Ability to read and write in English in order to process paperwork and follow up on any actions necessary. Sitting for extended periods of time and complete repetitive tasks like answering phones and typing