General Description

Shared Support South, Inc is founded on the belief that people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities are not defined by their diagnosis and, with the proper support, are able to achieve their dreams and become valued members of their communities. 

A Behavior Specialist is responsible for conducting assessments that guide the development of plans strategies and interventions to aid our teams in understanding and modifying behavior. Outcomes are focused on supporting individuals and their direct teams to build adaptive and supportive skills respectively, with the goal of assisting the individuals supported to live quality lives within their home and community.

Role and Responsibilities – Clinical Team

• Conduct Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) for all assigned individuals within 60 days of assignment, utilizing interviews, documentation reviews and formal assessments (MAS, FAST, QAFB) etc. Conduct additional FBAs as needed. Determine scope of ongoing services based on FBA findings.
• Write individualized Behavior Support Plans (BSP) to include strategies for managing challenging behaviors and strategies to support positive behavior modification.
• Design and implement mindfulness-based interventions
• Develop data collection methodology and tools needed to support BSP interventions (sensory supplies, communication systems, visual reminders etc.). Update plan at minimum annually.
• Train all staff on how to implement the individualized BSP upon development of the plan, upon plan development and anytime there are changes made to the plan or there is cause to retrain. -Provide ongoing guidance, modeling and coaching to staff to support the transfer of skill and enhance consistency of plan implementation.
• Conduct routine visits with assigned clients and their teams in the setting where the behavior occurs and in other settings as appropriate.
• Document all meaningful encounters with or about assigned individuals within 24 hours.
• Review data and staff documentation and update graphs accordingly to inform ongoing services at minimum quarterly.
• Attend meetings to support assigned individuals, ISP, circle, Human Rights Team etc.
• Participate as a voting member in Human Rights Team Meetings, unless presenting a Restrictive BSP for review.
• Collaborate routinely with team members throughout Shared Wellness and Shared Support South as well as external team members.
• Provide support to the individual and all team members during and after crisis situations and investigation as appropriate.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

Behavior Specialists must meet the professional education or licensure criteria in one of the following three sets of requirements:

1. Master’s Degree or higher in Psychology, Special Education, Counseling, Social Work, Education, Applied Behavior Analysis or Gerontology. 

2. A Pennsylvania Behavior Specialist License. 

3. Must have a bachelor’s degree and work under the supervision of a professional who has a master’s degree in Psychology, Special Education, Counseling, Social Work, Education, Applied Behavior Analysis or Gerontology, or who is a licensed psychiatrist, psychologist, professional counselor, social worker (master's level or higher) or who has a Pennsylvania Behavior Specialist License. 

Behavioral Specialists must also meet the following standards: 

• Complete training in conducting and using a Functional Behavioral Assessment via ODP
• Complete annual training in positive behavioral support

Preferred Skills

• Organization and Multi-Tasking Skills
• Practical experience in conducting behavioral assessments, developing behavior support plans, and implementing interventions.
• Proficient understanding of behavior analysis principles and applied behavior analysis (ABA) techniques.
• Knowledge of intellectual disabilities, developmental disorders, and co-occurring conditions.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed care and mindfulness-based interventions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with individuals with intellectual disabilities, their families, and a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to convey complex concepts and behavior plans in a clear and understandable manner.
• Cultural Competence
• Awareness and adherence to relevant laws, regulations, and ethical guidelines governing the field
• Strong analytical skills to assess challenging behaviors, identify functional relationships, and develop effective interventions.
• Problem-solving skills to adapt and modify behavior support plans based on ongoing assessment and feedback.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team, including other behavior specialists, therapists, healthcare professionals, and support staff.

Shared Wellness is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, s ex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status