Licensed Behavioral Specialist

As a Licensed Behavioral Specialist, you will provide clinical behavioral support services to individuals with intellectual disabilities and/or autism in accordance with Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) guidelines as well as working with private-pay clients requesting similar services. This role focuses on assessing behavioral needs, developing individualized Behavior Support Plans (BSP), and implementing evidence-based interventions to increase adaptive skills and reduce challenging behaviors that interfere with daily functioning. 
 

Behavioral Support Service Duties (ODP)
Behavioral Support is a direct and indirect service that begins with a comprehensive assessment and leads to the development and implementation of strategies designed to meet the participant’s documented needs. The service 
includes training and interventions for the participant as well as for family members, staff, and caregivers. Two levels of service exist, with Level 2 reserved for participants who have more complex needs or who have not made adequate progress with Level 1 supports. 

Initial Behavioral Support Responsibilities
During the initial phase, the Behavioral Specialist is responsible for:
• Conducting a Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) and analyzing the results to design an appropriate behavior support plan (BSP).
• Collaborating with the participant, family, and service team to develop a plan that uses positive practices and the least restrictive interventions. Chemical, mechanical, and physical restraints are prohibited except in emergency situations under regulations, and any restrictive interventions require Human Rights Team 
approval.
• Creating a comprehensive behavior support plan within 60 days of service authorization, including measurable goals (to be added to the participant’s service plan). When appropriate, the behavior support plan should also include crisis plans, restrictive procedures, and any other relevant protocols being utilized (such as meal protocols, bedtime routines, etc.)
• Meeting with the participant, Supports Coordinator, family, and other team members to review and explain both the functional behavior assessment and the behavior support plan to ensure full understanding and consistency across environments.

Ongoing Behavioral Support Responsibilities
After the initial plan is developed, ongoing responsibilities may begin immediately (if documented as necessary by the Supports Coordinator) and continue throughout service provision. Ongoing supports include:
• Graphing behavior data and conducting visual analysis.
• Updating and maintaining the functional behavior assessment and behavior support plan using positive strategies and information gathered through ongoing assessment and data collection. 
• Developing a fading plan for any restrictive interventions that have been approved. 
• Providing training and support to the participant, family, staff, and caregivers to ensure proper implementation of the plan. 
• Collecting Interobserver Agreement (IOA) and treatment integrity data in order to ensure accuracy and consistency across staff/caregivers. 
• Completing all required documentation, including data summaries, progress notes, and materials for annual planning.