Behavior Technician

JOB PURPOSE

To provide professionally guided 24/7 support to clients, families and providers served by BSS in situations where significant behavioral risks are observed that are beyond the capacity of the immediate support network to address in a safe manner. The Behavior Technician will serve as a temporary on-site liaison between the BSS Clinician, the client, and the client’s support network with the goal of improving safety and facilitating the implementation of appropriate and minimally restrictive behavioral strategies to address unsafe behaviors. This is a position within The Arc of Southern Maryland and is thereby expected to adhere to any and all of the guidelines, practices and policies of The Arc of Southern Maryland.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Follow all behavioral and educational guidelines deemed appropriate by the assigned behavioral clinician and the BSS team.
• Support the clinician by assisting with data collection, observation, and other relevant activities necessary for the preparation of reports, protocols, and behavior plans.
• Work under the direction of the behavioral clinician and/or other professional staff to implement the behavior plan and to provide feedback on any clinical and environmental barriers to effective implementation.
• Assist in training caregivers in the appropriate implementation of behavioral interventions and techniques once trained by the behavioral clinician.
• Provide augmentation and implementation of behavioral support services in the day programs, residential programs, foster care, family settings, behavioral respite sites, and other places as assigned.
• Maintain accurate behavioral data and other records as directed by the clinical staff.
• Follow billing timelines as they pertain to the MA Waiver definitions.
• Make sure notes are accurate in the database per billing guidelines and completed per the timelines.
• Assist with recommendations for community integration activities for individuals served by BSS.
• Assist in filling open shifts within behavioral respite when a client is receiving respite services.
• Conduct follow-up visits to assess compliance with the program recommendations and provide written documentation of observations to the behavioral clinician.
• Successfully complete in-service requirements and meet renewal schedules.
• Work as part of an interdisciplinary team to provide quality services.
• Apply non-aversive behavior management techniques via Mandt training to include physical restraints and/or carries.
• Restrain/hold clients in the course of behavioral management as needed.
• Varied/Flexible work schedule with hours based on the need.
• Work on-call shift on a rotating basis.

*ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES*

• Accomplishes all tasks as appropriately assigned or requested.
• Attend supervision with immediate supervisor.
• Follow agency policies and procedures.
• Attend and participate in all pertinent treatment team/agency meetings, training and activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Maintain interdepartmental communication.

*EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE*

• Bachelor’s degree in human services and at least 2 years of full time experience or combination of education and directly related experience may fulfill this requirement.
• Must have at least 1 year of experience directly implementing formal behavior plans with individuals who present challenging behaviors and behavioral crises.

OR

• A high school diploma and 4 years of full-time professional experience working in the field of developmental disabilities.
• Must have at least 1 year of experience directly implementing formal behavior plans with individuals who present challenging behaviors and behavioral crises.
• Completed or will complete within 90 days of being employed the 40 hour behavioral technician training.

*JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES*

• Possesses a proficiency in computer Excel, Word and Access.
• Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Has a good command of the English language both oral and written.
• Ability to plan work, organize, and maintain workflow while maintaining flexibility to deal with varied tasks and priorities.
• Ability to work in a professional manner with a wide variety of individuals including consultants, provider agencies, families and the public.

*AMERICANS WITH DISABILITY SPECIFICATIONS (PHYSICAL DEMANDS)*

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit for long periods of time; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Must maintain a variety of postures (kneeling, sitting on the floor, running, lifting) as required. The employee must maintain a high energy level and a calm demeanor throughout therapeutic interventions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Works in a variety of environments with behaviorally challenged individuals.

• Work entails walking and ability to lift over 25 lbs.

Job Type: Full-time