Behavior Support Professional-Mau

Position Description:

Under the direction and guidance of the Specialized Administrator/House Manager, the Behavior Support Professional is responsible for ensuring support is provided to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities with significant behavioral barriers in a specialized residential facility. The Behavior Support Professional is responsible for working closely with contracted behaviorists, psychiatrists, nurses, and other members of the consultant team to ensure quality care and positive behavioral support and outcomes to the residents served. The Behavior Support Professional shall ensure implementation of skill-based training based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis and Positive Behavior Supports to teach individuals how to deal with issues that may result in behavioral episodes as outlined in the residents Individual Service Plans (ISPs) and behavior plans. Such training shall take place in both the home and in various community settings. The ability to assess and effectively identify and address behaviors exhibited by residents in an ethical and safe manner is crucial to this position.

The Behavior Support Professional is also responsible for maintaining a healthy, safe, comfortable, attractive, and clean home for the residents and to support them in a dignified and respectful manner.

Due to the extent of physical behaviors exhibited by residents, the Behavior Support Professional understands the inherent risk of personal injury. Therefore, it is highly important for the BSP to adhere to all safety and preventative measures and training.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years of age.

• Associates Degree or higher desired (experience may be substituted for education)

• Educational background in psychology and behaviorism or certification as a Registered Behavior Technician is preferred

• Willingness and ability to stay current in effective behavior management techniques is required

• Two to five years experience working in a residential setting with individuals who are developmentally disabled

• Experience with individuals who have significant behavioral concerns is preferred

• Ability to meet required state and agency standards and in-service training and education

• Ability to demonstrate strong understanding and implementation of positive behavior support principles

• Strong verbal and written communication skills

• Ability to understand written and verbal directives

• Possess effective conflict resolution skills

• Competence in the use of computers and software (MS Word, MS Excel, and MS Outlook)

• Current and valid First Aid/CPR Certification

• Personal vehicle for transportation of individuals served (as needed), current and valid California drivers license, and a driving record that meets agency standards

• Adhere to personnel requirements and agency policies and procedures

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities at all times.

• Respect resident desires and wishes as outlined in person-centered plans while simultaneously supporting resident health, safety, and behavioral concerns

• Ensure the health and safety of residents at all times. May not leave residents unattended and must remain on shift until relief staff reports on site.

• Maintain empathic, yet professional relationship with residents and other stakeholders

• Actively engage residents through planned activities, outings, educational opportunities, and general daily interaction

• Support and assist residents in developing skills for daily care, living, personal hygiene, and developing coping skills necessary to reduce behavioral episodes.

• Protect and advocate for unmet resident needs and assure confidentiality of resident information.

• Utilize and implement behavioral principles and positive behavioral supports to encourage appropriate behaviors for various settings (both in the home and in the community) while promoting an atmosphere of choice, dignity and respect.

• Maintain annual certification of Positive Behavioral Support training

• Successful completion and annual recertification in Nonviolent Crisis Intervention

• Follow Individual Service Plans (ISPs)

• Follow Behavior Support Plans (BSPs)

• Provide input to the administrator, behaviorist, psychiatrist, and other members of the interdisciplinary team to monitor and modify plans as needed

• Act as a member of the interdisciplinary team when needed.

• Document and maintain accurate data on skill development and behavioral episodes for use in tracking resident progress and ongoing development of strategies to assist residents in successfully achieving goals and objectives.

• Ensure completion of all regulatory and agency required training including those for providing behavioral support to residents.

• Attend all meetings and in-services required by the agency.

• Promote effective communications between the residential home and other departments and agencies.

• Coordinate activities that promote learning, skill acquisition, and self-regulation of behavior.

• Aid in the self-administration of medications and ensure medical treatments are given as prescribed to residents. Inform and support residents in understanding their complex medical needs. Comply with all regulatory and agency requirements in the control, custody, and safeguarding of resident medications.

• Assist the Administrator in transporting residents to medical appointments as necessary.

• Ensure there is adequate medical, maintenance, hygiene, and food supplies and/or equipment available to complete all required tasks in compliance with regulations.

• Ensure the care and safeguarding of resident property.

• Ensure the safeguarding of resident cash resources.

• Report all incidents as required by regulation and agency policy and procedures.

• Complete any other tasks as requested by the Administrator or Director of Residential Services.

Physical Requirements

With or without reasonable accommodation, the physical and mental requirement of this job may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Ability to operate a motor vehicle according to California laws and regulations

• Ability to reach with hands and arms, pushing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, frequent sitting, standing, and walking may be required for long periods of time

• May require running, climbing stairs, walking up inclines, or on uneven terrain

• Physical ability to lift 50 pounds and perform a two-person transport position and the team control position for individuals exhibiting behavioral episodes that threaten the safety and welfare of self or others

• Visual acuity required for the use of computers and reading materials

• Ability to hear, speak, and write clearly