Behavior Intervention Specialist

Type of Position Per Diem

Search Location(s) Manhattan, NY

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Job Brief

The Behavioral Intervention Specialist/Facilitator plays a critical role in supporting individuals with significant behavioral challenges, particularly those with dual diagnoses (mental health + IDD), through a trauma-informed approach.

Shift Worked:

PER DIEM

Weekly Hours:

15

FLSA Status:

Exempt

Pay range:

$70,000 - $75,000

POSITION SUMMARY: The Behavioral Intervention Specialist (BIS)/Facilitator plays a critical role in supporting individuals with significant behavioral challenges, particularly those with dual diagnoses (mental health and intellectual disabilities), through a trauma-informed approach. The BIS/Facilitator collaborates closely with the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) to develop, implement, and monitor individualized behavior support plans designed to address complex behavioral needs and facilitates ongoing training to Direct Support and clinical staff, while acknowledging the impact of trauma. This role includes conducting comprehensive functional behavioral assessments, providing training to direct support and clinical staff on trauma-informed interventions, and ensuring that behavioral strategies promote emotional safety, empowerment, and resilience. The BIS/Facilitator is also responsible for presenting psychotropic medication recommendations and restrictive behavior support plans to the Human Rights Committee.

POSITION DUTIES: 1. Behavioral and Mental Health Assessment through a Trauma-Informed Lens: Collaborates with the IDT to assess and identify behaviors and mental health issues that significantly deviate from normative behavior, with a particular focus on understanding the impact of trauma on behavioral responses. Ensures that all interventions are sensitive to the history of trauma experienced by individuals.2. Data Collection and Monitoring for Trauma-Informed Behavior Plans: Oversees the collection and analysis of baseline behavioral data to inform the development of trauma informed behavior support plans. Ensures that data collection methods include proactive and reactive strategies that are respectful of individuals’ trauma histories.3. Functional Behavioral Assessments with Emphasis on Trauma: Conducts in-depth functional behavioral assessments that consider the root causes of behavioral challenges, including the influence of past trauma. Collaborates with the IDT to ensure a holistic understanding of the individual’s emotional and psychological needs.4. Development and Implementation of Trauma-Informed Behavior Support Plans: Develops individualized behavior support plans that prioritize emotional safety, reduce triggers associated with past trauma, and promote adaptive coping mechanisms. Plans are reviewed regularly to ensure they remain effective and responsive to the evolving needs of the individual.5. Trauma-Informed Staff Training and Development: Provides targeted training to direct support and clinical staff on trauma-informed approaches to behavior management. Emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive, predictable, and non-triggering environment for individuals with significant behavioral challenges. Offers ongoing coaching and support to ensure staff feel confident in implementing trauma-sensitive interventions.6. Debriefing and Reflective Practice after Behavioral Incidents: Conducts trauma-informed debriefings with staff following significant behavioral incidents. Guides staff in reflecting on potential triggers and the emotional needs of the individual, helping to refine interventions and promote a culture of empathy and understanding. 7. On-Site Support for Trauma-Informed Behavior Interventions: Provides regular, on-site support to programs, ensuring that trauma-informed behavior plans are implemented with fidelity. Engages with individuals and staff to observe behaviors, offer real-time feedback, and reinforce trauma-sensitive practices. Adjusts working hours to accommodate various shifts and operational needs.8. Referral and Coordination of Trauma-Informed Mental Health Services: Refers individuals for psychiatric care, psychological evaluations, and trauma-focused counseling services as needed. Coordinates care with mental health professionals to ensure continuity of trauma informed behavioral strategies.9. Liaison between Mental Health Services and the IDT: Acts as a liaison between the IDT, mental health professionals, psychiatrists, hospitals, families, and other stakeholders, ensuring that trauma informed principles are integrated across all areas of care. Facilitates communication to promote consistent and compassionate support.10. Informed Consent and Human Rights Committee Presentations: Secures informed consent for psychotropic medications and restrictive behavior support plans. Presents these plans to the Human Rights Committee, ensuring that trauma-informed strategies are at the forefront of discussions to minimize restrictions and prioritize the well-being of the individual.11. Comprehensive Documentation and Reporting: Prepares and maintains detailed documentation of behavior support plans, psychiatric reports, and other relevant materials, ensuring that trauma-informed principles are consistently reflected in all written records.12. Active Participation in Trauma-Informed Care Meetings: Attends and contributes to trauma-informed care meetings, psychotropic medication regimen reviews, special team meetings, and other key discussions to ensure that behavioral strategies align with trauma sensitive practices.13. Investigative Interviews and Trauma-Sensitive Reporting: Conducts interviews and investigations related to behavioral incidents, ensuring that all assessments and reports account for the potential impact of trauma on behavior. Prepares thorough reports in a timely and professional manner.14. Counseling and Trauma-Informed Support: Provides trauma-informed counseling and emotional support to individuals with significant behavioral challenges. Utilizes therapeutic approaches that promote safety, stability, and healing, and documents all sessions according to agency standards.15. SCIP/PROMOTE Certification and Trauma-Informed Training: Maintains certification in SCIP or PROMOTE and serves as a certified trainer in trauma-informed care. Leads training sessions for staff, ensuring that all employees understand and implement trauma-sensitive strategies in their daily interactions with individuals.16. Other Duties as Assigned: Performs additional responsibilities as requested by leadership, always incorporating trauma-informed principles into behavioral interventions and service delivery.

REQUIREMENTS: 1. Level 1 BIS: Master’s degree in a clinical field (psychology, social work, or related discipline) with documented training in trauma-informed care, behavior assessment, and behavior support development. A minimum of five (5) years of experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities, including those with significant behavioral challenges and dual diagnoses (mental health and intellectual disabilities).2. Level 2 BIS: Master’s degree in clinical or community psychology, social work, or a related field approved by OPWDD, with at least one (1) year but less than five (5) years of experience providing trauma-informed behavioral services to individuals with developmental disabilities.3. Trauma-Informed Care Expertise: Extensive knowledge of trauma-informed care principles, with the ability to train staff and implement behavior interventions that account for the impact of trauma on individuals with behavioral challenges.4. Communication Skills: Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to engage professionally with staff, individuals, and stakeholders while emphasizing trauma-informed care approaches.5. Technological Proficiency: Proficient in Microsoft Office and electronic health record systems (e.g., Precision Care) for maintaining documentation and managing behavioral data.6. Flexibility and Travel: Ability to travel to multiple locations across the metropolitan area and work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as required by program needs.7. On-Call Availability: Provides on-call behavioral support coverage via phone, participating in rotating weekend and holiday coverage as part of the department’s trauma-informed support strategy.8. Compliance Adherence: Adheres to all agency policies and procedures, including Corporate Compliance, Cultural Sensitivity, Sexual Harassment, and Trauma-Informed Care policies. Completes required training in trauma informed care, corporate compliance, and other mandated areas annually.

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Education and Experience: Level 1 BIS: Master’s degree in a clinical field (psychology, social work, etc.) with a minimum of five (5) years of experience in trauma-informed behavioral interventions for individuals with developmental disabilities and significant behavioral challenges. Level 2 BIS: Master’s degree in a related field with one (1) to five (5) years of relevant experience incorporating trauma-informed strategies.2. Behavioral Support Expertise with Trauma Focus: Demonstrated expertise in conducting functional behavioral assessments, developing trauma-sensitive behavior support plans, and training staff to manage individuals with dual diagnoses and behavior intensity.3. Certifications: SCIP or PROMOTE certified, with the ability to become a certified trainer in trauma-informed behavior interventions.4. Professionalism and Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams, integrating trauma-informed principles to address complex behavioral challenges