SENIOR BEHAVIOR SPECIALIST

Company: State of Rhode Island
Location: Providence
Posted on: October 22, 2024

Job Description:

Salary : $53,964.00 - $61,245.00 Annually

Location : Cranston, RI

Job Type: Council 94 (2-36)

Job Number: 1052-40100-1735

Department: DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE, DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND HOSPITALS

Division: Service for the Developmentally Disabled

Opening Date: 10/18/2024

Closing Date: 10/27/2024 11:59 PM Eastern

Restrictions/Limitations: Restricted/limited to the leave of the prior incumbent.

Pay Grade: 322A

Classification: Classified

Work Week: Non-Standard Non-Exempt

Bargaining Union: Council 94 Local 1293 (5)

Scheduled Work Days; Hours of Work: Flexible schedule to meet training and data collection in a 24/7 operation. Occassional weekends required.

Class Definition

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: To assist a Clinical Psychologist in the design and writing of individualized behavior plans and intervention strategies that apply behavior modification techniques in working with individuals with mental illness and/or behavior issues in a hospital setting; to monitor and document progress in behavior modification efforts by collecting and charting clinical data as defined by care plans; and to do related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the supervision of a Supervising Clinical Psychologist from whom specific instructions are received; work is reviewed for technical competence and conformance to instructions, program plans and established policies and procedures.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Generally none, but in some cases may supervise Behavior Specialists.

Illustrative Examples of Work Performed

• To assist a Clinical Psychologist in the design and writing of individualized behavior plans and intervention strategies that apply behavior modification techniques in working with individuals with mental illness and/or behavior issues in a hospital setting; to monitor and document progress in behavior modification efforts by collecting and charting clinical data as defined by care plans; and to do related work as required.
• To perform behavior analysis in terms of triggers of target behaviors to make educated recommendations for individualized behavior modification interventions.
• To engage individual patients or small groups of patients in therapeutic activities.
• To provide direct behavioral treatment to high-risk clients in various settings.
• To run and facilitate patient groups focused on therapeutic activities (i.e., peer support, social skills, anger management, computer skills, horticulture, etc.).
• As required, to attend treatment team meetings and report on patients' progress.
• To document patients' progress based on collected data and clinical observations.
• To assist in providing in-service training related to behavior modification techniques.
• As required, to attend training sessions on mental health issues and behavior modification techniques.
• To do related work as required.
  Required Qualifications for Appointment
  
  KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND CAPACITIES: A working knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of learning theory, abnormal psychology, developmental psychology and data collection procedures; the ability to implement specific and detailed behavior treatment plans; the ability to make accurate observations; the ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing; the ability to accurately and timely document in the medical record; the ability to record and represent data in statistical forms; and related capacities and abilities.
  
  EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
  
  Education: Possession of a Bachelor's Degree, from a college of recognized standing, in Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis, or a closely related field with emphasis in Clinical, Abnormal or Behavioral Psychology, Behavior Treatment or Applied Learning Theory; and
  
  Experience: A minimum of three year's clinical experience working with mental health and/or developmental disability populations.
  
  Or, any combination of education and experience that shall be substantially equivalent to the above education and experience.
  
  Supplemental Information
  
  Key functions:
  
  Create, develop, and maintain Behavior Support Plans for RICLAS.
  
  Proficient in the development and implementation of behavior modification strategies to include observation, modeling, staff training, utilization of best practice treatment modalities, and clinical interventions with the ability to modify behavior plans as appropriate.
  
  Demonstrated proficiency with data collection, data interpretation and data reporting.
  
  Ability to collaborate across an interdisciplinary team comprised of both internal and external stakeholders.
  
  Proficient in de-escalation techniques and trainings. Certification in de-escalation preferred.
  
  Demonstrated experience supporting individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities with co-occurring diagnoses.
  
  Knowledge of CMS Home and Community Based Services Final Rule, The Olmstead Decision and Division initiatives.
  
  State-wide travel to all residential sites, off-site meetings, and trainings as needed.
  
  Preferred skills:
  
  Extensive work experience within the developmental disabilities field, residential settings, vocational rehabilitation, person-centered planning, and systems-change preferred.
  
  Strong communication skills including both written and oral communication.
  
  Proficient with Microsoft Office with advanced PowerPoint and Excel skills required.
  
  Strong organizational skills.
  
  For information regarding the benefits available to State of Rhode Island employees, please visit the Office of Employee Benefits' website at
  
  Also, be advised that a new provision in RI General Law 35-6-1 was enacted requiring direct deposit for all employees. Specific to new hires, the law requires that all employees hired after September 30, 2014 participate in direct deposit. Accordingly, any employee hired after this date will be required to participate in the direct deposit system. At the time the employee is hired, the employee shall identify a financial institution that will serve as a personal depository agency for the employee.
  
  01
  
  Are you a member of Council 94 Local 1293? (You must answer this question correctly to be considered based on your union affiliation. If you fail to answer this question correctly, you will not be entitled to be considered based on contractual provisions.)
  • Yes
  • No
    
    02
    
    Are you a state employee who is a member of Council 94? (You must answer this question correctly to be considered based on your union affiliation. If you fail to answer this question correctly, you will not be entitled to be considered based on contractual provisions).
    • Yes
    • No
      
      Required Question

Keywords: State of Rhode Island, Cranston , SENIOR BEHAVIOR SPECIALIST, Other , Providence, Rhode Island