Behavioral Health Specialist V

Job Description:
Come work in an environment where we truly value and respect those we serve and believe in the mission that all people can achieve a higher level of wellness and independence.
The state supported living centers serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are medically fragile or who have behavioral problems. The centers provide campus-based direct services and supports at 13 centers located throughout the state.

The state of Texas offers many benefits to employees. HHSC is a qualifying organization for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which forgives the remaining balance on college student Direct Loans after making qualifying monthly payments. We also offer excellent health benefits, a lifetime monthly retirement annuityas well as (k) and Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas.

If you are looking for a place to work where you can establish a career that is filled with purpose, this is the job for you

The BHS V – Behavioral Support provides behavior support services, including behavior assessments, and performs simple and complex data analysis, simple and complex behavioral interventions, and behavior analysis consultation under the review and supervision of a Board Certified, Licensed Behavior Analyst. Responsible for assisting in the development, implementation, and evaluation of behavior support plans (including comprehensive functional behavioral assessments), staff training, data collection and reporting, and program evaluation, commensurate with the level of training. Works under the review and supervision of a Board Certified, Licensed Behavior Analyst who reviews and signs that the assessments and therapeutic interventions of the BHS V meets generally acceptable professional standards. Serves as a member of the Unit and Interdisciplinary Teams. Provides technical assistance and ensures training and feedback to staff responsible for implementing behavior support plans. Uses appropriate supervisory/management staff for assistance as needed. Participates in quality assurance and quality enhancement activities related to behavioral health service provision. May be required to plan, assign, and supervise the work of others. Works with individuals who have complex needs and who may exhibit aggressive, self-injurious and/or other challenging behaviors. The work schedule varies situationally based upon service needs. Works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. The BHS V is hired and directly supervised by the Unit Director in consultation with the Director of Behavioral Health Services (Unit Model) or hired and directly supervised by the Director of Behavioral Health Services (Departmental Model). Professional supervision is provided by the Director of Behavioral Health Services or designee.
Essential Job Functions:
Attends work on a regular basis and may be required to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned. May serve in an on-call status on a rotating schedule as required to meet operational needs of the facility.

Conducts functional behavioral assessments and ensures development and approval of behavior support plans, psychiatric support plans, and skill acquisition plans to meet individual’s need with varying levels of independence based upon training and experience. A Board-Certified Licensed Behavior Analyst reviews and signs the assessments and plans completed by the BHS V to ensure they meet generally acceptable professional standards.

Conducts or ensures training for staff in applied behavior analysis, individual behavior support plans, and other relevant topics to provide adequate staff training to facilitate optimal treatment and training.

Monitors and evaluates behavior support plans, psychiatric support plans and skills acquisition plans to ensure effective implementation. A Board-Certified Licensed Behavior Analyst monitors the progress evaluations completed by the BHS V to ensure they meet generally acceptable professional standards.

Provides documentation (including data, graphs, and progress notes) to reflect and evaluate individual’s response to treatment.

Participates as an effective member of the Unit and Interdisciplinary Teams to provide behavioral analysis and behavioral health information and programming perspectives to facilitate overall service delivery.

Monitors and evaluates use of restraints and emergency procedures and ensures their accurate and timely documentation to ensure appropriate and minimal use.

Assists in the coordination and review of psychotropic medications such that these medications are only used in conjunction with adequate nonpharmacological supports, including counseling plans, psychiatric support plans, and behavior support plans.

Participates in quality assurance and quality enhancement activities related to psychological service provision.

Plans the work of, assigns duties to, and provides technical assistance to assigned staff to facilitate effective behavior service delivery as evidenced by effective performance on the part of assigned staff.

Assists in collecting information for evaluations to assess individuals’ level of intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. Collects and summarizes information for behavioral health assessments and annual updates.

Maintains current knowledge in relevant areas in behavioral analysis and behavioral health services and training techniques to provide maximally effective services.

Performs special assignments as requested.

Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.
Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge and experience in administering the delivery of behavior analysis and behavioral health services to persons with intellectual disabilities.
Knowledge of etiology and characteristics of developmental disabilities.
Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and departmental and agency policy.
Knowledge of and ability to provide an array of behavioral health services based upon training and competencies.
Ability to administer discipline-specific assessments, including intelligence and adaptive behavior assessments.
Knowledge and skills in applied behavior analysis and behavior support plan development, implementation, and evaluation.
Ability to train staff in behavior support plan implementation and basic psychological/behavioral concepts.
Ability to work within a model of professional supervision and make decisions within broad guidelines and/or parameters.
Knowledge and skills in using personal computers and relevant software.
Ability to effectively communicate both written and orally.
Ability to work effectively within an interdisciplinary team.
Ability to organize and prioritize work and complete basic duties with moderate supervision.

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