BEHAVIOR SPECIALIST

Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm

35 Hours - Standard

Restricted/Limited to the leave of the prior incumbent.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: Within the Department of Behavioral Health, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals (BHDDH), to utilize a wide range of behavior modification techniques and implement individualized behavior plans in working with individuals with mental illness and/or behavior issues in a hospital setting; monitor and document progress in behavior modification efforts by collecting and charting clinical data as defined by the care

plans; and to do related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the close supervision of a professional supervisor 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: May supervise volunteers.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

• Within the Department of Behavioral Health, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals (BHDDH), to utilize a wide range of behavior modification techniques and implement individualized behavior plans in working with individuals with mental illness and/or behavior issues in a hospital setting; monitor and document progress in behavior modification efforts by collecting and charting clinical data as defined by the care plans; and to do related work as required.
• To works with patients with behavior issues to help them adjust better by utilizing a variety of behavior modification techniques.
• To implement and monitor formal behavior plans.
• To monitor progress, collect and chart clinical data to document changes in target behaviors.
• To perform clinical observation in terms of triggers of target behaviors in order to make educated recommendations for individualized behavior modification interventions.
• To engage individual patients or small groups of patients in therapeutic activities.
• To conduct and facilitate patient groups focused on therapeutic activities (e.g., peer support, social skills, anger management, computer skills, horticulture, etc.)
• To attend treatment team meetings, reports on patients' progress, and assist in planning and evaluating clinical goals as defined by care plans.
• To document patients' progress based on collected data and clinical observations.
• To assist in providing in-service training on behavior modification techniques.
• To attend training sessions on mental health issues and behavior modification techniques as required.
• To do related work as required.

REOUIRED OUALIFICATIONS FOR APPOINTMENT:

KNOWLEDGES 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 detailed, specific behavior treatment plans; the ability to make accurate observations; communicate clearly both verbally and in writing; the ability to document timely and accurately in the medical record; the ability to record and represent data in statistical forms; and related capacities and abilities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Education: Graduation from a college of recognized standing with a Bachelor's degree in psychology, sociology, social sciences, education, special education, or a closely related field; and

Experience: Minimum of one year experience working in a clinical setting under professional clinical supervision.

For information regarding the benefits available to State of Rhode Island employees, please visit the Office of Employee Benefits' website at http://www.employeebenefits.ri.gov/.
 

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.