BEHAVIOR SUPPORT SPECIALIST (5241)

• Design, implement, and continuously improve alignment with New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) regulations and agency policies.
• Provide clinical direction and support to ensure high-quality, evidence-informed care.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including OMH standards.
• Participate in on-call duties as necessary.
• Support a collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven team culture.
• Actively support staff in maintaining a Sanctuary environment that demonstrates the Sanctuary Commitments and is grounded in the philosophy of Trauma Informed Care.
• Perform and interpret the results of functional behavior assessments for youth.
• Develop and implement interventions that target the reduction of challenging behaviors and increase of adaptive behaviors. 
• Create and implement individual behavior plans for youth as part of the interdisciplinary team.
• Collect, analyze, and present data on target behaviors as part of treatment planning process to inform data-based decision making.
• Generalize necessary skills for home or other environments in collaboration with families and other stakeholders.
• Support the development, implementation, and maintenance of various behavior management interventions or in-home behavior management systems 
• Collaborate in the ongoing development and maintenance of systems to support the practice of applied behavior analysis (e.g., data collection systems).
• Develop, maintain, and update all required documentation for regulatory compliance and in alignment with agency protocols in a timely manner.
• Develop and deliver staff training.
• May act as a mentor to direct care staff.
• Lead projects for various programs designed to elevate the practice of behavior analysis.
• Consult with and provide oversight for implementation of behavior plans. 
• Serve as a resource to guide team performance.
• While this job description covers many aspects of the role, employees may be required to perform other duties as assigned.
• Other related activities assigned by the Director. 

Education & Experience Requirements:

1. Master's degree in a human services field or Bachelor's degree in Occupation Therapy with two years' experience in providing services to children with serious emotional disturbance preferred.
2. Bachelor's degree in a human services field or certification as an Occupational Therapy Assistant with four years accepted as a substitute for the above requirement.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies:

1. Commitment to the following and Embracing the Seven Commitments of our Sanctuary Model.
2. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
3. Organized and efficient.
4. Working knowledge of relevant regulatory and accreditation standards and requirements.

5    Willingness and ability to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends consistent with restraint utilization patterns.

1. Computer proficiency including word processing, spread sheet and data base management preferred.
2. Understanding of basic needs and developmental issues of children in a way that promotes growth and respects individuality.
3. Asks age and developmentally appropriate questions and actively listens to children's responses.
4. Develops a warm, positive, nurturing relationship with each child.

  Follows mandated reporting requirements regarding child abuse and neglect.

1. Practices infection control, including appropriate hand washing procedures.
2. Uses knowledge of developmental milestones, assists children in participating at their individual level of interest and ability.
3. Interacts with children during meal and snack times, promoting appropriate social behavior.
4. Applies knowledge of child development to plan and implement developmentally appropriate activities and environments.
5. Adapts activities and environments to meet the special needs and situations of individual children.
6. Identifies developmentally appropriate behavior and reasonable expectations for children 's behavior.
7. Uses observation as a way to "get to know" children —their interests and developmental levels.
8. Valid New York State driver's license.