Applied Behavioral Specialist - West Chester, PA

Shift Details

Part-time flex (As needed)

POSITION SUMMARY: The Applied Behavior Specialist (ABS) provides intensive on-going behavioral assessment/behavior support plan implementation to individuals diagnosed with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) or other genetic/behaviorally complicated disorders who live in a Community Residential Services (CRS). Individuals admitted to CRS' specialized behavioral programs for placement will receive supports within a highly structured setting, including behavioral interventions. The ABS will be responsible for participating in the continued behavioral assessment across settings, as well as the application of strategies derived from an applied behavior analysis (ABA) model. The ABS will work closely with the clinical team to implement individually designed behavior plans to decrease problem behavior while increasing adaptive more appropriate responses.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides behavioral assessment and behavior support plan (BSP) implementation services to residents
• Applies treatment strategies, therapeutic interventions and protocols derived from an applied behavior analysis (ABA) model developed by the clinical team
• Attends ongoing trainings and keeps all trainings up to date
• Collects data on the behavior support plans and outcomes
• Works with individuals on daily living skills in a structured environment to obtain consistent routine and skills through teachable moments
• In conjunction with the program management team, develops and implements appropriate recreational activities
• Files documentation in clinical charts and purges in accordance with the purge schedule as needed
• Prepares meals according to menu and program schedule
• Implements outcomes and maintains residents' progress consistent with behavior and therapeutic goals
• Supervises, instructs, supports and provides guidance to assigned persons served in accordance with the individual's Behavior Support Plan within the structured specialized behavioral program as well as the team-driven general support plan, and works daily toward the designated outcomes, including but not limited to:
  
  
  
  
  • ensuring food security by implementing the program structure and schedule at all times in the PWS home and/or implementing any other needed structures in the specialized behavioral program
  • ensuring heightened supervision in the community to best ensure food security as needed and general safety of the individuals
  • healthcare
  • religious preferences
  • sexual preferences
  • ethnic and cultural support
  • recreational/socialization/vocational activities
  • physical fitness
  • healthy living
  • family visits and involvement, and family disagreements and grievances
  • independence
  • purchase and inventory of food and personal supplies
  • cooking
  • housekeeping
  • money management
  • social awareness
  • interpersonal relationships
  • personal hygiene
  
  
  
  
• Follows medical guidelines to administer medication as scheduled or as needed to persons served in strict accordance with each support plan and per medication administration protocols
• Strictly follows medical protocols including but not limited to following physicians' orders for continued care, updates necessary medical records, and conforms to protocols concerning medical appointments
• Coordinates and provides for transportation needs, as applicable, of assigned persons served in accordance with support plan and dependent upon specific site needs
• Prepares for, and promptly responds to, emergency situations to ensure the safety and security of the program site and persons served at all times; e.g., provide CPR, first aid and crisis intervention as needed in accordance with agency trained protocols, conducts fire drills, emergency evacuations, etc., and notifies proper authority in the event of an emergency
• Completes paperwork and maintains all documentation as required and as determined by program management for the program site; e.g., shift progress notes, daily logs, monthly progress reports, daily goal reports, assessments, daily financial transactions, Medical Administration Records, behavioral data sheets, Incident Reports, Parent/Guardian/Other contact form, etc.
• During assigned shifts, ensures program site operates in accordance with the organization's quality standards for safety, cleanliness, and comfort and state licensing and accreditation standards and ensures the routine maintenance and cleanliness of Elwyn vehicles used
• Aids in the resolution of problematic situations that may occur for persons served within a specific program site; notifies program management of any unusual situations
• Reviews and maintains adequate medications inventory levels on a weekly basis to ensure immediate availability of medications
• Participates in the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) process in support of the support plan; reports issues in the event plan is problematic
• Reviews daily log for completion of required activities and reports results to program management
• Records daily census accurately and timely when working second shift
• Reports all incidents as required by regulation of Mandated reporters
• Promptly reports any infraction of Elwyn policies to program management
• Performs other duties as assigned

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in psychology or a closely related field or, Associates or 60 college credits plus three (3) years of work experience in programs supporting people with acute behavioral needs
• Experience working with individuals with challenging behaviors desired
• Experience implementing ABA strategies desired
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Must possess excellent customer interaction, collaboration, and written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated basic experience with Microsoft Office applications, specifically Outlook;
• Maintain current certification/recertification of CPR, First Aid, Medication Administration and crisis intervention, in accordance with agency trained protocols
• Must have current, valid driver's license in state of residence, three (3) years driving experience in the United States, and acceptable driving record