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About the Role

A Behavior Intervention Specialist in OPWDD supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities by assessing behavioral needs, developing and implementing individualized behavior support strategies, and monitoring progress. This role involves collaborating with individuals, families, direct support staff, clinicians, and other members of the care team to promote positive behaviors, independence, safety, and quality of life.

Responsibilities

Assess and identify behavioral needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Conduct behavioral observations, interviews, and functional behavior assessments.
Develop, implement, and monitor individualized Behavior Support Plans (BSPs).
Use person-centered, trauma-informed, and evidence-based behavioral interventions.
Collect, document, and analyze behavioral data to evaluate treatment effectiveness.
Identify behavioral patterns, triggers, antecedents, and consequences.
Provide direct behavioral support and coaching to individuals and staff when appropriate.
Monitor progress and modify interventions based on data and individual needs.
Promote individuals’ independence, dignity, choice, self-advocacy, and quality of life.
Ensure interventions are implemented safely and consistently and are consistent with applicable OPWDD requirements.
Collaborate with psychologists, clinicians, nurses, care managers, families, guardians, and Direct Support Professionals (DSPs).
Train and coach staff on behavior plans, prevention strategies, skill-building techniques, and crisis prevention.
Provide ongoing consultation to residential, day, and community-based programs.
Maintain accurate and timely clinical and behavioral documentation.
Review incident reports and behavioral data to identify trends and recommend appropriate interventions.
Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and contribute behavioral expertise to person-centered planning.
Develop strategies to increase adaptive skills, communication, social skills, coping skills, and community participation.
Help reduce behaviors that interfere with health, safety, relationships, or community integration.
Evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and make recommendations for revisions.
Follow organizational policies, OPWDD regulations, ethical standards, confidentiality requirements, and applicable human-rights protections.
Advocate for least-restrictive approaches and ensure restrictive interventions, when applicable, are used only according to authorized plans and regulatory requirements.
Respond appropriately to behavioral crises and participate in post-crisis review and prevention planning.
Participate in Human Rights Committee and other committees as appropriate.
Maintain professional competence through ongoing training and continuing education.

Requirements

Master’s degree in psychology, school psychology, Social Work, or a NYS license in Mental Health Counseling.
Experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and challenging behaviors.
Knowledge of behavioral assessment, ABA principles, positive behavior supports, and person-centered planning.
Strong assessment, data collection, documentation, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to collaborate effectively with individuals, families, DSPs, and interdisciplinary teams.
Knowledge of OPWDD regulations, policies, human rights, and safety practices.
Training in crisis prevention and de-escalation preferred.

Skills

Behavioral assessment
ABA principles
Positive behavior supports
Person-centered planning
Data collection
Documentation
Communication
Problem-solving
Collaboration
Crisis prevention
De-escalation

Work Type

Full-time

Education Level

Master's degree

About the Company

NeuSpark PDS provides person-centered, community-based support for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Through a range of residential, day, and community services, we empower people to lead meaningful, self-directed lives with dignity and purpose.
Our programs are built around each person’s unique strengths, goals, and needs promoting independence, inclusion, and active participation in community life.
NeuSpark PDS’s support foster choice, connection, and personal growth, while also addressing physical and medical needs with care and respect.
At NeuSpark PDS, we don’t just support individuals, we amplify their voices, celebrate their potential, and help spark brighter futures.

Equal Opportunity

NeuSpark PDS is committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful environment for our employees, contractors, and the diverse people and families we serve.
We value diversity in our workplace because teams are stronger when people bring different perspectives and experiences.
NeuSpark PDS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
All employees and contractors are responsible for maintaining a culture free from discrimination and harassment by treating others with empathy, kindness, and respect.