Job Description
Position OverviewEveryone deserves a home where they are valued, cared for, and support to live their most independent and fulfilling lives. All Macdonald Residence residents have complex needs and often a history of behavioral health challenges, addictions, and houselessness. As the Behavior Support Specialist, you will not only be working as part of a cohesive and interdisciplinary resident care team, but you will also be supporting the facility in its ongoing endeavor to deliver comprehensive, holistic health care. The Behavioral Support Specialist, in coordination with the Director of Behavioral Services, will provide individual support for residents as well as create and support programs within the Macdonald Residence community which promotes overall resident wellbeing. As part of the Behavioral Health Team, this role will coordinate with the Nursing, Direct Care, Resident Services, Life Enrichment, and other staff members to ensure that behavioral health needs are identified, and behavioral health plans are effectively implemented. The Behavioral Support Specialist will also coordinate services and information with external behavioral providers and resources. This is a Full-time, 100% on-site, Sunday through Thursday- Swing schedule position.Essential Job FunctionsThe information provided below encompasses the functions and capabilities linked with this position.Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe individual in this position is expected to engage in the following work-related activities.Work as a member of the Macdonald Resident multi-disciplinary team to deliver comprehensive, client centered, and trauma-informed services.Coordinate with the Behavioral Health, Resident Services, and Nursing departments to identify, create, and support the implementation of Behavior Support Plans for residents (examples of challenging behaviors addressed in such plans may include those related to substance use, anger towards staff or residents, depression, delusions, dementia/memory loss, anxiety, etc.).Create Temporary Service Plans for behavioral plans.Provide verbal de-escalation to residents experiencing extreme states.Facilitate behavioral health groups either on-site or in coordination with community agencies.Complete Incident Reports and follow-up in coordination with the Behavioral Health Team, nursing department and the facility administrator.Updates Service Plans for quarterly care conferences.Play an integral part in resident admissions by completing resident evaluations, creating Behavior Support Plans, updating Service Plans, and gathering and reviewing historical documentation.Facilitate staff training on behavioral health and related topics in coordination with the Director of Behavior Services.Create weekly reports analyzing incident trends and complete daily Incident Report follow-up.Assist residents in maintaining housing, which may include cleaning and organizing resident apartments.Accompany residents to appointments in the community.Organize and facilitate educational, skill building, wellness, recovery, and trainings for residents.Complete continuing education to provide excellent care and meet state requirements.Observe problems, concerns, and issues, in the facility and communicate / report to the appropriate departments.Observe all work, safety, and administrative rules.Adhere to all established policies and procedures.Demonstrate knowledge of, and adhere to procedures for fire, life safety, disaster, security, work, safety and other emergency procedures.Contributes to a strong, cohesive team environment.Maintains a safe and secure working environment.Assist with and perform other projects and related duties as assigned.Skill ProfileThe individual in this position is expected to possess and exhibit the following knowledge, skills, and abilities.Ability to organize and utilize time appropriately and accomplish assigned tasks.Ability and willingness to wear many hats during the workday; ready to tackle a variety of different tasks and pitch in where needed.Demonstrate the ability to work independently as the sole Behavioral Health staff on-site.Strong ability to provide crisis de-escalation.Ability to protect privacy and confidentiality of information pertaining to the resident, employee, residence, and organization.Familiarity with community support systems, health care and human service resources, court, and police activities.Excellent organizational skills and administrative abilities.Demonstrates initiative and accountability in completing assigned task