SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Adult Behavior Specialist (ABS) is a member of the Clinical Team and is responsible for completing behavioral assessments and developing positive support plans for individuals with IDD, MI and co-occurring diagnoses. The ABS will evaluate individuals’ psychological and behavioral needs and develop and monitor behavioral treatment plans for individuals who need them. The ABS may assess clients to determine qualifications for available services and will monitor behavior plans, treatments to improve adaptive skills, and the effectiveness of behavioral treatment plans. The ABS provides counseling to clients as authorized, trains direct support staff on positive support plans, instructs about mental illness and levels of intellectual and developmental disabilities and best practice in treating individuals with co-occurring diagnoses.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Master’s degree in Psychology, Counseling, or Social Work with appropriate State of Michigan License. Knowledge and experience in behavioral intervention with adults with intellectual/development disabilities and mental illness using evidenced based practices.

Experience: Experience working with adults is essential to this position. Prefer two years of experience providing services to adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities and mental illness.

Other: Lived experiences with behavioral health issues are valued.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Evaluates individual’s psychological and behavioral needs.
2. Develops and monitors behavioral support and treatment plans for individuals in accordance with MDHHS Technical Requirements.
3. Participates in Plans of Service meetings as a member of the clinical team.
4. Presents and participates in others’ behavior plan reviews for the Behavioral Treatment Committee.
5. Responds to psychological concerns for individuals, providers, case managers, team members and supervisors.
6. Advises supervisors, professional and/or paraprofessional staff in the implementation of approved behavioral support and treatment plans.
7. Promotes therapeutic environments and makes recommendations resulting in specific behavioral support plans.
8. Provides complete and timely documentation for the electronic health record.
9. Provides community education to facilitate public awareness and acceptance of behavioral health issues as necessary.
10. Learns new treatment and support methodologies in intellectual/developmental disabilities and mental illness through self-study, research, in-services and conferences.
11. Provides complete and timely documentation in the electronic health record following MDHHS contract requirements, organization policy and Medicaid Provider requirements.
12. Participates in after-hours emergency coverage and services.
13. Provides back up coverage as needed to complete intake assessments for new IDD clients.
14. Assists supervisor in conducting and planning in-service training as required.
15. Consults with organizational psychiatrists as needed.
16. Performs other related duties as assigned by supervisor.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to walk, bend, stand, sit, lift to 25 pounds with or without assistance, stretch/reach, hear, see, hand/finger dexterity and drive a vehicle. Position requires physical ability to complete and maintain certification in de-escalation techniques, which will be a training class provided to the job incumbent. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions in accordance with applicable laws.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

· Must be current in all applicable trainings; provided by NCCMH.

· Must have own phone and internet for communication, reliable access to messages, and multi-factoring capabilities.

· Ability to visit clients in their residence or day program.

· Possess a valid Michigan driver’s license and have a satisfactory driving record.

· May transport clients in organization vehicles and provide own transportation for agency related duties.

· Assignments are outside of the 6 counties and working irregular hours may be necessary.

· Ability to work within guidelines of the code of conduct, regulatory compliance plan and personnel policies.

· Supports a philosophy of service delivery that is recovery-based, person-centered and culturally comp