Behavior Specialist

Job title: Behavior Specialist

Full-Time: $38,000 – $42,000 + benefits

Position description:

Under the direction of the program manager, the  behavior specialist provides therapeutic services to children and youth in school-based and community settings to develop and enhance functional living skills. Moreover, the program aims to foster social interactions to encourage community support and improve quality of life outcomes for youth with special needs. Services are delivered through evidence-based curricula with time limited, goal specific intervention plans designed to assist each individual in building long-term independence.

Job responsibilities:

  • Provide behavioral interventions to children and youth with special needs as directed by the program manager; our focus audience includes individuals with identified intellectual developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder and/or other mental health disorders
  • Implement teaching procedures using evidence-based practices & science backed strategies of applied behavior analysis
  • Collect and record data with fidelity and reliability
  • Complete mandatory trainings and attend required meetings
  • Document all services delivered accurately and in a timely manner according to company policies and funding requirements
  • Support parent training and family services under the direction of the program manager
  • Work cooperatively with a team; includes members within the agency as well community partners and directly with families in the provision of services to meet program goals

Education requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in special education, psychology, social work, applied behavior analysis and/ or related human services area
  • Experience working in a special education setting and/or individuals with special needs
  • Knowledge of behavioral health best practices and working knowledge of behavioral theory
  • Specialty certificate in applied behavior analysis or mental health counseling is a plus
  • Prior facilitation experience and/or public speaking a plus
  • Bilingual skills highly desirable

Required areas of competencies:

  • Must have good communication skills both written & verbal
  • Basic understanding of instructional methods and educational curriculums a plus
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Must have an understanding of behavioral characteristics associated with behavior disorders, autism and intellectual disabilities
  • Must be able to handle emotionally charged situations, excellent stress management skills
  • Provide a safe environment to support learning goals for children & youth
  • Ability to work with diverse populations; includes children, youth and families; cultural competency is a must
  • Ability to maintain confidential information including records & reporting
  • Ability to make responsible decisions in accordance with regulations and established policies and procedures of the agency
  • Ability to represent the organization in a professional manner

Work Environment:

  • Must be willing to undergo and pass a background check
  • Must have reliable transportation to travel to different locations within a city, county and the state
  • Time will be spent working in local Wayne County public & charter schools, community centers, health clinics and at LAHC’s headquarters, located in Dearborn
  • Ability to work one on one with children or youth, small group and or classroom-based setting environments
  • Ability to adjust hours of work based on the community needs, including some evening and weekends