Behavioral Support Specialist
Behavioral Support Specialists assist individuals participating in Iowa’s Money Follows the Person (MFP) program, their community provider(s), and their Transition Specialist with the development and implementation of individualized behavior support plans. This includes establishing relationships with the individual before he or she moves into the community and providing on-going technical assistance and competency-based training to community providers. The Behavioral Support Specialist will work closely with the MFP team to identify and prioritize MFP participants with the greatest need for behavior support plans if needed. This position requires the ability to travel throughout the state, including overnight, and the ability to maintain a home office with an email/internet-capable smartphone and high-speed internet. State vehicle provided. This is a specified term position through 3/31/2025 with strong likelihood of renewed funding.
This position is eligible for remote work within Iowa and will require a work arrangement form to be completed upon the start of your employment. Per policy, work arrangements will be reviewed annually, and must comply with the remote work program and related policies and employee travel policy when working at a remote location
- Assist in caseload prioritization process. This includes identifying individuals who have an anticipated need for a formal behavioral support plan when they leave an MFP-qualifying facility with the help of MFP Transition Specialists.
- Develop behavioral support plans and/or help revise existing behavioral support plans, to include assessment, analysis, and follow up plans.
- Track progress and effectiveness of behavioral support plans including collecting data on incidents and reoccurrence of problem behaviors.
- Collaborate with other behavioral professionals as needed.
- Assist in developing and implementing strategic action plans.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of sustainability projects to support and enhance Iowa’s community living capacity for the served population.
- Identify and report to Program Manager any macro- and micro-trends impacting behavioral support services for people with disabilities and potential strategies to address barriers.
- Provide technical assistance to partner entities.
- Analyze potential areas of opportunity for continuing education and training for MFP team members.
- Reviews current training materials for updates, develops and delivers additional training to meet needs as required.
- Deliver Positive Behavioral Support training to MFP providers.
- Provide follow up services with community service providers on the behavioral support plan, which includes data collection and fidelity/procedural checks for compliance and integrity.
- Recommend assistive technology that would assist individuals with behavioral support plans.
- Submit reports to Program Manager and admin support staff.
- Assist Transition Specialists to support client transitions.
- Attend meetings with partner entities and prepare materials as requested.
- Develop and maintain a caseload tracking system
- Assist Program Manager with decisions related to hiring MFP staff including participating in interview and selection processes.
- Assist Program Manager with training new staff in their roles and responsibilities for the MFP program.
- Maintain standards of collaboration and respect within and among multidisciplinary teams.
- May provide direction and coaching to support staff in their efforts to assist with administrative duties.
- Manage UI procurement card
- Maintain records on travel and training expenses related to the position
- Identify budget needs for implementation and/or development of the service and report them to the Program Manager
- Participate in budget planning for this area as needed.
- Track progress and effectiveness of behavioral plans including collecting data on incidents and reoccurrence of problem behaviors
- Participate in outreach activities to raise and maintain awareness of the option to transition consumers currently living in facilities to the community of their choice. Work to build provider interest.
- Complete required documentation.
- Address customer service concerns.
- Identify and implement quality improvement initiatives
- Document the number of contacts made with the various partners and the outcomes of such contacts on a regular basis with the MFP team.
- Contribute to annual and periodic reports on MFP behavioral support activities.
- Contribute to outcomes tracking system to share with stakeholders and the MFP team on a regular basis.
- Contribute to strategic planning efforts within the scope of behavioral support services work under the direction of the Program Manager.
Pay Level: 4A
Required Qualifications:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Analysis, Psychology, or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
- Board Certified Associate Behavioral Analyst certification and licensed in Iowa (or will obtain within 2 years of hire to include coursework, supervised hours, and passing the certification exam)
- 3+ years of behavioral programming experience with an emphasis on positive behavioral support philosophies and crisis prevention
- Demonstrated knowledge about Home and Community Based Services systems and housing and service options.
- Demonstrated knowledge about Intellectual Disability/Brain Injury and related conditions and knowledge of available resources for information and assistance.
- Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience or capacity to demonstrate positive interpersonal skills and work as a cooperative team member.
- Demonstrated exceptional organizational skills, showing the ability to manage multiple tasks, establish priorities, and complete tasks in a timely manner.
- Proficiency in MS Office Computer software applications, including Word, Excel and Outlook.
- Ability to travel extensively within the State of Iowa and hold a valid Driver’s License, plus the ability to meet the University of Iowa Fleet Safety Program driving standards (University of Iowa Operations Manual Part V, Chapter 19).
- Ability to maintain a home office and meet technology requirements to conduct business and video conferences using a home internet connection, as well as have a smart phone used for work purposes.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule.
Desired Qualifications:
- Crisis Prevention Institute, Mandt, or Safety-Care instructor
- Proficiency in MS Office Computer software applications Planner, One Note, SharePoint, and Teams
- Previous experience with a person-focused program; and/or experience empowering clients and caregivers in making informed choices and finding solutions to support clients through this process.
- Previous experience using mediation skills or other techniques to assist consumers in prioritizing needs and developing an options plan.
- Previous experience building collaborative working arrangements with other human services programs, families and communities to create a circle of support for the consumer. Skills in building rapport and developing relationships.
- Experience managing day-to-day program operations, including functions such as self-scheduling, collecting and managing data, and serving as program liaison.