provides home and community-based services to individuals living with acquired brain injury.
Our Mission:
We provide supports to individuals with acquired brain injury through an eclectic approach that utilizes creativity and empathy to allow participants to meet their potential and live fulfilling lives. A Brighter Future ABI recognizes the value of the relationship between participants and staff and strives to provide continuity of support that encourages positive life experiences, individual choice, increased independence, and successful outcomes.
General Attributes:
We seek to employ personnel who can be passionate advocates for the individuals we serve, contribute positively to our work environment and community, and provide exceptional, person-centered support. The ideal candidate will be collaborative, dependable, compassionate, and able to apply behavioral principles in a practical manner within the everyday lives of individuals with acquired brain injury.
Job Summary:
The Behavior Specialist provides behavior programming services to individuals with acquired brain injuries to help improve functioning, independence, safety, and quality of life. The Behavior Specialist evaluates behavioral needs, conducts functional analyses, develops individualized behavioral support plans, trains staff in the appropriate implementation of those plans, and monitors participant progress through observation, documentation, and behavioral data. This is a Behavior Specialist position and is not primarily a counseling position. Required Competencies / Qualifications Behavior Specialist services must be provided by an individual who meets at least one of the following professional qualifications: Psychologist; Psychologist with autonomous functioning; Licensed Psychological Associate; Psychiatrist; Licensed Clinical Social Worker; Clinical Nurse Specialist with a master's degree in psychiatric nursing or rehabilitation nursing; Advanced Practice Registered Nurse; Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA); or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. In addition, the Behavior Specialist must: Have at least one year of Behavior Specialist experience ; or Provide documentation of completed coursework regarding learning and behavior principles and techniques . Primary Responsibilities Assess participant behavioral needs and evaluate the impact of acquired brain injury on cognition and behavior. Conduct functional analyses of behavior to identify factors that may contribute to, trigger, reinforce, or maintain behaviors. Evaluate the potential communicative purpose or function of behavior. Identify environmental, interpersonal, cognitive, and situational variables that may affect participant behavior. Develop individualized behavioral support plans based upon assessment findings and participant needs. Establish clear, practical behavioral strategies that emphasize positive approaches and the least restrictive interventions appropriate to the participant. Review and revise behavioral support plans as necessary based upon participant progress, changes in functioning, behavioral data, and recommendations of the treatment team. Train direct-care staff and other ABI providers regarding behavioral strategies and the proper implementation of behavioral support plans. Provide staff with practical guidance for responding consistently and appropriately to challenging behaviors. Monitor participant progress through behavioral observation, staff reports, documentation, and analysis of behavioral data. Analyze the frequency, intensity, duration, patterns, and other relevant characteristics of targeted behaviors. Develop recommendations designed to increase appropriate, adaptive, and independent behaviors while reducing behaviors that interfere with safety, independence, relationships, or successful community participation. Collaborate with other clinical professionals, direct-care staff, case managers, participants, guardians, and members of the participant's person-centered team. Attend treatment team, clinical, and staff meetings as scheduled. Participate in Behavior Intervention Committee and/or Human Rights Committee processes when applicable. Ensure behavioral recommendations respect participant rights, dignity, choice, autonomy, and quality of life. Additional Accountabilities Complete required documentation accurately and within established timeframes. Maintain detailed service notes documenting the date of service, beginning and ending time, services provided, and professional signature/title as required. Prepare required monthly behavioral summaries assessing participant progress and status related to the behavioral plan. Review behavioral data and staff documentation to determine the effectiveness of behavioral interventions. Complete reassessments and modify behavioral support plans and strategies as necessary to optimize participant functioning. Communicate significant behavioral changes, concerns, risks, or recommendations to appropriate members of the participant's treatment team. Maintain documentation consistent with Kentucky Medicaid, ABI Waiver, agency, and professional requirements. Maintain participant confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and all applicable state and federal requirements. Complete required agency training and maintain all professional licenses, certifications, and credentials required for the position. Preferred Competencies Experience working with individuals with acquired or traumatic brain injury. Experience developing and monitoring behavioral support plans. Knowledge of functional behavior assessment and applied behavioral principles. Ability to interpret behavioral data and translate findings into practical interventions. Ability to train and coach direct-care staff effectively. Strong written documentation skills. Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary treatment team. Organizational and time-management skills. Ability to balance behavioral objectives with participant autonomy, dignity, and quality of life.