Behavioral/Mental Health Specialist

Empowering People, Building a Culture of Inclusion At Makom, we are dedicated to supporting and empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to achieve the quality of life they aspire to live. If you are a compassionate, analytical professional with expertise in behavioral health and a passion for improving lives, we want to meet you! About Makom Makom is a Maryland-based nonprofit organization providing an array of services for adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) across Maryland and Northern Virginia. For more than 40 years, Makom has been a leader in delivering innovative, person-centered services that promote dignity, inclusion, and self-determination. Our team of over 450 professionals is united by our core values—Excellence, Inclusion, Integrity, and Self-Determination. At Makom, you will be part of a mission-driven community that values your individuality, expertise, and professional growth. Our mission is to empower and support people with IDD to achieve a quality of life to which they aspire. We do this through a continuum of support, including community living services, transition-focused programs, clinical services, and supplemental opportunities that are intentionally designed through a self-determined lens.

The Role:

Behavior Specialist The Behavior/Mental Health Specialist provides advanced clinical and behavioral expertise to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This role is responsible for assessing behavioral health needs, developing individualized behavior support plans, and ensuring effective implementation through staff training, coaching, and data-driven evaluation. Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, the Behavior Specialist plays a key role in promoting positive outcomes, enhancing quality of life, and ensuring that behavioral supports are evidence-based, trauma-informed, and person-centered. This role is ideal for a professional who is analytical, collaborative, and passionate about driving meaningful behavioral health outcomes.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Behavior Specialist plays a critical role in supporting individuals' behavioral health, stability, and long-term success.

Essential responsibilities include:

Behavioral Assessment & Clinical Support Conduct functional behavior assessments and other developmental evaluations. Assess mental and behavioral health needs and provide individualized intervention strategies. Provide crisis intervention and behavioral stabilization support as needed. Utilize evidence-based practices such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Behavior Plan Development & Oversight Develop individualized behavior support plans tailored to each person's needs, goals, and aspirations. Monitor implementation of behavior plans and ensure fidelity across staff. Analyze behavioral data and adjust plans to improve outcomes. Design data collection systems to measure effectiveness and progress. Training, Coaching & Technical Assistance Train staff and individuals supported behavior plan implementation and behavioral principles. Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and technical assistance to ensure best practices. Develop and deliver training, presentations, and educational resources. Collaboration & Program Development Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including clinical staff, leadership, and external partners. Participate in person-centered planning meetings and organizational committees. Serve as a liaison to referral sources and other stakeholders. Support development, implementation, and evaluation of clinical programs and best practices. Data, Quality Assurance & Organizational Support Assist with program evaluation, quality assurance initiatives, and data analysis. Review aggregate data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement. Prepare reports, presentations, and required documentation. Participating in training, webinars, and professional development opportunities. Support research initiatives and evidence-based program enhancements when applicable. Perform other duties as assigned.

Work Environment:

This role operates across multiple settings, including office environments, community-based locations, and virtual platforms, supporting individuals in a variety of service settings.

Physical Demands:

May include standing, walking, and occasional physical interaction while demonstrating or supporting behavioral interventions—ability to respond to crises and support individuals as needed.

Schedule:

This is a full-time, exempt position. Standard office operations are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with occasional work outside these hours as needed.

Work Model:

Makom offers a hybrid working environment for this role, which may include both in-person and remote work. Specific expectations are determined by leadership based on program needs.

Travel:

Primarily local travel within the DMV region, with occasional travel outside the region as needed. Qualifications Required Qualifications Master's degree in psychology, social work, human development, or a related field. Licensure or license-eligible in Maryland and/or Virginia (LPC, LCSW, or equivalent). Experience developing and implementing behavior support plans. Strong knowledge of behavioral health principles, including ABA and/or CBT. Ability to analyze data and translate insights into actionable interventions. Excellent communication, training, and interpersonal skills. Ability to pass required background checks and clearances. Preferred Qualifications Experience working with adults with IDD and co-occurring behavioral health needs. Experience in multidisciplinary or community-based service environments. Familiarity with quality assurance processes and program evaluation. Experience providing staff training and clinical supervision. Knowledge of social determinants of health, intersectionality, and diagnostic overshadowing. Our Culture At Makom, we cultivate a culture rooted in care, growth, and shared success. Guided by our values of Excellence, Integrity, Inclusion, and Self-Determination, we invest in our team by supporting professional development, promoting well-being, and encouraging continuous learning. We believe that everyone deserves the same options and opportunities for a well-lived life. We embrace innovation, collaboration, and learning, recognizing that growth often comes from challenge. At Makom, we believe in failing forward and growing stronger together. What We Offer Competitive Compensation aligned with experience and qualifications. Comprehensive Benefits Package for eligible full-time employees, including health insurance, paid time off, and holidays. Professional Growth Opportunities , including training, licensure support, and career advancement pathways. Supportive, Mission-Driven Environment where your work makes a meaningful impact. Join Us If you are ready to bring your clinical expertise and passion for behavioral health to an organization committed to empowering individuals with IDD, we invite you to apply and join the Makom team. Together, we will continue to innovate, support, and inspire.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Makom is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.