A Mental Health Assistant provides basic care and assistance with daily activities to patients with mental illnesses or cognitive disabilities. Helps patients dress and eat, monitors patients' well-being, and restrains patients if they become physically violent. Works in hospitals or mental health care facilities.
Behavior Support Specialist / BCBA | Hybrid | Bethesda, Maryland MRIA Consulting Bethesda, MD Job Details Contract Up to $173 an hour 11 hours ago Benefits Flexible schedule Qualifications Teamwork Analysis skills Clinical documentation Board Certified Behavior Analyst Video conferences (communication methods) Data collection
Full Job Description Compensation:
Up to $173/hour based on authorized services
Location:
Bethesda, Maryland Position Type:
Independent Provider /
Contract Service:
Maryland DDA Community Pathways Waiver Schedule:
Flexible, with required in-person services About the Opportunity We are seeking an experienced Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) to provide ongoing Behavior Support Services (BSS) for a 20-year-old adult with developmental and medical complexity who receives services through the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) Community Pathways Waiver . This is an opportunity for a BCBA who enjoys collaborative, individualized clinical work and is comfortable supporting an established team of RBT-trained direct support professionals. The primary focus of this role will be behavioral assessment, behavior support planning, clinical consultation, staff supervision, data review, and ongoing clinical guidance . The individual's direct support staff are RBT-trained and already have established systems for data collection and implementation. The BCBA will provide the clinical oversight and behavioral expertise needed to ensure that interventions remain appropriate, individualized, and effective. Responsibilities The
BCBA/BSS
will: Conduct behavioral assessments and functional assessments as clinically appropriate Develop, update, and monitor individualized behavior support plans Review and interpret behavioral data collected by the support team Provide ongoing clinical consultation and recommendations Provide supervision, training, and feedback to RBT-trained direct support staff Observe the individual in home and community environments Provide consultation regarding behavioral, communication, safety, and environmental needs Collaborate with the guardian, direct support staff, CCS, and other members of the individual's care team Integrate behavioral considerations with relevant medical and functional factors Participate in team meetings and communicate recommendations clearly to staff Monitor treatment effectiveness and make data-informed modifications as needed Maintain documentation consistent with DDA requirements and professional standards In-Person Expectations In-person involvement is an essential component of this position. The initial expectation is to meet with the individual in person approximately once per month , with additional in-person observation or consultation as clinically indicated. Staff consultation, meetings, data review, and ongoing clinical communication may be conducted through a hybrid model , including virtual meetings when appropriate. The purpose of the in-person component is to ensure that the BCBA has direct knowledge of the individual's functioning, support needs, environment, and barriers rather than relying exclusively on information communicated through caregivers or virtual observation. About the Individual The participant is a 20-year-old adult with autism, intellectual disability, significant communication limitations, mobility challenges, and complex medical and behavioral support needs. The individual is non-speaking and communicates through gestures, signs, and AAC. They participate actively in their community and have a highly involved support team. Their support needs require a provider who is willing to look at behavior within the broader context of communication, medical needs, mobility, environmental factors, and safety , rather than approaching behavior in isolation. Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate will have: Current BCBA certification Experience providing behavioral services to adults with developmental disabilities Experience developing and implementing behavior support plans Strong assessment and data-analysis skills Experience supervising or consulting with RBTs or similarly trained direct support staff Experience working with individuals with complex support needs Strong communication and collaboration skills Ability to work independently while maintaining consistent communication with the team Willingness to provide meaningful in-person observation and consultation Comfort working collaboratively with family members and multiple members of a care team Preferred experience includes: AAC Complex medical needs Mobility limitations Intensive staffing models Individuals requiring close or continuous supervision Medicaid waiver services Maryland DDA services Self-Directed Services Important Considerations This is not a traditional clinic-based position . The BCBA will be working within the individual's actual home and community environments and collaborating closely with the people who provide daily support. We are looking for someone who is clinically curious, practical, collaborative, and willing to understand the whole person rather than viewing behavior independently from medical and functional needs. The individual currently has an established team of RBT-trained direct support professionals. The goal is to identify a BCBA who can become a consistent clinical resource for that team and help ensure continuity of behavioral supports. DDA Provider Approval The participant receives services through the Maryland DDA Community Pathways Waiver and is self-directed. The selected BCBA may provide services as an approved DDA provider and bill the applicable Self-Directed Services (SDS) Behavioral Support Services rate, currently up to $173 per hour , for authorized services. The individual's guardian is also a DDA waiver provider and can assist the selected BCBA with navigating the DDA provider application and approval process. The guardian will not serve as the participant's Behavior Support provider. Candidates who are not currently DDA-approved are welcome to apply if they are willing to complete the required DDA provider approval process. To Apply Please submit a resume/CV and a brief description of your experience providing behavioral services to adults with developmental disabilities.
Please include:
Current BCBA certification status Experience with DDA or other Medicaid-funded waiver programs Experience with medically complex individuals Experience supervising or consulting with RBTs/direct support staff Experience with AAC or individuals with significant communication needs Availability for ongoing in-person services in Bethesda, Maryland Whether you are currently an approved DDA provider or would be willing to complete the DDA provider approval process This position is contingent upon completion of the applicable Maryland DDA provider approval requirements.
