Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Consultant

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Consultant

Wage: $35.00 - $40.00 per hour, based on experience
Hours: Monday - Friday, 32 - 40 hours per week
Location: Nanaimo, BC

Job purpose

The PBS Consultant follows the Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Model of Service delivery to assist families and caregivers who are caring for children with diverse needs and moderate to severe challenging behaviours.  

The PBS Consultant meets with families in their homes to carry out assessments, collect data, develop a PBS Plan, and assist with implementation. The PBS Consultant works collaboratively with other service providers (e.g.  school, personnel, counselors, psychiatrists, CYMH, and interventionists) to facilitate successful family and community experiences for individuals with a range of neurodiverse needs, including autism spectrum disorder, and/or Developmental Delays. The PBS Program is a Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) contracted program and referrals are made by the Children and Youth with Support Needs (CYSN) team.

CARF: In behavioural consultation programs, emphasis is placed on the reduction or elimination of challenging or inappropriate behaviours and to replace them with appropriate alternative behaviours. The aim is to understand what the individual is trying to communicate and to teach the individual as well as the caregivers the skills to approach the challenging behaviour.

Duties and responsibilities

• Develops and implements Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Plans and Safety Plans in collaboration with families and other professionals involved.
• Conducts Functional Assessment Interviews and Functional Assessment Observations for each child and uses other assessment tools as needed.
• Forms a professional collaborative relationship with parents or caregivers and ensures families goals and values are maintained through the three phases of service: Assessment and Goal Creation; Implementation; and Maintenance.
• Educates caregivers on neurodiversity and various diagnoses such as ADHD, Autism, FASD, ODD, ID, and Anxiety.
• Supports caregivers in understanding their child’s unique strengths and needs in relation to their diagnosis, and how these may play a role in both challenging behaviours and PBS plan development.
• Provides written tri-annually Positive Behaviour Plans and other documents such as letters of support or program hold letters.
• Monitors progress and collects data on target behaviours.
• Coaches families, caregivers and other professionals on PBS strategies and assists in teaching the child functional alternative replacement behaviours on a weekly basis.
• Works collaboratively with other professionals involved on the support team and assists in service coordination and liaison with the ministry, and other service providers.
• Works to reduce barriers to service and assists families and caregivers in advocating for their child’s needs.
• Provides monthly reports of daily activities including hours of work with each family and other contract deliverables.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Qualifications

Education

• A Master’s degree in Psychology or Social/Human Services, or the appropriate combination of a bachelor’s degree in a social/human services and hands on experience with neurodiverse individuals.
• Completed training, courses and/or experience in behavioural psychology with emphasis in the field of neurodiversity and developmental delays; and in the development and implementation of behavioural intervention strategies is required.
• Knowledge and training in Positive Behavioural Support (PBS) and/or RBT (Registered Behaviour Therapist) training is an asset.
• The Behaviour Analyst Certification Board (BACB) Verified Course Sequence towards becoming a (Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) is an asset. 

Experience

• Three to five years previous experience in direct service to persons with neurodiversity and/or developmental delays and in the development and implementation of behavioural interventions is required.
• Experience in working in consultation with an interdisciplinary team, collaborating with caregivers and providing direct coaching to caregivers is preferred.
• Experience writing individual behaviour plans is an asset.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Ability to train, teach and transfer behavioural skills effectively using Behaviour Skills Training.
• Ability to understand the process of finding the functions of behaviour.
• Adaptability and flexibility in working with families, caregivers, and diverse teams.
• Ability to support families in advocacy for their child.
• Excellent communication skills and a strong ability to verbally convey information to parents, stakeholders, and other service providers.
• Demonstrates strong report writing skills.
• This position is expected to juggle a heavy caseload with complex family situations.
• Strong organization, time, and general management skills.
• A strong understanding of Applied Behavioural Analysis, Positive Behaviour Support, neurodiversity, and other developmental delays.

Personal Characteristics

• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
• Ability to manage stress effectively and have known self-care strategies.
• Ability to maintain strong personal boundaries and be respectful of different family values and beliefs.
• Ability to work collaboratively with parents and caregivers with empathy and a focus on strengths.

Working conditions

• Must have own reliable vehicle and have access to it daily for work.
• Be comfortable working primarily with caregivers, in family homes, some of whom have pets.
• The PBS Consultant is also expected to cope with the pressures of dealing with people in crisis.
• Work may not always be done within normal office hours depending on client needs.
• Adheres to the ethical standards set by the Behaviour Analyst Certification Board.

BGC Central Vancouver Island is an equity employer and encourages applications from persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, Indigenous people, people of all sexual orientations and genders, and others who may contribute to a diverse and inclusive staff team.

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