Behavior Support Specialist
Summary
The Behavioral Support Specialist provides compassionate, person-centered care, with a focus on behavioral support and community integration for individuals with developmental disabilities who exhibit significant behavioral challenges, including aggression, self-injury, and property destruction. This role goes beyond typical DSP responsibilities, requiring advanced behavioral training, strong crisis management skills, and the ability to maintain safety in high-stress situations.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned:
Provide proactive and responsive behavioral support to individuals exhibiting high-intensity or challenging behaviors.
Implement behavioral intervention plans (BIPs), de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques when necessary, always maintaining a safe and respectful environment.
Assist with community participation while ensuring safety protocols are followed.
Accurately document behaviors, interventions, and outcomes per DODD requirements.
Collaborate with the behavioral health team, families, and guardians to ensure consistency of supports.
Serve as a positive role model for resilience, problem-solving, and safe engagement.
Champion individuals' rights and self-determination. Assist them in making informed decisions about their lives and choices.
Apply person-centered approaches, focusing on preferences, choices, and aspirations. Leverage the individual's strengths to drive growth.
Serve as an ambassador for Ability Matters, raising awareness, understanding, and inclusivity.
Bachelor’s degree in psychology, behavioral health, or human services or related field preferred.
Experience working as an RBT, or with individuals who display severe or high-intensity behaviors is strongly preferred.
Prior training in Crisis Prevention/Intervention (CPI, MANDT, or equivalent) preferred; must be willing to complete specialized training upon hire.
Completion of all required DODD training.
Must pass a background check, drug test, and maintain a driving record with fewer than 6 points.
Strong communication, empathy, and interpersonal skills.
Valid Ohio drivers license and reliable transportation.
Ability to take initiative, think critically, and adapt to individuals’ needs.
Physical Requirements:
Frequent walking, standing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, equipment and/or material may be required. Other physical activities may be required.
Prolonged periods standing and walking within the community and other activities.
Must be able to lift up to 45 pounds at a time.
Must be able to assist consumers who have physical difficulties.
Must be able to kneel, sit, stand, crawl, push, and pull to assist consumers throughout the day.
Environmental Conditions:
(a) Some air-conditioned buildings. (b) Some exposure to weather extremes. (c) Ability to tolerate varying noise levels. (d) Exposure to anti-social behavior. (e) Exposure to bodily fluids (f) Ability to tolerate stressful situations.
Benefits:Competitive compensation and benefits package.
Opportunities for career advancement within Ability Matters.
Ongoing training and professional development to enhance your skills.
Contribute to meaningful work that directly improves individuals' lives.
Supportive and inclusive work environment that values diversity.