Learning Behavior Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Job Summary : Under limited supervision from the program director, the Learning Behavior Specialist uses intermediate skills obtained through experience and training to provide therapeutic services to children and youth with identified intellectual developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder and / or other mental health disorders in school-based and community settings.

Follows established procedures to develop and enhance functional living skills. Fosters social interactions while encouraging community support with the end goal of improving quality of life outcomes for youth with special needs.

Perform routine tasks and receive general guidance and direction to perform a variety of non-routine tasks with limited decision-making responsibility.

Some judgment is required to adapt procedures, processes and techniques to apply to more complex assignments. Resolves most questions and problems and refers new or unusual issues to a higher level.

Routine contact with internal and external customers is required to provide, develop and enhance functional living skills of children and youth.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities :

• Participate in the development and delivery of age-appropriate behavioral intervention programs tailored to the needs of children and youth with identified intellectual developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder and / or other mental health disorders.
• Monitors and assesses participants to create goal specific intervention plans designed to assist individuals in building long-term independence.
• Implement teaching procedures using evidence-based practices & science backed strategies of applied behavior analysis
• Builds and establishes partnerships with experts, educators, and therapists to determine appropriate curricula and resources for participants.
• Monitor the progress of program participants, track improvements, and adjust interventions accordingly.
• Implement behavior management strategies to address challenging behaviors and promote positive interactions.
• Connect clients with relevant resources, services, and vocational training programs as appropriate.
• Foster a safe and inclusive environment for children and youth to practice and refine their social abilities.
• Generate regular reports to evaluate program effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
• Effectively manage crisis situations that may arise in the lives of individuals with IDD and ASD.
• Remains current in evidence based social skills interventions and therapeutic techniques, behavioral theory, and intellectual and developmental disabilities for individuals with IDD and ASD.
• Maintain accurate records of program participation and individual progress and ensure assigned paperwork is completed and maintained in accordance with LAHC and funding source standards.
• Attends assigned meetings as required.
• Remains current in research, trends, and best practices and techniques designed in the development and delivery of age-appropriate behavioral intervention programs specifically for children and youth with identified intellectual developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder and / or other mental health disorders.
• Maintains regular and consistent attendance.
• Operates standard office equipment and uses required software applications.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

Knowledge of :

• Fundamental concepts, practices and procedures of special education, instructional methods, and effective behavioral intervention techniques for individuals with intellectual developmental disabilities.
• Behavioral health best practices and behavioral theory.

Skill in :

• Group facilitation and / or public speaking
• Operating standard office equipment and using required software applications, including Microsoft Office and Teams.
• Bilingual skills highly desirable

Ability to :

• Adjust hours of work based on community needs, including some evenings and weekends.
• Adapt to the unique needs and challenges of each participant.
• Work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team of professionals, including educators, healthcare providers, and social workers.
• Adhere to ethical standards and principles in working with vulnerable populations.
• Demonstrate patience, empathy, and the ability to establish trust.
• Commit to maintaining client confidentiality and ethical standards.
• Incorporate needs, wants and goals from different perspectives into effective programs.
• Incite enthusiasm and influence, motivate and persuade others to achieve desired outcomes
• Gather information, identify linkages and trends and apply findings to assignments.
• Organize and prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Develop trusting relationships with both youth and their families
• Work with people from diverse cultural backgrounds
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills
• Work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.

Educational / Previous Experience Requirements :

• Minimum Degree Required : Bachelor’s degree
• Required Disciplines : Special education, psychology, social work, applied behavior analysis and / or other human services related field or
• Any equivalent combination of experience, education, and / or training approved by Human Resources.

Licenses / Certifications :

• Licenses / Certifications Required at Date of Hire :
• None
• Certification in applied behavior analysis or mental health counseling a plus

Working Conditions :

Hours : Normal business hours. Ability to adjust hours of work based on the community needs, including some evening and weekends.

Travel Required : Local travel only

Working Environment : Climate controlled office environment during normal business hours.

Physical Requirements :

Sitting

Up to 7 hour(s) per day

Lifting

Up to .5 hour(s) per day

Walking

Up to 2 hour(s) per day

Up to 50 max. pounds

Standing

Up to 4 hour(s) per day

Pushing

Up to .5 hour(s) per day

Bending

Up to 1 hour(s) per day

Up to 50 max. pounds

Squatting

Up to 1 hour(s) per day

Pulling

Up to .5 hour(s) per day

Stooping

Up to 1 hour(s) per day

Up to 50 max. pounds

Reaching

Up to 2 hour(s) per day

Climbing

Up to .5 hour(s) per day

Balancing

Will not generally apply

Stairs

Up to .5 hour(s) per day

Twisting

Up to 1 hour(s) per day

Ladder

Will not generally apply

Crawling

Will not generally apply

Step-stool

Will not generally apply

Kneeling

Up to 1 hour(s) per day

Excessive heat

Will not generally apply

Typing

Up to 4 hour(s) per day

Excessive cold

Will not generally apply

Data Entry

Up to 4 hour(s) per day

Dust

Will not generally apply

Humidity

Will not generally apply

Loud Noise

Will not generally apply

Hands in Water

Will not generally apply

Unusual hearing or vision demands :

None specified

Other physical demands or notes :

Employees should not attempt to lift, pull or push a load in excess of 50 lbs. without assistance. Care should always be taken when lifting, pushing or pulling in an awkward position.

Last updated : July 16, 2024

DISCLAIMER

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature of work performed; the level of knowledge and skills typically required;

and usual working conditions of this position. It is not designed to contain, or be interpreted as, a comprehensive listing of all requirements or responsibilities that may be required by employees in this position.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.