Behavior Intervention Specialist

Opengate is an innovative forward-thinking non-profit organization looking to provide extraordinary individuals support with the highest possible quality of life. We are seeking dedicated and compassionate Behavior Intervention Specialist, who will play a critical role in making a positive impact on the lives of the people we serve.

Being a Behavior Intervention Specialist is not just a job – it's a chance to be a positive force in someone's life journey.

Role Overview

The BIS reports directly to the Director of Clinical Services and plays a key role in improving the quality of life for individuals supported by the agency. This is an onsite, full-time position.

• Essential Job Functions
• Conduct Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) as needed.
• Develop individualized Behavior Support Plans (BSP) aligned with OPWDD regulations and each person’s needs.
• Review and revise plans based on data evaluation.
• Train staff on plan implementation and attend all mandatory training.
• Visit residences and day habilitation programs daily to observe behavior, monitor interventions, and provide feedback on implementation fidelity.
• Prepare behavior progress reports for IDT meetings (e.g., Life Plan, CFA).
• Provide crisis intervention when necessary.
• Debrief with individuals and staff after major behavioral events.
• Conduct travel readiness assessments.
• Prepare reports for the Human Rights Committee (HRC) on psychotropic medication and restrictive interventions.
• Liaise between IDT members, clinics, mental health providers, hospitals, day programs, and families.
• Participate in IDT, departmental, HRC, and supervisory meetings.
• Monitor Behavior Intervention Reports (BIR) in the EHR and provide retraining as needed.
• Maintain each person’s clinical record in the EHR.
• Maintain current SCIP-R and CPR certifications.
• Adhere to all laws, regulations, policies, and compliance programs, including NYS and federal false claims act, whistleblower protections, and mandatory reporting.

Qualifications

Level 1 BIS Requirements

• Master’s degree in a clinical or treatment field (psychology, social work, school psychology, applied psychology) with documented training in assessment and BSP development, OR
• National Board Certification in Behavior Analysis (BCBA) with a related master’s degree, OR
• New York State license in mental health counseling.

Experience

• At least 5 years working directly with individuals with developmental disabilities, including developing, implementing, and monitoring BSPs, and providing supervision/training in BSP implementation.

• Physical Requirements
• This position is a non-sedentary role; requires frequent standing and walking.
• Able to lift 50 or more pounds and ability to turn, lift and assist individuals with movement.
• This position operates in a professional office environment.
• This position routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. Some filing is required requiring the ability to move files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand as necessary.

• Why work for us?
• PAID training to help you succeed and grow in your role.
• Comprehensive Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance.
• Employer-paid vision and dental premiums to keep you covered.
• Tuition reimbursement for your personal and professional development
• Generous paid time-off to maintain your work-life balance
• A supportive, dynamic team environment where your contributions are valued and celebrated.

Hourly

$28.00 - $31.00. Compensation will be commensurate with job qualifications and work experience.

Opengate is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally-recognized basis including, but not limited to: veteran status, uniform service member status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, creed, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, domestic or civil union partnership status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, transgender status, predisposing genetic characteristics, familial status, education, domestic violence victim status, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law. The Company promotes inclusion and acceptance of all protected classes.

In order to promote and maintain a community culture, employees hired to work at Opengate must legally reside and perform their work in the state of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, or Pennsylvania.