The Behavior Specialist develops and implements holistic behavioral treatment plans for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They are responsible for conducting functional assessments, training staff and families, and monitoring progress through data analysis.
Requirements summary
Requires a Master's degree in Psychology, Social Work, or a related field, though a Bachelor's with relevant experience may be considered. Candidates must have at least 2 years of experience working with MH/IDD consumers and a valid driver's license.
Job location: Pittsburgh, Westmoreland, Washington county areas
The Behavior Specialist provides clinically oriented behavior support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and/or mental health diagnosis. The Behavior Specialist will work closely with our clinical, programmatic, residential and day support staff to develop holistic behavioral treatment plans that consider thoughts, feelings and behaviors of our participants within an interpersonal and systematic context. The Behavior Specialist will promote the wellbeing of the human aspect of this organization and administer the principles of short and long-range planning to anticipate and avoid issues. This systemic approach requires participation on a multidisciplinary team and the training of staff, families and caretakers.
Responsibilities
Of the job and essential elements:
Complete evaluation / detailed assessment of needs for individuals needing a Behavioral Support Plan (BSP) or a Restrictive Procedure Plan (RPP)
Collect and evaluate behavioral data
Observe individual in various settings for the purpose of developing a BSP/RPP
Collaborate with the individual, their family, and their team for the purpose of developing a BSP/RPP
Conducting comprehensive functional assessments of presenting issues (e.g., aggression, self-injurious behavior, law offending behavior, elopement etc.)
Partner with the individual, their family, and their team in order to develop positive interventions to address specific presenting issues
Develop individualized BSP/RPP
Ensure that all support plans are Person Driven, integrate Practice Based Evidence and reflect the core clinical needs of the individual
Train and mentor support/program staff, families and team members on the individual’s behavior support plan and the in-dividual preference for supports
Implement activities and strategies identified in the individual’s BSP/RPP
Monitor implementation of BSP/RPP
Collect, organize, review, and analyze data on challenging strategies
Maintain and update individuals’ behavioral data tracking tools/create progress documentation utilizing excel and convey trends, progress, success or the need to change approaches
Benefits
Paid training
Competitive salary
DailyPay
Medical plans
Career advancement
Wellness plans
Review and revise BSP/RPP annually for each individual at Individual Support Plan (ISP) Annual Review or whenever a Critical Revision (CR) is requested by the individual’s supports team
Collect BSP/RPP signatures electronically through DocuSign
Partner with interdisciplinary teams to schedule and facilitate annual training on BSP/RPP
Attend (as required / virtually) psychiatric, medical, and therapy appointments as needed for consumers
Participate as needed in Interdisciplinary Team and Quarterly ISP meetings
Ensure /Protect all individual’s human rights
Participate in ongoing Human Rights Team (HRT) Reviews
Complete the individual(s) HRT Summary and necessary supporting documentation
Participate in various County Human Rights Committee (HRC) Reviews
Complete the necessary supporting documentation and coordinate with Regional Director that all necessary documentation is complete/accurate
Participate in various County Positive Practices Review Committee (PPRC) upon request
Collects feedback on the individual and team members’ experiences of the supports and services provided
Complete accurately documentation of billable/non-billable time in SETWorks, Progress Notes (PN) and Monthly Progress Review Summary Notes (MPRSN) daily/weekly/monthly for every individual on BSS caseload
Submit required monthly oversight information to supervisors
Participate in necessary supervision/mentoring meeting with supervisor
Review ISP Caseload Tool monthly for accuracy
Review Authorization Spreadsheets and update the team on any changes in need
Timely submit proper, complete and accurate required documentation/ paperwork as required by State and Federal Regulations, PDCS, and HIPAA
Complete PDCS Annual Training requirements
Follow up on correspondence/mailings/filing as needed
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Master’s Degree in Psychology, Social Work, Special Education, Counseling or other health related fields. Will consider candidates with a Bachelors degree who are completing their Master's Degree or candidates with a Bachelors degree and relevant experience.
Minimum 2 years of experience working with MH/IDD consumers
Valid Driver's License
Preferred Experience Qualification Requirements
Two (2) to Five (5) years behavioral support services experience
Knowledge and experience with: Positive Approaches, Dual Diagnosis, Person Centered Thinking, Trauma Informed Care, group facilitation and staff mentoring a plus
Excellent communication skills
Excellent writing, documentation, and record keeping skills; particular emphasis on Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBA) and written behavioral/treatment plans
Excellent organizational skills and detail oriented
Excellent Perks and Benefits
Competitive salary $55,000-65,000/year
Paid Training & Career Advancement
A Great Team Environment
DailyPay – A benefit that allows you to access your pay when you need it
Great medical and wellness plans
About APIS
Apis Services, Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Inperium, Inc.) provides a progressive platform for delivering Shared Services to Inperium and its Constellation of affiliate companies.
Allowing these entities to advance their mission and vision.
By exploring geographical program expansion and focusing on quality outcome measures to create cost savings that result in reinvestment into the organizations stakeholders through capacity creation and employee compensation betterment.
Apis Services, Inc. and affiliate’s provide equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment in compliance with all federal and all applicable state and local laws and regulations, including nondiscrimination in hiring and employment.
All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy/childbirth, veteran status or any other basis protected by law.
This policy of non-discrimination and equal employment opportunities extends to every phase and aspect of hiring and employment.
Market context
Behavior specialist roles remain in steady demand
In Pennsylvania, behavior specialist openings are commonly tied to schools, behavioral health, and IDD service settings, where employers look for candidates who can support individualized behavior plans and collaborate with care teams. These roles are competitive because many postings prefer a master’s degree, relevant MH/IDD experience, and a valid driver’s license; review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time on the original posting. If you’re applying, be ready to show specific examples of behavior support, documentation, and family or team coordination.
