DSHS BHHA Psychology Associate

Full Job Description

DSHS BHHA - Psychology Associate

The Behavior Specialist is a member of the Behavioral Health Habilitation Administration (BHHA), State Operated Community Residential (SOCR) Team.

This position is assigned to the Kitsap SOLA program is responsible to provide psychological, behavioral analysis, and crisis intervention services, including functional assessment, and the design and implementation of positive behavioral supports to eligible BHHA clients.

Additionally, the position assists in assessing and transitioning clients who are referred to the program and in building capacity and competency of BHHA staff and service providers in working successfully with clients with challenging behaviors.

The position works closely with the other members of the SOCR team, regional Case Management staff, other division headquarters and Field Services staff and contracted service providers.

The position reports directly to the Program Administrator.

Some of what you will do

• Observe clients and residential staff in clients’ homes to consult on behavioral issues.
• Conduct and write functional behavior assessments of clients with challenging behaviors.
• Develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate positive behavior support plans for clients with challenging behaviors.
• Provide professional oversight of behavior support services for clients with a focus that includes, but is not limited to, mental health challenges, autism, dementia, substance abuse and traumatic brain injury.
• Direct positive interventions and strategies for clients to decrease aggressive, destructive, and sexually inappropriate or other behaviors that compromise their ability to remain in the community and to increase pro-social and adaptive functioning.
• Identify needs, available resources, and gaps in services available to assist individuals managing and mitigating behaviors that put the individuals at risk of losing community-based housing/services.
• Utilize Therapy and/or other data systems to collect, graph, and analyze data regarding the effectiveness of treatment plans.
• Assist with crisis interventions and collaborative team building through the state by being available to consult with BHHA Field Services staff; assist with Cross Systems Crisis Plans for clients as needed.
• Review Exception to Rule (ETR) and Exception to Policy (ETP) requests related to restrictive procedures and provides recommendations.
• Actively participate in regular meetings with SOCR management teams.
• Coordinate as needed with mental health experts and other professionals in providing needed services to clients.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of consultation and technical assistance provided through follow up activities.
• Stay current on national trends and innovations in community-based care with specific emphasis on positive behavior supports.
• Provide training, tools, and technical assistance to SOLA to improve the quality of positive behavior support services in community-based settings.
• Model interventions described in PBSPs.
• Use evidence-based practices provide instruction on defining and measuring behavior, identifying antecedents, principles of rein enforcement, teaching new behaviors, and mitigating challenging behaviors.
• Provide consultation and support clients and their families.

Who should apply?
We are searching for professionals with:

A master’s degree in psychology from an accredited school or department of psychology.

Preferred Professional Experience and Education:

Candidates will have a minimum of five (5) years of professional experience as a psychology associate/ behavioral specialist working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Experience with Applied Behavior Analysis and/or being credentialed as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA), or current license to practice as a counselor or clinical social worker is strongly preferred.

Desired knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Apply principles of applied behavior analysis and best practices in the treatment of individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Obtain the cooperation, understanding, and participation of a broad range of team members in the development and implementation of psychological services, supports, and programs.
• Develop and conduct effective training to family members, service providers, and others in a variety of formats.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing with management, peers, facility staff, clients, client families, and the public as required to carry out the assigned duties of the position.
• Safeguard sensitive and confidential information and documents and maintain confidentiality regarding client information.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to cultural diversity.
• Work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary team setting.
• Identify issues of a serious and/or sensitive nature that need to be reported to supervisor/chain of command.
• Collect data, analyze, and make thoughtful revisions to Positive Behavior Support Plans that result in successful changes.
• Able to multi-task in a fast-paced work environment.
• Use interpreters and other alternate means of communication effectively as required.
• Organize the work environment and prioritize work assignments.
• Possess basic computer skills, including use of e-mail, basic software (e.g. word processing, etc.), system applications and internet access.
• Able to be flexible, adapt to change, and respect differences in opinion and values.
• Demonstrate cooperative and professional communication skills.
• Able to work flexible hours.
• Willing and able to travel as required.

Additional information

• Work schedule: 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday.
• Work performed on-site at this location at least three days a week may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary.

Questions?
Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Peter Bonato at peter.bonato@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #00602.

The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Additional Information

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protect­ed veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.



E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security