Behavior Intervention Specialist - Enhanced Step-Down Program

Company: The Arc Jefferson St Lawrence
Location: Watertown
Posted on: April 3, 2026

Job Description:

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work – 40 hours per week; based in a transitional residential setting with regular interaction with clients, staff, and community partners. The role may require some evening or weekend work to meet program needs. Qualifications –Master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Behavior Analysis, mental health counselor, or closely related field. Training and/or or experience developing functional behavior assessments, and behavior support programs. At least one year working with developmentally disabled individuals preferred. Work Authorization/Security Clearance – Authorized to work in the United States. Summary/Objective – Complete functional behavior assessments, develop behavior intervention plans, and deliver services for adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD) and mental health diagnosis in the Enhanced Step-Down Program. Work in conjunction with the CTI (Critical Time Intervention) and TRS (Transitional Residential Setting) teams to create wrap around support for so participants can acquire the physical, intellectual, emotional, and social skills needed to successfully live independently in the community and effectively utilize community supports. Essential Functions – Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Possess a strong understanding of behavioral functions, replacement behaviors. and proactive, person-centered strategies. Utilize person-centered strength-based approach to challenging behaviors. Conduct Functional Behavior Assessments. Develop, implement, and monitor behavior support plans. Provide oversight of psychiatric medications, providing written reports to the treating psychiatrist. Work collaboratively with the CTI/TRS team to complete initial assessments to determine program eligibility. Support client to access and effectively utilize community resources, including facilitating and attending meetings. Advocate for clients, working to reduce barriers to services and increase access to resources. Monitor client progress and outcomes and adjust plans as needed to support successful transitions to permanent housing and stabilization of mental health. Maintain accurate and up-to-date client records, data, and documentation in accordance with organizational policies and funding requirements. Deliver personalized, culturally competent, and trauma-informed care to all program recipients. Participate in weekly CTI team meetings. Assist in training Direct Support Professionals in consistently implementing behavior support plans, intervention strategies, and other topics related to mental health. Any other duties as assigned by the CTI Team lead and/or Director of OMH services. Competencies – Excellent oral and written skills Ability to effectively communicate with various socio-economic and culturally diverse backgrounds Good organizational and time management skills Understand and embrace person-centered services Computer literacy Travel – This job may require travel to complete assessments, attend meetings or conferences. Work Environment – This job operates in a specialized residential setting with designated office space for management and clinical staff. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines Physical Demands – The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee may be required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. Work may require lifting, pushing, or pulling in excess of 30 pounds Other Duties – This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. I have read and received a copy of the above job description and understand the responsibilities fully. I understand that the preceding job description will be reviewed/updated at least annually; more frequent updates will depend on contract needs. AAP/EEO Statement – The Arc Jefferson – St. Lawrence has and will continue to provide all employees and applicants’ equal opportunity in the manner provided by law in all aspects of employment regardless of their age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, genetic predisposition, or carrier status, or marital status. These individuals will be recruited, referred for hiring consideration, and employed with regard to the positive and appropriate utilization of their skills and capabilities. Qualified employees will be afforded non-discriminatory consideration for promotion and job advancement, and there will be no discrimination with regard to assignments, rates of pay, promotions, transfers, training, termination, accessibility, working conditions, and benefits.

Keywords: The Arc Jefferson St Lawrence, Rochester , Behavior Intervention Specialist - Enhanced Step-Down Program, Healthcare , Watertown, New York