Elwyn
Location
Ridley Township, Pennsylvania
The Applied Behavior Specialist provides intensive behavioral assessment and implements behavior support plans for individuals with complex developmental disorders. They also assist with daily living skills, medication administration, and maintaining a structured, safe environment for residents.
Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field, or an associate degree with three years of relevant experience. A valid driver's license and certifications in CPR, First Aid, and crisis intervention are also required.
Elwyn seeks an Applied Behavior Specialist (ABS) to provide intensive on-going behavioral assessment/behavior support plan implementation to individuals diagnosed with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) or other genetic/behaviorally complicated disorders who live in a Community Residential Services (CRS). Individuals admitted to CRS’ specialized behavioral programs for placement will receive supports within a highly structured setting, including behavioral interventions. The ABS will be responsible for participating in the continued behavioral assessment across settings, as well as the application of strategies derived from an applied behavior analysis (ABA) model. The ABS will work closely with the clinical team to implement individually designed behavior plans to decrease problem behavior while increasing adaptive more appropriate responses.
Provides required levels of supervision for assigned persons served at CRS’ specialized behavioral program site as determined by program management in accordance with needs of individual’s support plan Provides behavioral assessment and behavior support plan (BSP) implementation services to residents Applies treatment strategies, therapeutic interventions and protocols derived from an applied behavior analysis (ABA) model developed by the clinical team Attends ongoing trainings and keeps all trainings up to date Collects data on the behavior support plans and outcomes Works with individuals on daily living skills in a structured environment to obtain consistent routine and skills through teachable moments In conjunction with the program management team, develops and implements appropriate recreational activities Files documentation in clinical charts and purges in accordance with the purge schedule as needed Prepares meals according to menu and program schedule Implements outcomes and maintains residents’ progress consistent with behavior and therapeutic goals Supervises, instructs, supports and provides guidance to assigned persons served in accordance with the individual’s Behavior Support Plan within the structured specialized behavioral program as well as the team-driven general support plan, and works daily toward the designated outcomes, including but not limited to: ensuring food security by implementing the program structure and schedule at all times in the PWS home and/or implementing any other needed structures in the specialized behavioral program ensuring heightened supervision in the community to best ensure food security as needed and general safety of the individuals healthcare religious preferences sexual preferences ethnic and cultural support recreational/socialization/vocational activities physical fitness healthy living family visits and involvement, and family disagreements and grievances independence purchase and inventory of food and personal supplies cooking housekeeping money management social awareness interpersonal relationships personal hygiene Follows medical guidelines to administer medication as scheduled or as needed to persons served in strict accordance with each support plan and per medication administration protocols Strictly follows medical protocols including but not limited to following physicians’ orders for continued care, updates necessary medical records, and conforms to protocols concerning medical appointments Coordinates and provides for transportation needs, as applicable, of assigned persons served in accordance with support plan and dependent upon specific site needs Prepares for, and promptly responds to, emergency situations to ensure the safety and security of the program site and persons served at all times; e.g., provide CPR, first aid and crisis intervention as needed in accordance with agency trained protocols, conducts fire drills, emergency evacuations, etc., and notifies proper authority in the event of an emergency Completes paperwork and maintains all documentation as required and as determined by program management for the program site; e.g., shift progress notes, daily logs, monthly progress reports, daily goal reports, assessments, daily financial transactions, Medical Administration Records, behavioral data sheets, Incident Reports, Parent/Guardian/Other contact form, etc. During assigned shifts, ensures program site operates in accordance with the organization’s quality standards for safety, cleanliness, and comfort and state licensing and accreditation standards and ensures the routine maintenance and cleanliness of Elwyn vehicles used Aids in the resolution of problematic situations that may occur for persons served within a specific program site; notifies program management of any unusual situations Reviews and maintains adequate medications inventory levels on a weekly basis to ensure immediate availability of medications Participates in the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) process in support of the support plan; reports issues in the event plan is problematic Reviews daily log for completion of required activities and reports results to program management Records daily census accurately and timely when working second shift Reports all incidents as required by regulation of Mandated reporters Promptly reports any infraction of Elwyn policies to program management Performs other duties as assigned EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor’s degree in psychology or a closely related field or, Associates or 60 college credits plus three (3) years of work experience in programs supporting people with acute behavioral needs Experience working with individuals with challenging behaviors desired Experience implementing ABA strategies desired Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team Must possess excellent customer interaction, collaboration, and written and verbal communication skills Demonstrated basic experience with Microsoft Office applications, specifically Outlook; Maintain current certification/recertification of CPR, First Aid, Medication Administration and crisis intervention, in accordance with agency trained protocols Must possess a current, valid driver's license in state of residence, have a minimum of two (2) years of driving experience within the United States, and have an acceptable driving record
Elwyn is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Elwyn does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, pregnancy status, medical condition, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, sexual orientation or identity, age, national origin, citizenship, handicap status, marital or family status, mental or physical disability, perceived disability, military or veteran status, political activities or affiliations, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law, ordinance, or regulation. 2026-5035 If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at ADArequest@elwyn.org and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal
