Are you passionate about helping individuals reach their full potential and thrive in their community? Join our dedicated team at Aspire, where we are committed to providing high-quality support to individuals with developmental needs. As a Behavior Development Specialist, you will have a direct impact on participant growth by designing and maintaining behavior development programs that empower individuals to succeed.

Position Overview:
As a Behavior Development Specialist, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and enhancing behavior development programs that support individual growth and progress. You will provide expert consultation and training to direct support staff, ensuring the successful implementation of behavior strategies and crisis prevention techniques. This role offers an exciting opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of individuals through personalized behavior development interventions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design & Maintain Behavior Programs: Create individualized behavior development programs tailored to meet the unique needs of program participants.
• Staff Training & Support: Provide hands-on training to direct support staff on behavior development strategies, crisis intervention techniques, and aggression management. Offer ongoing consultation to ensure effective program implementation.
• Documentation & Compliance: Maintain accurate and timely documentation, including BEC/HRC forms, PCP summaries, monthly reports, billing records, and other necessary paperwork.
• Collaboration & Committee Participation: Present behavior development programs to the Behavior Enrichment Committee and Human Rights Committee for review and approval. Work closely with life consultants to track progress towards behavioral goals.
• Behavioral Observations: Conduct observations at day programming and residential sites to assess the implementation of behavior programs, ensuring consistency and effectiveness.
• Program Integrity Checks: Regularly perform treatment integrity checks on behavior programming and provide constructive feedback to staff to ensure high-quality program delivery.
• Data Monitoring & Analysis: Track, analyze, and evaluate program data, including charts, scales, and checklists, to monitor progress and adjust interventions as needed.
• Provide Direct Interventions: Offer one-on-one and team-based behavior interventions when required, ensuring that each participant receives the appropriate support.
• Monthly Consultations: Participate in psychiatric consultations and collaborate with medical professionals to refine behavior plans and ensure holistic care.
• Collaborative Efforts: Attend meetings, provide training, and engage in committee work to continually improve behavior development programming across the organization.

What We’re Looking For:

• A compassionate individual with a strong desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
• Expertise in designing and implementing behavior development programs, along with crisis prevention and intervention techniques.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with both individuals and teams.
• Strong organizational skills with a keen attention to detail in documenting progress and maintaining compliance.
• A commitment to continuous learning and development, as well as the ability to lead staff training sessions.
• Previous experience in behavioral health, human services, or a related field is preferred.

Why Join Us?

• Meaningful Work: Make a real difference in the lives of individuals with developmental needs.
• Professional Growth: Ongoing training and development opportunities to enhance your skills and career.
• Collaborative Environment: Work alongside a passionate and dedicated team who shares your commitment to excellence.
• Impactful Work: Be part of an organization that strives to create a positive environment and promote independence for the people we support.

If you are excited about empowering individuals and shaping innovative behavior programs, we would love to hear from you! Apply today and join a team that values your skills and dedication to helping others succeed.

Reporting to this Position: None

Required Education & Experience:

• BA/BS in Psychology or related field or equivalent work experience
• 1-year related experience

Required Skills, Knowledge & Abilities:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and computer skills.

Additional Licensing/Certifications:

• Valid driver’s license and good driving record

Leadership Competencies:

• Achieves Results: Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances.
• Builds Effective Teams: Building strong-identity teams that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals.
• Cultivates Innovation: Creating new & better ways for the organization to be successful.
• Makes Quality Decisions: Making good & timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward.
• Tackles the Tough Issues: Stepping up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said.

Physical Factors:

• While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to bend or stoop, walk and climb stairs, reach with hands and arms, push, pull, talk, hear, and observe.
• Able to assist people in moving from one position to another including transferring from sitting to standing, repositioning, transferring from one surface to another, or climbing stairs.
• Duties are performed primarily in residential home, office, classroom, and community settings. Work areas are restricted to non-smoking.

Aspire Values (POWER):

P = We believe anything is possible

O = We all own it 

W = We welcome everyone 

E = We evolve and try new things 

R = We build powerful relationships

Voted as one of the 101 Best and Brightest Companies to work for in Chicago!

We know that Together, We’re Better!

Aspire was founded in 1960 and is recognized as a leader in providing bold, pioneering, and uncompromising services to adults with developmental disabilities, their families and the community. In 2019, we joined forces with NorthPointe Resources to be one of the most recognized and respected disability service providers across the Chicago metropolitan area, Lake County (Illinois), and southeastern Wisconsin areas.

Full-Time Pay and Benefits (regularly scheduled to work more than 37 1/2 hours per week)

• Health Insurance
• Benefit Time (Vacation, Sick, Personal)
• 13 Holidays
• 403(B) Retirement Savings Plan with matching contribution
• Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Voluntary Insurances available

Aspire’s priority is keeping our team members and participants healthy and safe. PPE is provided and regular cleaning and disinfecting regiments are followed to maintain a safe work and living environment. Hand sanitizer is available throughout our facilities. 

Aspire is an equal employment opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Aspire is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities so that an applicant may complete the essential functions of a position. The essential functions of positions are outlined in a position’s job description. To request an accommodation or if you have a question regarding what the essential functions of a position are please contact the People Team at 708.632.5777.