Behavior Intervention Specialist (BIS) Supervisor
The Behavior Intervention Specialist (BIS) Supervisor provides oversight and direction to BIS staff, ensuring high-quality behavioral and clinical support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and/or mental health needs (OMH). This position is responsible for supervising day-to-day operations of the BIS team, guiding staff development, and ensuring compliance with OPWDD, OMH, and agency standards.
Primary Responsibilities
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Provide day-to-day supervision of assigned BIS staff, including regular communication, coaching, performance evaluations, and oversight of job expectations.
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Ensure staff effectively assess, implement, and monitor behavior support plans that address habilitative, behavioral, and psychiatric needs of individuals supported across both OPWDD and OMH programs.
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Direct and assist BIS staff in conducting functional behavior assessments (FBAs), developing interventions, and maintaining person-centered support plans.
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Review, approve, and sign off on behavior support plans that include restrictive or intrusive interventions or limitations on a person’s rights, ensuring submission to the Behavior Plan/Human Rights Committee and compliance with OPWDD regulations.
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Ensure health care reviews and documentation are completed and obtain informed consent prior to implementation of any restrictive or intrusive interventions, per OPWDD standards.
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Monitor the use of restrictive interventions, ensuring required data collection, semiannual reviews, and the modification or fading of restrictions as appropriate.
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Review and approve staff schedules, timekeeping, promotions, transfers, and other employment-related adjustments in the workday.
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Ensure accurate and timely submission of payroll and attendance records, addressing any concerns with staff or escalating to leadership as needed.
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Regularly visit programs to observe staff, provide feedback, facilitate training, and monitor the implementation of behavior support plans.
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Serve as the primary resource for behavioral and psychiatric needs within the assigned region, collaborating with program staff and leadership to resolve challenges.
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Plan and facilitate agency clinical and leadership meetings, providing ongoing training, mentorship, and guidance to BIS and direct care staff.
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Participate in agency-wide initiatives, committees, and trainings to support behavioral and clinical program development.
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Remain informed of best practices, new interventions, and professional standards in behavior intervention, mental health, and developmental disabilities through continuing education.
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Provide supervision and mentorship to student interns or staff pursuing professional development, as authorized.
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Perform additional duties as assigned.
Qualifications & Skills
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Master’s degree in psychology, social work, applied behavior analysis, school psychology, or related clinical field; or
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BCBA certification with a Master’s in behavior analysis or a closely related field; or
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Current NYS license in Mental Health Counseling (LMHC), Social Work (LMSW/LCSW), or other clinical credential recognized by OPWDD and/or OMH.
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At least three (3) years of experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities and/or mental health needs, including behavior support planning and staff training.
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Prior supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
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Must obtain and maintain certification in SCIP-R (Strategies for Crisis Intervention and Prevention – Revised) within 3 months of hire, as well as CPR/First Aid.
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Strong knowledge of evidence-based behavioral and mental health interventions, functional assessments, and person-centered planning.
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Excellent leadership, communication, and coaching skills with the ability to manage staff across multiple locations.
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Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, electronic health records, and data collection systems.
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Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, and to travel across assigned programs as needed.