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Behavior Intervention Specialist

YAI - Seeing Beyond Disability
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YAI has been dedicated to providing innovative services for the intellectual and/or developmental disability (I/DD) community since its founding in 1957 at a time when institutional living was the norm for people with I/DD. Today, YAI has a team of over 4,000 employees and supports over 20,000 people in the I/DD community.

We are hiring a Behavior Intervention Specialist to join our Queens programs. In this role, you will provide clinical assessment and support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) by identifying behavioral, psychiatric, and habilitative needs and developing and implementing effective interventions.

Key Responsibilities

  • Conduct behavioral and habilitative assessments including written questionnaires, standardized tests, rating scales, baseline data, direct and indirect observations and completes functional behavior assessments (FBAs) to identify the needs of people supported and determine factors contributing to challenging behaviors.
  • Analyze assessment data and develop individualized, person-centered behavior support and habilitation plans in accordance with OPWDD regulations and best practices.
  • Research, implement, and monitor evidence-based interventions to support skill development and behavioral stabilization.
  • Establish data collection systems, oversee implementation of behavior support plans, and monitor progress to ensure effective outcomes.
  • Review and modify plans as needed based on assessment findings, individual progress, and changing needs.
  • Maintain accurate clinical documentation, reports, and records in accordance with agency and regulatory requirements.
  • Train and support direct care staff and supervisors on behavior support strategies, clinical interventions, data collection, and person-centered practices.
  • Provide coaching, mentorship, and performance feedback to program staff.
  • Coordinate with interdisciplinary teams, families, and circle of support to ensure high-quality services.
  • Participate in treatment team meetings, case reviews, Life Plan meetings, and other clinical discussions to provide recommendations and updates regarding people supported.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Master’s degree in a clinical or treatment field of psychology, social work, school psychology, applied psychology as it relates to human development and clinical intervention, or a related human services field, including training in assessment techniques and behavior support plan development -or-
  • Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) with a Master's degree in Behavior Analysis or a related field approved by OPWDD; -or-
  • Current license and registration in Mental Health Counseling issued by the New York State Department of Education (NYSED)

Additional Requirements:

  • Ability to complete "BIS School" training within one year of hire.
  • Ability to travel regularly throughout assigned regions and flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends as needed.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain SCIP-R and CPR certification within six months of hire.
  • Strong interpersonal, communication, and clinical collaboration skills.
  • Basic computer proficiency, including electronic documentation and health record systems.
  • Ability to meet essential physical demands of position including frequent walking, sitting, standing, bending, twisting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, pushing, pulling and reaching with hands and arms; use hands to handle, finger or feel objects, tools or controls; assisting with lifting/moving individuals of any weight with assistance of mechanical lifts or other equipment and/or pushing individuals in wheelchairs; lifting and/or moving up to 25 pounds on occasion; having the physical capacity to work with and implement emergency interventions as per the person’s Behavior Support Plan if/as needed, including lifting/moving individuals of any weight with or without assistance of equipment and/or other staff.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience supporting people with I/DD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, and other neurodevelopmental disabilities.
  • Knowledge of co-occurring mental health diagnoses.
  • Familiarity with evidence-based approaches such as ABA, CBT, DBT, and Positive Psychology.
  • Current SCIP-R and CPR certification.

Why Join Us:

At YAI, our vision is to help individuals live their fullest, most independent lives. If you’re someone who’s passionate about making a real difference and empowering others to thrive, this is the job for you!

YAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer