Behavioral Programming Specialist

Job Description

We are seeking a part-time (25 hours/week) Behavioral Programming Specialist to join the Mercy Centre team in West Boylston, MA. The Mercy Centre program serves adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ages eighteen and over, in four different programs from the Worcester County extended area: Employment Supports Program, Group Supported Employment, Community Based Day Support, and Day Habilitation Program. The Adult Services programs have been in existence for about sixty years.

Primary Responsibility: This position supports individuals with autism spectrum disorder, pervasive developmental disorders, or significant behavioral challenges, in addition to working with adults who have additional developmental or intellectual disabilities. This role collaborates with staff and management within Mercy Centre’s Employment, Community-Based Day Services (CBDS), and Day Habilitation programs to promote positive behavioral outcomes and meaningful community engagement.

Essential Duties:

Conduct assessments: This person will assess the behavioral needs of Individuals to understand the underlying causes of their behaviors.

Developing Intervention Plans: this person will create personalized intervention plans to address the identified behavioral challenges.

Monitoring progress: This person will monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions and make necessary adjustments.

Providing support: This person will offer ongoing support to Individuals, families and caregivers to ensure the interventions are effectively implemented.

Collaborating with teams: This person will work with multidisciplinary team to ensure a comprehensive approach to care.

Crisis intervention: This person will provide crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques as needed.

Maintain records: This person will maintain detailed and accurate records of Individual’s progress and interventions.

Training staff: This person will provide training and guidance to staff on behavior management techniques and other topics related to behavior.

Participate in meetings and case reviews: This person will participate in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss client progress and adapt strategies.

This Person will make recommendations, based upon assessment, on the behavioral programming and habilitation services necessary to meet each participant’s identified needs.

This person will provide assistance, guidance, and counsel to individuals (both individually and in groups) and manage crisis intervention as needed.

Cover rooms as necessary to provide in-the-moment support.

Participate in IDT (Interdisciplinary Team), ISP (Individual Service Plan), DHSP (Day Hab Service Plan), Department of Developmental Services (DDS), MassHealth, and staff meetings.

Communicate with parents, families, caregivers, and staff regarding participants’ behavioral assessments, treatment plans, and progress. Work with other healthcare professionals, support specialists, and agency staff in coordination with individuals and their team.

Provide training to staff on utilizing specific behavior plans and other topics related to behavior.

Must maintain strict confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA policies.

Comply with mandated reporting to the Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) in accordance with DDS regulations and laws with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, including reporting suspected abuse or neglect.

Complete incident sheets, seizure reports and other documentation necessary to ensure compliance with agency standards, DDS regulations, Mass Health or program policies.

Follow all safety protocols and contribute to a culture of safety through awareness, reporting, and safe work practices.

Perform other related duties as requested.

Knowledge/Experience/Qualifications:

Board Certified Behavior Analysis required.

Master’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Human Services, Special Education required.

Minimum of one year’s relevant work experience in developing behavioral programming for individuals; three or more years preferred.

Strong knowledge of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) principles.

Experience in developing, writing, implementing, and evaluating the effectiveness of behavior programs.

Demonstrated ability to manage complex behavioral challenges.

Working knowledge of DDS Human Rights regulations.

Exceptional interpersonal communication skills with demonstrated empathy, professionalism, and personal integrity.

Skills/Abilities:

Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing in English as it relates to the job.

Build and maintain positive working relationships with participants, families, coworkers, and external partners.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills related to behavior management.

Effective conflict resolution and de-escalation skills.

Ability to maintain professionalism and personal integrity in emotionally demanding situations.

Commitment to the agency’s mission, values, and person-centered approach.

Licenses/Certifications:

Valid driver’s license, access to a reliable vehicle, and current insurance maintained throughout employment.

Adult CPR and First Aid certification, or the ability to obtain certification within three months of hire and maintain it thereafter.

Physical/Mental Requirements:

Completion of a Mantoux tuberculin skin test (TST) risk assessment confirming the absence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, with ongoing compliance throughout employment.

Ability to perform physical activities such as bending, lifting, and supporting individuals as needed.

Sufficient manual dexterity and gross motor skills to demonstrate and assist with participants’ motor activities.

Ability to observe and document participant behavior, including emotionally challenging situations.

Ability to perform essential duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

Background and Health Requirements:

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment screenings, including CORI, SORI, DPPC Abuser Registry, and fingerprint-based background checks, as well as a TB risk assessment. Ongoing compliance with these requirements is mandatory throughout employment.

Why Join Us?

Catholic Charities Worcester County offers a supportive and mission-driven workplace where your work makes a meaningful impact in the community. We value our employees and are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to support their well-being and work-life balance.

Benefits for Full-Time and Part-Time Employees (30+ hours/week) include:

Health, dental, and vision insurance

403(b) retirement plan

Basic Life and AD&D insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Financial Assistance Program

Paid vacation time (full-time employees earn up to 3 weeks in their first year)

Paid holidays (17 company holidays in 2025 for full-time employees and for part-time employees scheduled to work on the date of the holiday)

At Catholic Charities, you will be part of a team dedicated to helping individuals and families thrive. Join us and be a part of meaningful change.

Catholic Charities Worcester County is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.