Behavior Specialist

STGi is currently seeking a Behavior Specialist to provide services at the Georgia War Veterans Home.

JOB SUMMARY:
The Behavior Specialist will provide mental health services under the direction of the Psychiatrist, Psychiatric Certified Nurse Practitioner and Executive Director.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
* Conduct comprehensive behavioral assessments of veterans exhibiting behavioral or emotional concerns.
* Analyze patterns of behavior and identify underlying causes using established behavioral principles.
* Develop, implement, and monitor individualized behavior intervention plans (BIPs) to address challenging behaviors and promote positive outcomes.
* Provide individual and group counseling to veterans with mental health conditions including, but not limited to, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), substance use disorders, depression, anxiety and dementia.
* Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members-including nursing, social work, psychology, and medical staff-to coordinate and integrate behavioral health services into each veteran's care plan.
* Provide staff education and training on behavioral management techniques and effective communication strategies for residents with complex behavioral needs.
* Maintain detailed and confidential clinical documentation in accordance with state and federal regulations, ethical standards, and facility policies.
* Participate in care plan meetings, quality improvement initiatives, and case reviews.
* Serve as a resource for crisis intervention and provide guidance during behavioral emergencies.
* Ensure compliance with all applicable state, federal, and Veterans Administration regulations governing mental health and behavioral care services (including call 24-7).
* Provides comprehensive, evidence-based psychotherapeutic interventions, including individual, family, and group psychotherapy and counseling using a recovery-based model.
* Develops, implements, and documents the treatment plan for veterans, including prompt completion of clinical reminders and other documentation requirements.
* Continues to reassess and reevaluate the impact that therapeutic interventions have on veterans' problems and determines the need for additional or different treatments and revises the treatment plan
* Conducts short, medium, long-term in-depth counseling and facilitates both open-ended, process groups; and time-limited, closed, structured groups for veterans with substance abuse problems, mental health problems, or co-morbid conditions.
* Provides crisis intervention when needed and stabilization to veterans and significant others. Crisis intervention requires the incumbent to function with a high degree of independent
judgment in responding appropriately and quickly to unique needs/dangers in crisis situations.
* Adheres to operational policies and procedures for the treatment team as established by the affiliated contract under which the Hub operates in service to assigned VA facilities.
* Servers a member of the Behavioral Team and screens candidates for admission to GWVH which could involve assessing the veterans in their homes or other care facilities.
* Facilitates liaisons with other assigned health care providers in order to effectively coordinate services.
* Assists with the execution of ongoing program evaluation and data-driven quality improvement projects to monitor the effectiveness of the clinical services provided in terms of veteran access and program effectiveness.
* Maintain universal precautions and infection control practices.
* Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and assist during respiratory and cardiac arrest procedures as applicable.
* Provide health educational, materials and resources to veterans and their families for informational purposes.
* Maintain confidentiality of all information and support veterans' privacy, rights, and safety.
* Perform other work related duties as assigned.
* Maintain Safety Care certification of instructor.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:
* Minimum of two (2) years of experience providing behavioral health or counseling services, preferably in long-term care, rehabilitation, or veteran-focused settings. * Strong knowledge of behavioral principles, psychological assessment, and evidence-based therapeutic interventions.
* Experience working with individuals diagnosed with mental health disorders.
* Excellent interpersonal, communication, and documentation skills.
* Ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team.
* Commitment to providing compassionate, veteran-centered care.
* Retention of current license Georgia.
* Retain current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)/ Basic Life Support (BLS) through American Heart Association (AHA).
* Advanced knowledge and mastery of the fundamentals of the counseling process which includes defining patient/family problems and maintaining an effective counseling relationship.
* Ability to provide complex crisis intervention and stabilization to veterans who are in psychological distress.
* Ability to establish goals/treatment through a collaborative process with the veteran utilizing advanced counseling skills, including evidenced-based practices and screening/assessment.
* Ability to use a wide variety of individual, group, or familial counseling interventions; demonstrates sensitivity to diversity and possesses multicultural counseling skills.
* Ability to fully utilize the current DSM in making diagnoses and formulation of treatment goals and application of appropriate clinical intervention using professional counseling practices.
* Ability to develop and deliver psycho-education groups that include life skills, family support, and community integration. Ability to interpret clinical prescriptions and referrals.
* Skill in communicating, both orally and in writing, with veterans, families, caregivers, and other health care professions to facilitate the interdisciplinary treatment process.
* Skill in utilizing appropriate screening and evaluation techniques required to appropriately provide direct patient care.
* Knowledge of clinical signs and symptoms to make appropriate referrals for further medical attention/assessment as indicated.
* Ability to set realistic, measurable education goals for veterans, taking into consideration patient/family needs, and level of understanding.
* Knowledge of the basic concepts of customer service technique related to age-specific population.
* Demonstrated effective verbal and written communication skills along with proper telephone etiquette.
* Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Software and basic computer maneuverability.

REQUIRED EDUCATION:
* Master's degree in counseling, Psychology, or a related behavioral health field. A doctoral degree in mental health counseling may not be substituted for the master's degree in mental health
counseling. Possess Licensed Professional Counselor certification in Georgia.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
* Primarily sedentary
* Frequent keyboarding and Sitting (4-7 hours per day)
* May require occasional lifting (10-20 lbs.)
* Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
* Required to respond to any medical emergency within the facility, where a fast walk or jog may be necessary to provide assistance.

DISCLAIMER
The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

STGi is a workforce solutions company providing comprehensive healthcare delivery, Head Start and management consulting services and human capital solutions help our clients. Our services and solutions help our clients sustain and enhance their operations to better accomplish their mission.

STGi offers a competitive benefits package which includes Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k with company match and a generous PTO policy.

STGi is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

Medical Corps - 60J, 60L, 61F, 61H, 61N, 61R,62B Medical Specialist Corps - 65B, 65C, 65D Nurse Corps - 66B,66H, 66P Medical Service Corps - 67G, 67J Medical CMF - 68A, 68B, 68E, 68F, 68G, 68J, 68Q, 68R, 68S, 68T, 68W, 68X, 68Y