Behavior Technician - Saint Paul

The Behavior Technician (“BT”) provides respectful, compassionate, and individualized support to people with diverse behavioral, developmental, and/or mental health support needs in home-based settings. Support may be provided to children, adolescents, or adults.

In this role, the BT works alongside each person to promote safety, skill development, independence, and overall well-being, recognizing that behaviors are a form of communication. Services are delivered in alignment with each individual’s support plan and personal goals.

This position reports to the Designated Coordinator (“House Manager”) and provides direct, on-site support, typically in a one-to-one or two-to-one staffing approach based on each person’s identified needs.

The Behavior Technician does not manage people, but may guide and facilitate activities and tasks, partnering with individuals in a way that honors their choices, preferences, and strengths.

Responsibilities of a Behavior Technician at MN Care Services:

• Follow the person's care plan and ensure all applicable documentation related to them is completed timely and accurately, such as shift notes or medication administration reports
• Collect accurate data to drive positive behaviors as part of the person's care plan
• Provide problem-solving assistance and build confidence in person served by assisting with activities such as meal planning, grocery shopping, housekeeping duties, cooking, organizational skills, financial management, and self-care
• Advocate for, support, and empower individuals served by providing general skill training where the skill will be used
• Support development of decision-making skills and informed choices in all aspects of daily living, including selection of service providers, goals, location, home decor, leisure activities, roommates, and/or personal possessions
• Support individuals’ desires to be involved in their community by transporting them to their intended destinations via company vehicle
• Coach individuals served through escalations in behavior or mood, or through emergency situations
• Maintain positive working relationships with teammates, Designated Coordinator, other MN Care Services staff, people served, as well as their responsible party and/or care team
• Adhere to the Vulnerable Adult and Child Abuse and Neglect Policies and Regulations, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) privacy policies and maintain confidentiality of all information pertaining to people served, their families, and MN Care Services employees
• Other cross-functional duties in or out of position scope, as necessary

Required Skills and/or Abilities

One of the three educational requirements below, with additional training, certifications, and leadership experience considered:

• • Four-year degree in a related field, such as but not limited to human services, social work, healthcare, nursing, or psychology
  • Two-year degree in a related field, with two years of experience working with individuals with complex behavioral and/or mental health needs, in a residential, group home, behavioral health, or psychiatric setting
  • High School Diploma or GED plus four years of experience working with individuals with complex behavioral and/or mental health needs, in a residential, group home, behavioral health, or psychiatric setting
    
• Minimum age of 18 years to work with adults or elderly individuals; minimum age of 21 years to work with children and adolescents
• Must possess valid driver’s license and clean driving record
• Ability to obtain Background Study clearance with fingerprinting as required by MN Department of Human Services
• Previous experience in a 245D residential setting preferred
• Positive, proactive approach in building rapport with coworkers, leadership, and individuals served
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated de-escalation skills, and ability to perform physical interventions if needed to ensure the safety of individuals served
• Ability to maintain confidentiality via all forms of communication
• Attention to detail and excellent organizational skills
• Ability to function well in a multi-priority environment
  
• Proficient in technology usage (email, internet, Microsoft Office products)

Physical, Behavioral, and Safety-Related Requirements

• Tolerance for exposure to verbal aggression, loud noise, or unpredictable behavior from individuals
• Frequent standing, walking, and moving throughout the day, including following individuals during transitions or community outings
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds occasionally (e.g. assisting with mobility, moving equipment, or intervening in crisis situations)
• Frequent bending, stooping, reaching, kneeling, and crouching (e.g. assisting individuals with activities of daily living, working at their level)
• Ability to react quickly and move safely during crisis situations or behavioral escalations
• Manual dexterity for creating data, using paper or electronic documentation systems, and manipulating small objects or adaptive equipment
• Ability to implement physical intervention or restraint procedures (if trained and required by the program), including safely holding positions or moving to protect oneself and others
• Capability to maintain prolonged physical positions during crisis support (Standing, kneeling, or blocking)
• Awareness and control of body positioning and space to prevent injury to oneself or others during challenging behaviors
• Sufficient vision and hearing to observe clients and respond to cues, behaviors, or environmental risks

Pay and Benefits while working at MN Care Services

• Onboarding and In-Person Training Rate: $18.00 per hour
• Stipend paid for completion of required virtual training before providing support
• Direct support / in-ratio Rate: $21.00 to $25.00 per hour based on program; position is eligible for overtime
• Paid Time Off for every hour worked
• Partial Medical Insurance Reimbursement for eligible employees
• Retirement plan participation available for eligible employees
• Continuous training and professional development opportunities

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected status under applicable laws. MN Care Services is an E-Verify employer.

At this time, MN Care Services is not able to provide employment visa sponsorship. We also kindly request that third-party recruiters and staffing agencies do not submit candidate resumes unless a prior agreement is in place.