Job Title: Level 2 (Two) Behavior Analyst Reports To: Director of Services and Supports
Classification: Exempt Starting Salary: $70,000 to $72,000 (Annualized)
(Commensurate with Experience, Education, & Certifications)
Functions:
The DHS Level 2 (Two) Behavior Analyst is responsible for providing advanced behavioral assessment, treatment planning, clinical oversight, and staff training for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This position ensures that all services meet Illinois DHS Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) requirements, Medicaid Waiver standards, Human Rights Committee (HRC) regulations, and agency policies. The Behavior Analyst develops and monitors Behavior Support Plans (BSPs), conducts functional assessments, analyzes behavioral data, and supports interdisciplinary teams in implementing evidence-based, person-centered strategies.
Universal Competencies:
Universal competencies are competency requirements that apply to all Sparc positions (Exempt & Non-Exempt, Part-time, Full-time, PRN, Supervisory, and Non-Supervisory Universal Competencies support our mission and are consistent with Sparc’s core values; they are:
Collaboration/Positive Impact: Ability to work with a variety of individuals and teams in a constructive and civil manner, utilizing existing resources, training, and learning to achieve or exceed desired outcomes while integrating Sparc’s core values to
“TEACH, COACH, and MENTOR.”
Proficiency Levels & Typical Behaviors: Working
- Shares appropriate information/feedback openly, professionally, and respectfully.
- Models and demonstrates open, respectful, accepting, and supportive behaviors with team members.
- Maintains productive work relationships while considering multiple perspectives and utilizing effective conflict resolution practices.
- Aligns expectations for self and team to achieve work objectives and overcome obstacles.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Ability to work with a variety of individuals and groups in a constructive and respectful manner while appreciating the unique contribution of an inclusive workforce that brings together the talents of people across multiple identities.
Proficiency Levels & Typical Behaviors: Working
- Maintains productive working relationships while considering multiple perspectives.
- Demonstrates awareness of one’s own and others’ social identities (e.g., race, gender, disability status, religion, etc.), including the value and relevance of diverse identities in the workplace.
- Resolves cross-cultural conflicts effectively.
- Ability to articulate Sparc’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and the reasons for its importance.
- Engages in personal and professional development on issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Service Excellence/Customer Focus: Ability to meet or exceed service needs and expectations of persons served and provide excellent service in a direct or indirect manner. Ability to effectively transmit and interpret information through appropriate communication with internal and external constituents, stakeholders, and the community.
Proficiency Levels & Typical Behaviors: Working
- Enhances service by seeking ways to add value to client interactions and services.
- Demonstrates sincere concern and takes responsibility when receiving internal and external complaints, even if the source of the problem lies elsewhere.
- Listens to feedback without defensiveness and uses feedback to enhance communication effectiveness.
- Communicates in alternative ways to accommodate different listeners.
Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Behavior Assessment & Clinical Evaluation (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
- Conduct Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) using direct observations, interviews, and standardized tools.
- Identify behavioral functions using ABC analysis and data-based assessments.
- Review clinical history, diagnoses, risk factors, environmental variables, and treatment history.
2. Development of Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
- Develop DHS-compliant BSPs including:
- Demographic and diagnostic information
- Operational definitions of target behaviors
- Baseline data in graphs or tables
- Functional assessment results and hypotheses
- Preventative, teaching, and reinforcement strategies
- Rationale for interventions aligned with behavioral functions
- Ensure BSPs meet Rule 116, least-restrictive standards, and HRC review requirements.
3. Plan Implementation, Monitoring & Review (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
- Monitor and evaluate fidelity of BSP implementation across all service settings.
- Analyze ongoing data and make data-driven plan adjustments.
- Provide monthly written progress summaries in accordance with DHS and Medicaid standards.
- Participate in incident reviews, risk assessments, and follow-up recommendations.
4. Staff Training & Professional Development (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
- Train DSPs, QIDPs, supervisors, and other team members in BSP procedures and ABA principles.
- Provide modeling, feedback, and coaching to ensure quality implementation.
- Participate in staff meetings, clinical team meetings, and interdisciplinary planning.
5. Collaboration & Consultation (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
- Work collaboratively with QIDPs, nursing, guardians, case managers, vocational staff, and external professionals.
- Attend ISP meetings, HRC reviews, and interdisciplinary team meetings.
- Provide consultation during behavioral crises and contribute to post-incident analysis.
6. Compliance & Documentation (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
- Maintain accurate, time-sensitive clinical documentation meeting Medicaid Waiver, Rule 116, and DHS Level 2 requirements.
- Maintain DHS Level 2 credentialing, including updated transcripts and verification of supervised hours.
- Ensure all documentation demonstrates medical necessity and meets billing standards where applicable.
- Comply with agency policies, HIPAA, safety procedures, and regulatory expectations.
7. Mission Driven: Perform day-to-day duties that reflect Sparc’s mission and core values by being actively involved in the programs and the people that Sparc programs support. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
8. Professionalism: Must demonstrate exemplary performance, including but not limited to professionalism, dependability, demeanor, attendance, communication, and maintaining confidential information. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
9. Additional Duties: Performs other agency-related duties as assigned or required reasonably within the scope of the above-mentioned duties. “Related duties as assigned” are duties that may not be listed explicitly in the class specification or position description but are duties within the general, occupational series, and responsibility level typically associated with the employee’s class of work. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
Education and Professional Requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree in a Human Services-related field is required, including but not limited to Applied Behavior Analysis, Psychology, or Education.
- Candidate is required to meet DHS Level 2 expectations:
- Completion of 1,500 hours of coursework, practicum, and supervised experience in behavior analysis, including:
- Behavior-analytic coursework
- BCBA-approved university practicum
- Supervised clinical experience
- Supervision must be provided by a BCBA or licensed Clinical Psychologist.
- Required DHS documents: transcripts, supervision verification table, and sample BSP meeting DHS specifications.
Skills and competencies:
- Ability to train and support staff in behavior strategies and person-centered practices.
- Ability to maintain professional boundaries and adhere to the BACB Ethics Code.
- Must be detail-oriented with excellent time management and organizational skills; must demonstrate the proven ability to consistently meet competing deadlines in a dynamic work environment.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the demonstrated ability to effectively communicate and establish rapport with diverse staff and individuals, including the individuals supported, staff, families, guardians, and members of the Sparc community.
- Must have basic knowledge and experience utilizing computers, electronic timekeeping systems, and various software programs, including Microsoft Word and Outlook.
- Proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Other Requirements:
- Ability to work flexible hours based on clinical and program needs.
- Must have a current, valid Illinois Driver’s License and the ability to travel between agency locations.
- Must have current, valid proof of automobile insurance.
- Must attend and satisfactorily complete all required agency and DHS training requirements.
- Must possess the physical ability to assist residents with mobility as needed, including the ability to lift, push, and pull up to 50 lbs, the ability to bend, stoop, twist, turn, squat, climb stairs, walk, and stand stationary. Must possess the ability to physically manage any special needs of individuals supported by Sparc, including the ability to lift and transfer supported persons as needed and the ability to assist program staff in emergencies.
Benefits:
- Starting Salary $70,000 to $72,000 (annualized). Competitive salary will be based on several factors, including experience, advanced education, & Certifications.
- Comprehensive benefits package includes medical, prescription, group-paid life, dental, and vision insurance for full-time and part-time staff.
- Pay rate increases for every 5 years of Sparc service
- Ten to twenty-five (10-25) paid vacation days annually based on years of service.
- Employees earn three (3) paid personal days pro-rated based on start date.
- A minimum of eleven (11) paid holidays with the ability to earn additional leave time for holidays worked.
- Employees earn eight to twelve (8-12) paid sick days annually based on years of service.
- Retirement savings plan options.
- Pre-tax Healthcare Flexible Spending Account option.
- Pre-tax Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account option.
- Employee Assistance Program.
- Professional development opportunities.
Working Conditions:
- Services may occur in residential CILAs, vocational sites, community settings, and administrative offices. Some locations may expose Sparc staff to mild to moderately high noise levels.
- Safety, infection control, emergency, and security procedures for each work site must be followed.
- Staff in this role may be exposed:
- Individuals with behavioral challenges or aggression
- Bodily fluids, bloodborne pathogens, and communicable diseases
- Mild to moderate noise levels and varying environmental conditions