Positive Behavior Support Curriculum Developer - Center for Excellence in Disabilities

The Center for Excellence in Disabilities at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Positive Behavior Support Curriculum Developer.

About the Opportunity

The purpose of this position is to 1) assist in the curriculum development to prepare providers for certification in positive behavior support 2) educate and build comprehensive educational platforms for community health providers in trauma informed positive behavior therapy to decrease challenging behaviors and improve quality of life. Building capacity throughout West Virginia regarding positive behavior support knowledge translation and services. 3) provide individual case consultation to individuals with serious challenging behaviors to reduce the risk of out of home placement.

The candidate will work with individuals with serious emotional disorders who are at risk of out of home placement, to evaluate their support needs. The candidate will work with the individual and their caregivers to develop and implement a positive behavior support plan. In addition, this individual will work with children’s mental health providers throughout West Virginia to provide behavioral case consultation services, develop and conduct trainings, and coach staff in the implementation of trauma informed positive behavior support.

What You'll Do

• Create training materials and culminate several evidence-based resources onto a centralized learning platform.
• Supervise team members to ensure they are implementing training materials based on established pedagogy and plan.
• Proficiency with creation of online learning platforms and how to create engaging interactive trainings.
• Establish and oversee monitoring plan for evaluating use of online learning platforms among team members so their delivery is effective.
• Develop and provide training and information dissemination activities to agencies, staff, parents, foster families, first responders, mental health professionals.
• Consult and provide evidence based positive behavior health strategies for specific challenges for people experiencing serious emotional disorders who are at risk of out of home placement to help better serve them in their community environments.
• Lead professionals in children’s mental health wraparound, children’s mobile crisis, the bureau for juvenile services, family coordinators, school personnel, psychiatric residential treatment facilities and other mental health services regarding the implementation of trauma informed positive behavior support.
• Conduct trainings and meet with families and agencies.
• Consult with all stakeholders as a resource on trauma informed positive behavior support.
• Facilitate person-centered planning techniques for individuals, families, and agencies.
• Provide functional behavior assessments, develop individualized positive behavior support plans (PBSPs), train and support the individuals and their teams in implementing the PBSPs.
• Develop a variety of written materials including functional assessments, behavioral recommendations, behavior support plans and quarterly newsletters.
• Assist in project evaluation activities, including submitting required data and case consultation notes.
• Participate in CED staff and committee meetings as required including regional clinical reviews.

• Master’s degree in psychology, educational psychology, special education, social work, counseling, or related field.
• Five (5) years of experience working with individuals with mental illness, and or other co-existing mental health and IDD diagnoses.
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Experience working with individuals who have serious emotional concerns, mental illness and other complex support needs, knowledge of behavioral principles and their application.
• Experience facilitating group processes such as brainstorming and person-centered planning.
• Experience developing and conducting training on issues related to person-centered planning, trauma-informed care, positive psychology, and positive behavior support.
• Knowledge of West Virginia service delivery systems for individuals with complex support needs and ability to link people to existing resources.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret professional journals in trauma informed care and positive behavior support, technical procedures, and governmental regulations.
• Ability to think creatively and develop solutions to complex problems.
• Good written and oral communication skills are necessary.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of consumers, professionals, administrators, parents, first responders and the public.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of challenges. Capacity to consider and respond appropriately to a broad range of continuously changing circumstances and potential outcomes.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.
• Knowledge of disability services and awareness of cultural and political issues pertaining to various populations and disabilities.
• Knowledge of federal and state law requirements protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
• Computer Skill – must be proficient with Microsoft Office software.
• Ability to travel to parts of the state not accessible by public transportation.
• Acquire and maintain certification in the WV CANS Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths Assessment.
• Ability to work with and facilitate services in a congenial, respectful, and professional manner.

Valid driver's license or demonstrable alternate efficient means of transportation.

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values — service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation — unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.