Job Title: Behavioural Therapist
Location: Mullingar, Co. Westmeath
Contract: Full Time- 39 hours per week
Reporting to: Therapy Manager
Candidate Will:
* Be of good character.
* Have a recognised qualification in Psychology, Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), or a related discipline.
* Strong knowledge of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) and other evidence-based behavioural approaches.
* Extensive experience working with children and adults with autism and intellectual disabilities.
* Have excellent communication, team collaboration and problem-solving skills.
* Have excellent report writing skills.
* Have the ability to empathise with service users.
* Be self-motivated and organised.
* Have a full clean drivers licence and own vehicle.
Main Duties:
Behaviour Assessment and Intervention Planning~
* Conduct comprehensive Functional Behaviour Assessments (FBAs) to define behaviours, identify triggers and determine behavioural functions.
* Analyse behavioural data and provide clear, actionable interpretations to guide clinical and organisational decision-making.
* Review restrictive practices and recommend least-restrictive, rights-based alternatives aligned with HIQA standards and best-practice guidelines.
* Continuously review behavioural documentation, daily records, and incident reports to ensure accuracy, compliance, and high-quality behavioural data.
* Design individualised Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) plans using evidence-based, person-centred approaches.
* Develop environmental modifications, proactive strategies, alternative skill teaching, and reactive strategies tailored to service-user needs.
* Regularly update support plans to reflect progress, emerging needs, and changes in presentation.
* Monitor interventions and evaluate outcomes to ensure effective implementation.
* Adjust behavioural plans and strategies based on ongoing review and data analysis.
* Contribute to risk assessments, quality improvement initiatives, and adherence to organisational policies and HIQA standards.
* Promote a culture of Positive Behaviour Support and shared professional development across the service.
Direct Therapeutic Support~
* Deliver one-to-one and group interventions targeting communication, social, emotional, and adaptive skills.
* Support service users' acquisition of functional life skills and coping strategies that enhance independence and quality of life.
* Provide therapeutic support during behavioural and emotional challenges, promoting safety, dignity, and self-regulation.
Collaborative Work with Multidisciplinary Teams~
* Work collaboratively with the Multidisciplinary team, management, and front-line care staff.
* Participate in case reviews, MDT meetings, service planning, and professional consultations.
* Contribute to care plans, annual reviews, and goal-setting in line with organisational, legislative, and regulatory requirements.
* Carry out Assessments of Need in collaboration with management and compile background and clinical reports.
* Support the establishment of new residential services, including interim behavioural planning and transition planning.
* Conduct risk assessments for behaviours of concern and advise on risk-management strategies.
* Assist in identifying service-user goals, monitoring progress, and advising on measurement and targeted interventions.
Staff Training and Support~
* Develop and deliver training sessions and in-service programmes on PBS, behaviour management and data collection.
* Develop behavioural guidance documents, training materials, and procedures.
* Coach and mentor front-line staff to ensure consistent implementation of behavioural strategies and high-quality therapeutic care.
This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties involved and consequently the post holder will be required to perform other duties relevant to the post, which may be assigned from time to time and to be pro-active in developing the post.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Education:
* Bachelor's (required)
Licence/Certification:
* Full Driver Licence (required)
Work Location: In person