Job Title: Behavioural Specialist
Type of Service: Adult Disability Services
Location: Fermoy, Cork (with travel to our centres around Co. Cork)
About this role:
TheBehavioural Specialist role is designed to provide advanced behavioural support and intervention strategies for adults with intellectual disabilities, autism, and complex behavioural needs. This role is for our growing services in the Cork area.
The core purpose of the post is within a person centred philosophy, to be responsible for the overall management of the assigned services, working in conjunction with the multidisciplinary team. They will ensure services to persons with a disability are provided within a relationship which is based on respect and equality and that promotes their independence.
They will also be responsible for the supervision and assessment of staff under his/her direction and to take a leadership role in clinical governance including quality assurance, practice development and clinical practice.
This role is critical in improving quality of life, independence, and social integration for adults in Talbot Group's care.
Essential Qualifications and Experience
Candidates must meet the following criteria on the closing date:
Qualification
Master’s degree or higher in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), Behavioural Science, PBS, or an equivalent field.
Additional Certifications in Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), or trauma informed care
Essential Experience
Clinical/Behavioural Experience
Minimum 5+ years of hands‑on experience working with individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), or mental health challenges.
Proven track record in designing and implementing behaviour support plans.
Leadership & Supervision
Experience supervising and mentoring behaviour specialists or ABA therapists.
Ability to train staff and families on behavioural strategies.
Assessment & Intervention Skills
Expertise in conducting functional behaviour assessment, ABC assessments, and data‑driven interventions.
Familiarity with evidence‑based practices (EBPs) in positive behaviour support
Regulatory & Compliance Knowledge
Understanding of HIQA, disability rights laws, and ethical guidelines
Experience working within residential, community based, or clinical settings.
Additional Preferred Skills
Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
Excellent communication and report‑writing skills.
Experience with multidisciplinary teams (psychiatrists, occupational therapists, etc.).
Proficiency in electronic health records (EHR) and data tracking software.
Desirable Experience
Specialised Populations
Experience working with adults with complex needs (e.g. ID, ASD, + mental health conditions).
Familiarity with neurodiversity affirming approaches.
Advanced Clinical Skills
Background in positive behavioural support and behaviours of concern.
Leadership & Program Development
Previous involvement in developing behavioural programmes or policies within an organization.
Experience auditing or improving service quality in residential/care settings.
Participation in research or publishing in behavioural science.
Technical & Data Proficiency
Advanced skills in behavioural data analysis.
Community & Multi‑Agency Work
Collaboration with schools, social services, mental health services
Experience in advocacy or policy work related to disability rights.
Cultural Competency
Ability to work effectively with diverse populations (e.g., different ethnicities).
Multilingual skills (if relevant to the service area)
Soft Skills & Traits
Strong conflict resolution and de‑escalation abilities.
High emotional intelligence and resilience in high‑stress situations.
Creative problem solving for complex behavioural cases.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
Advanced Behavioural Support
Develop and implement individualized behaviour support plans (BSPs) based on assessments.
Use evidence‑based practices (e.g., Positive Behaviour Support, ABA) to manage behaviours of concern.
Leadership & Mentorship
Provide guidance and supervision to behavioural specialists and care staff.
Lead training sessions on de‑escalation techniques, trauma informed care, and proactive strategies.
Collaboration & Multidisciplinary Work
Work closely with psychologists, social workers, teachers, and families to ensure a holistic approach.
Liaise with external agencies (e.g., HSE, schools, therapists) to coordinate care.
Monitoring & Evaluation
Track behavioural progress through data analysis and reporting.
Adjust intervention strategies based on ongoing assessments.
Safeguarding & Advocacy
Ensure safeguarding policies are followed.
Advocate for the rights and wellbeing of adults in residential/respite care.
Crisis Intervention
Respond to high‑risk behaviours with appropriate de‑escalation and safety measures.
Conduct Functional Behaviour Assessments
Evaluate the reasons behind a client's behaviours of concern to develop appropriate interventions.
Health and Safety
Perform duties in a manner conducive to health and safety and in accordance with Talbot Group policies and procedures.
Ensure all staff are aware of their responsibilities in the event of an emergency accident/incident.
Training and Ongoing Development
Educate families and support staff on behaviour support strategies.
Be aware of current developments within relevant profession and maintain a commitment to ongoing professional development.
Special Skills and Competencies
Professional Knowledge & Experience
Behavioural Assessment & Intervention Skills
Expertise in conducting Functional Behaviour Assessments (FBA).
Ability to design and implement individualized Positive Behaviour Support Plans (PBSPs) using evidence‑based practices (EBP).
Proficiency in data collection, analysis, and progress monitoring to adjust interventions.
Knowledge of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), and trauma informed approaches Crisis Management & De‑escalation
Advanced training in crisis prevention (CPI, PROACTSCIPr, MAP).
Ability to model and train staff in de‑escalation techniques.
Experience managing high risk behaviours (aggression, self injury, elopement).
Clinical & Ethical Decision Making
Strong understanding of ethical guidelines of relevant regulatory bodies).
Ability to balance client rights, safety, and least restrictive interventions.
Experience in multidisciplinary collaboration (psychiatry, OT, SLT, social work).
Leadership & Staff Development
Mentoring and supervising junior behaviour staff or therapists.
Delivering training workshops on behavioural strategies for caregivers and teams.
Experience in quality assurance (auditing PBSPs, ensuring compliance).
Communication & Advocacy
Exceptional report writing and documentation skills (e.g. PBSPs, progress reports).
Ability to simplify complex behavioural concepts for families and non‑specialists.
Advocacy for person centered, rights‑based approaches in care.
Technical & Analytical Proficiency
Experience with behavioural software
Competency in electronic health records (EHR) and data visualization tools.
Understanding of research methodologies to stay updated on best practices.
Soft Skills & Personal Attributes
Empathy & Patience – Ability to build rapport with clients with challenging behaviours.
Adaptability – Adjusting strategies based on individual needs and environmental factors.
Problem Solving – Creative approaches for complex cases where standard interventions fail.
Resilience – Managing stress in high intensity situations.
Competencies appropriate to the post
Communication & Interpersonal: Can speak clearly, fluently and in a compelling manner to both individuals and groups. Adapts communication style to suit audience. Writes in a clear and concise manner, using appropriate templates, style and language for the reader. Establishes, maintains and concludes therapeutic interpersonal relationships with services users/residents and other stakeholders. Is able to build rapport quickly with others.
Adaptability & Reliability: Able to react effectively at short notice to changing circumstances. Willing to accept advice and suggestions from others and to learn from experience by changing own behaviour. Demonstrates a high level of dependability in all aspects of the job.
Problem Solving and Initiative: Builds a logical approach to address problems or opportunities or manage the situation at hand by drawing on their knowledge and experience base and calling on other resources as necessary. A bias for taking action; the ability to think ahead of the current situation, particularly before problems or crises occur.
Quality and Person Centredness: Demonstrates eagerness to understand service user/resident needs. Views the service user/resident as central to the delivery of everyday service through consistent understanding, tolerance, care, support and empathy while promoting empowerment, independence and choice. Determined to offer a quality service through the achievement of goals and quality standards.
Leadership and Accountability: Manages performance to deliver team goals. Creates a climate in which people want to do their best. Promotes confidence and positive attitude while influencing others to follow a common goal. Demonstrates accountability for leading, directing, monitoring and evaluating work that is provided by all employees.
Scope of Practice: Is educated, competent and has the authority to perform the full range of roles, functions, responsibilities and activities, required of his/her profession in Ireland. Accepts responsibility for ensuring that his/her professional practice and conduct meet the standards of the professional, ethical and relevant legislative and regulation requirements. Demonstrates a commitment to maintaining, enhancing and extending their knowledge, expertise and competence throughout their professional career.
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