Entry Level Forensic Behavior Analyst Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) provides specialized behavioral health expertise for civil and forensic adult patients with highly acute, aggressive, and/or destructive behaviors that significantly interfere with treatment engagement, safety, and discharge readiness. This role is responsible for conducting Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs), developing and overseeing the implementation of individualized Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), and supporting interdisciplinary treatment teams in reducing behaviors related to Danger to Self (DTS) and Danger to Others (DTO).
The BCBA serves as a member of the treatment team, collaborating closely with the interdisciplinary team to promote therapeutic safety, treatment progression, and successful transition to the least restrictive environment. In addition to direct clinical responsibilities, the BCBA will provide oversight to BCBA practicum students and contributes to staff training, program development, and hospital-wide behavioral practice standards.

-Behavioral Assessment & Treatment Planning - Conduct functional behavior assessments (FBAs); develop, implement, and monitor Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) and behavioral treatment recommendations for patients exhibiting aggression, self-injury, property destruction, treatment refusal, or other high-risk behaviors.
-Interdisciplinary Collaboration, Staff Training & Implementation Support - Collaborate with treatment teams to address behavioral barriers to treatment, support implementation of behavioral interventions, provide staff coaching and consultation, and train staff on behavior support strategies, de-escalation techniques, reinforcement systems, and behavior plan implementation.
-Data Analysis and Program Development - Collect, analyze, and interpret behavioral data to evaluate treatment effectiveness, support clinical decision-making, and assist in the development of behavioral procedures and clinical programming designed to improve patient functioning, reduce barriers to treatment, and support successful community transition.
-Clinical Oversight & Professional Development - Provide BCBA oversight to practicum students as applicable and support staff development related to applied behavior analysis principles and interventions.
-Other duties as assigned as related to the position (typically 5% - 10%)

Knowledge of:
- Knowledge of applied behavior analysis (ABA) principles, behavioral assessment methodologies, and behavior intervention planning.
- Knowledge of functional behavior assessments (FBAs), behavioral data collection systems, and treatment evaluation methods.
- Knowledge of psychiatric disorders, co-occurring mental health conditions, and factors impacting treatment engagement.
- Knowledge of positive behavior support strategies, de-escalation techniques, and behavior change procedures.
- Knowledge of interdisciplinary treatment planning and recovery-oriented behavioral health services.
- Knowledge of ethical practice, patient rights, trauma-informed care, and applicable regulatory standards.
Skills in:
- Skill in conducting functional behavior assessments and skills based assessments.
- Skill in developing, implementing, and evaluating Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs).
- Skill in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting behavioral data to guide treatment decisions.
- Skill in training, coaching, and consulting with clinical and direct care staff.
- Skill in written and verbal communication, documentation, and clinical problem-solving.
Ability to:
-Ability to work effectively within interdisciplinary treatment teams.
- Ability to establish and maintain professional and therapeutic relationships with patients and staff.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing clinical needs.
- Ability to exercise sound clinical judgment and maintain confidentiality.
- Ability to support a safe, therapeutic, and recovery-oriented treatment environment.
- Ability to effectively implement services with individuals exhibiting complex behavioral and mental health needs.

Experience working in inpatient psychiatric, forensic, state hospital, or correctional settings with adult population. Familiarity with risk assessment, DTS/DTO considerations, and least restrictive environment principles. Prior experience providing supervision to BCBA practicum students. Experience training and coaching large multidisciplinary staff teams.

Master's degree or higher in Applied Behavior Analysis, Psychology, Behavioral Science, or a related field.
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in good standing with the BACB.
Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) in the state of Arizona (out of state applicants must submit all required documentation for state licensing within first 30 days of employment) License must be obtained by 6 months after hire.

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver's License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:
Affordable medical and dental insurance plans
Paid vacation and sick time
Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program)
10 paid holidays per year
Wellness program and plans
Life insurance
Short/long-term disability insurance
Defined retirement plan
Award winning Infant at Work program
Credit union membership
Transit subsidy
ADHS Student Assistance Pilot Program

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

To help you build a financially secure future, the State makes monthly contributions to finance your retirement benefit. The State will make a contribution to the ASRS in an amount equal to your contribution. In other words, you and the State will each pay 50% of the total cost of the benefit. New State employees have a 27 week wait period for contributions to begin.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling (602) 220-6462. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation. DHS is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All newly hired employees will be subject to E-Verify Employment Eligibility Verification.