In-home Behavior Technician

Kyra
Major: Psychology During my time at BRAINS as a Behavioral Technician I have worked with 6 different clients 1:1, 5 of those being in home, and 1 being in a school setting. These children are all on the Autism Spectrum and have behaviors that are preventing them from being successful in their everyday lives. The parents of these children work with the Board Certfied Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) that I work under, to develop a list of goals for each child. The BCBA then formulates a plan based upon each individual's unique circumstances, and I, as the behavior technician, carry out this plan. In practice, I meet with each child on my caseload a couple times a week for a few hours at a time, and we will do anything from read to play pretend, all while working on things like functional communication (using your words to get what you need or want), relinquishing of control (not needing everything to go exactly to plan), and peer relationships.

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Helping Foster Care Children

Jaelyn
Major: Psychology My main task throughout the semester was to scan and organize various forms that were required for each case every 30 days. There were forms for gas mileage, monthly reports, determination of care forms necessary every 6 months, and reimbursement forms for foster families. I also shadowed my supervisor, Lydia, while she worked on referral calls and team meetings to assess a child's progress or placement. Monthly my supervisor would have house visits and I would attend with her. When a case aid was not available, I also helped in transporting kiddos to/from school, to parent visits, or dropped off court reports to the district court. Occassionally, I attended court hearings in reference to my supervisor's caseload, though rarely.

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School-based Mental Health Internship

Rylee
Major: Psychology I administered activities that help students (grades K-6) with executive functioning, emotional regulation, and mindfulness skills. I administered/took notes for threat assessments Provided a safe space for students who were struggling and needed to discuss how they were feeling. Being a member within IEP meetings.

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Fostering Sobriety in Grand Rapids

Emily
Major: Psychology As a Resident Support Specialist (RSS), I play a consistent and active role in our clients' treatment plans. Sanford's RSS staff are responsible for driving clients to off-site excursions and recovery meetings to foster social inclusion and build community. From detox to discharge, the RSS must provide a judgment-free environment, active listening, and emotional co-regulation skills. RSS staff are the liaisons between clients and other facility staff. We are the first people the clients greet in the morning and the last people they wish a good night. RSS are also to hold clients accountable by assigning simple chores, providing occasional behavioral redirection and intervention, and administering routine drug screenings.

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Individual Community Living Service Mentor

Connor
Major: Psychology I worked as an Individual Community Living Service (ICLS) Mentor. In this job, you are paired with individuals with different disabilities and are tasked with helping them meet their goals (which have already been established) within the community. This can range from ensuring they are conducting themselves in a safe manner, to not excessively waving to strangers or using inappropriate boundaries - it is super unique by individual.

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