At Guided Steps we have a unique approach to how we offer support to individuals with higher level behavioral needs. For individuals with an acuity differentiated factor, in addition to direct support from a DSP (Direct Support Professional), each individual is assigned a Behavioral Assessor who oversees the behavioral needs of that individual. These supports are embedded into the base service, with no additional budgetary allocation required. The Behavioral Assessor will assess the behaviors, create a behavior plan, and train that behavior plan to any DSPs, family, or other supports the individual has. The Behavioral Assessor will also help coordinate care with any other professionals that support the individual. Each of our Behavioral Assessors are overseen by our Clinical Director and BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst), Moshe D. Katz. This structure helps to ensure that all of the individuals we support, receive the appropriate individualized attention, while at the same time, getting the professionalism and expertise required for their higher-level behavioral needs.

Our DSPs who work with individuals with a behavioral acuity go through additional training on how to work with individuals with higher level needs, such as trainings on Positive Behavior Support, and De-Escalation training. In addition, they receive ongoing training by the dedicated Behavioral Assessor, who trains the DSP in the specific needs of the individual they support.

At Guided Steps, we thoughtfully assign a dedicated Direct Support Professional (DSP) to each individual in our care. This process is handled with great care and consideration, as we understand that the right match can significantly enhance the experience and well-being of your loved one. Our goal is not only to provide a capable caregiver but to select a DSP who can also serve as a trusted companion—someone who fosters a genuine connection and supports your loved one in leading a more fulfilled, independent life. We believe that meaningful relationships form the foundation of exceptional care, and we strive to ensure that our DSPs become positive, dependable figures in the lives of those we serve.

DSPs play a vital role in providing care and support to individuals with intellectual, developmental, or physical disabilities, helping them lead more independent and fulfilling lives. DSPs work closely with individuals in various settings such as residential homes (in-lieu of Day Program), and community-based settings. Integration into these various settings helps promote a variety of skills, including but not limited to:

1. Daily Living Activities: Helping individuals with tasks like bathing, dressing, grooming, meal preparation, and medication management.

2. Independence: Encouraging individuals to develop and enhance skills for greater independence, such as communication, social interaction, and problem-solving.

3. Emotional Regulation: Offering companionship, encouragement, and emotional support to help individuals cope with challenges and build self-esteem.

4. Community Integration: Assisting individuals in participating in social, recreational, and community activities to foster inclusion and improve quality of life.

Our DSP maintain a vital role in this process by:

1. Documenting Progress: Keeping detailed records of the individual’s progress, health, and any changes in behavior, and communicating with family members, healthcare professionals, and the care team.

2. Implementing Care Plans: Following personalized care or behavioral support plans designed by healthcare professionals (e.g., Behavioral Assessors or therapists) to meet the individual's specific needs.

In essence, DSPs are key advocates who empower individuals with disabilities to live more independent, fulfilling lives while ensuring their safety and well-being.

Guided Steps offers specialized Behavioral Support services to individuals who, while not presenting with a behavioral acuity, seek to improve specific, targeted behaviors that extend beyond the scope of what a Direct Support Professional (DSP) can address independently. Our Behavioral Assessors, in collaboration with the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT), focus their expertise on a target set of behaviors, providing a tailored and strategic approach to behavior modification. The Behavioral Assessor will assess the behavior(s), create a behavior plan, and train that plan to key supports in the individual’s life.

 This short-term service is designed to achieve measurable progress within an approximated 6–8-week period, during which we conduct thorough assessments, develop customized behavioral plans, training and ensure the effective implementation of strategies. While not intended for long-term support, this service is purposefully structured to produce meaningful and lasting improvements, equipping individuals with the tools they need to achieve their personal goals.

As per the DDD Manual for Supports Program and Community Cares Program: See section 17.2 the DDD manuals – Link provided below.

Individual and/or group counseling, behavioral interventions, diagnostic evaluations or consultations related to the individual’s developmental disability and necessary for the individual to acquire or maintain appropriate interactions with others provided by the Behavior Supports provider at the Assessment/Plan Development rate. Intervention modalities must relate to an identified challenging behavioral need of the individual. Specific criteria for remediation of the behavior shall be established. The provider(s) shall be identified in the Service Plan and shall have the minimum qualification level necessary to achieve the specific criteria for remediation. Behavioral Supports includes a complete assessment of the challenging behavior(s), development of a structured behavioral modification plan, implementation of the plan, ongoing training and supervision of caregivers and behavioral aides, and periodic reassessment of the plan.

This service can overlap with, Career Planning, Community Based Supports, Community Inclusion, Day Habilitation, Goods & Services, (i.e. Classes) Interpretation services, Individual Supports, Prevocational Training, Respite, Supported Employment (individual and/or small group, Transportation.

*** If the individual is assigned the acuity differentiated factor, Behavioral Supports cannot be claimed separately while providing the following services unless the criteria in Section 3.4.1 are met:

• Community Based Supports (SP)

• Individual Supports Daily Rate (CCP)

• Day Habilitation

• Out of Home Overnight Respite

Service Description: Everyone deserves a respite, a break, from time to time. Our respite services are designed to offer temporary relief for those who provide essential care to individuals who cannot fully care for themselves. These services are available on a short-term basis, ensuring that caregivers receive a much-needed break while their loved ones continue to receive high-quality support.

Respite care can be tailored to meet specific needs and may be provided in various formats, including partial-hour, hourly, daily without overnight, or daily with overnight stays. At Guided Steps, we offer respite services within the comfort of the participant’s home, ensuring a familiar and supportive environment. Our goal is to provide peace of mind for caregivers and exceptional care for participants, enhancing the well-being of both.

Guided Steps is committed to building collaborative partnerships with external providers to ensure that individuals with behavioral acuities receive the most comprehensive and effective support possible. By working together, we aim to create a network of care that addresses each individual's unique needs with precision and compassion. Our approach is strengthened by the expertise of our Behavioral Assessors, who provide direct support under the expert guidance of Moshe D. Katz, our Clinical Director and Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). This collaborative effort ensures that every individual benefits from a well-rounded, expertly informed care plan designed to promote lasting positive outcomes. As collaborative team, we provide the same assessment, plan development, and training services offered through Behavioral Supports, to the agencies with whom we partner.