Behavioral Specialist

The Behavioral Specialist (BS) is responsible of mentoring youth, assisting program staff in stabilizing minors by teaching social and coping skills. The BS works in collaboration with other departments on planning interventions for existing behavioral issues. The BS shares updates and recommendations to ensure holistic support for the minor's service plan as the minor continues in the existing placement. The BS is subject to work extended hours and weekends, and to be on-call.

Provides crisis screenings, de-escalation techniques, crisis interventions and supports identifying and coordinating additional services needed.
• Collaborates with different departments (PD/APD, Case management, medical, clinical, and direct care staff) providing information that supports identifying needs, strengths, and areas of growth for the youth adaptation to the LTFC setting.
• Guarantees that all crisis interventions are trauma-informed approaches.
• Collaborates with other departments to utilize strength based, and culturally sensitive practices by reinforcing the use of coping skills, emotional regulation, normalization, and social skills.
• Collaborate with treatment team members and residents to develop service plans and ensures interdepartmental participation and opportunities to identify appropriate goals, strengths, and needs in the development of risk assessments, crisis plans and plans of care.
• Complete incident reports, and/or documentation required for program compliance, and other related paperwork in a timely manner.
• Safeguards proper documentation of crisis interventions according to ORR/State License and SWK policies.
• Coordinates with external entities support with crisis interventions if necessary.
• Continually monitors in collaboration with clinician the well-being of resident and arrange for appropriate services as needed, including arranging for and facilitating interdepartmental approaches.
• Assist with crisis interventions and logistics of emergency situations.
• Collaborates with community-based providers for external support system options.
• Other duties assigned by supervisor.

• Provide training and consultation to support staff, caregivers, and other departments involved in the child's care.
• Attend all organizational required trainings.
• Attend all departmental and program meetings to ensure that up-to-date information is received and/or information of policy changes or practice are known.
• Must assist in the evacuation of residents as needed due to inclement weather conditions, natural disasters, or other unforeseen occurrences.
• Travel as needed for trainings, conferences or to transport residents to destinations located within the U.S.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and hazard-free work area.
• Always ensure the proper supervision of residents.
• Able to react to change and handle other essential tasks as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in social related fields (e.g., Social work, counseling, psychology).
• One year of experience as a Crisis intervention specialist.
• Crisis Intervention certification.
• Ability to utilize crisis screenings and interventions.
• Experience working with adolescents, and families from high-risk backgrounds.
• Successful completion of 86 hours of pre-service training and job shadowing.
• Required to work a flexible schedule to facilitate program services.
• Cleared tuberculosis test results.
• Cleared background check from appropriate entity.
• (English/Spanish) - ability to communicate well both verbally and in writing.
• Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of hire.

Preferred:

• Master's degree in social related fields (e.g., Social work, counseling, psychology).
• Experience working with children and youth in inpatient, residential, or detention facilities.
• Experience working in a culturally diverse environment with adolescents and/or refugees.

Must be able to obtain Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) certification and First Aid Certification (CPR). Must be able to supervise clients indoors and outdoors as necessary. Bending, stooping, and lifting up to 15 lbs. required to complete daily tasks.

This is a twenty-four-hour residential facility at which minors receive multiple services. Three shifts per twenty-four-hour period. Work shifts are subject to change. Noise levels vary from mild to moderate. Predominantly indoors, occasional outdoor monitoring or activities.