Behavior Intervention Specialist

Youth Opportunity Investments, LLC•Evart Township, MI

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Youth Opportunity Investments is seeking a compassionate, skilled Behavior Intervention Specialist to support youth at Osceola Youth Center, a secure, structured, trauma-informed residential program in Evart, Michigan. The role combines behavioral assessment and intervention planning with hands-on residential care to promote youth safety, well-being, and progress. The specialist reports to the Michigan Facility Administrator and collaborates with residential staff, case managers, therapists, teachers, and families. The position has no direct supervisory responsibilities. The specialist conducts behavioral assessments, develops and monitors individualized intervention plans, provides direct support and crisis intervention, and helps youth build coping skills, emotional regulation, and positive behaviors. The role also involves coaching staff, maintaining accurate records, supporting regulatory and quality improvement activities, and following applicable safety, confidentiality, licensing, accreditation, ethical, and agency requirements.

Requirements

Knowledge of behavioral assessment methods, functional behavioral assessments, and behavior intervention planning.
Strong understanding of applied behavior analysis principles, positive behavior supports, trauma-informed care, and youth development.
Ability to analyze behavioral data and translate findings into practical intervention strategies.
Strong training, coaching, and facilitation skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced treatment environment.
Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
Ability to build effective working relationships with youth, families, staff, and community partners.
Proficiency with electronic health records, behavioral tracking systems, and Microsoft Office applications.
Physical and emotional capacity to perform the responsibilities of the position.
Ability to move throughout the property and participate in youth activities.
Ability to transport youth or staff.
Ability to successfully complete the evaluation of physical techniques and written certification examination.
Maintain an appropriate, valid state driver’s license.
Meet state criminal background check requirements.
Ability to occasionally work irregular hours.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in human services, social work, psychology, criminal justice, juvenile justice, education, or child development preferred.
Alternatively, an associate’s degree or at least 60 college credit hours in human services, combined with relevant hands-on youth experience.

Responsibilities

Conduct functional behavioral assessments to identify causes and triggers of challenging behaviors.
Develop and implement individualized behavior intervention plans; monitor progress, document results, and adjust strategies as needed.
Provide direct behavioral support through de-escalation, crisis intervention, and positive behavior support.
Assist youth with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, and meals, when required.
Use therapeutic approaches, including DBT, CBT, and coping skills strategies, to promote self-management and emotional regulation.
Collaborate with residential staff, case managers, therapists, teachers, and families to maintain consistent support.
Communicate youth progress, behavioral changes, and crisis situations to the care team.
Advocate for youth rights and best interests.
Train and coach staff on effective behavior management strategies.
Ensure on-the-job training is completed consistently and thoroughly so new Mental Health Technicians understand their responsibilities and follow policies, procedures, and protocols.
Educate youth about behavioral health concepts and coping skills.
Develop proactive strategies to reduce aggression, self-harm, property destruction, and other high-risk behaviors.
Provide consultation during behavioral crises and participate in post-incident reviews to identify contributing factors and recommend preventive interventions.
Maintain accurate, timely records of assessments, intervention plans, incidents, and progress.
Follow applicable licensing standards, accreditation requirements, contractual obligations, professional ethical guidelines, and agency safety protocols.
Protect youth confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA, applicable state requirements, and agency policies.
Assist with audits, regulatory inspections, accreditation reviews, and quality improvement initiatives.
Help leadership evaluate behavior management practices and recommend evidence-based improvements.
Stay current with research, best practices, and regulatory changes in behavioral health and youth residential care.
Maintain a high standard of role model behavior for youth.
Participate in required training and development activities.
Report acts, incidents, or conditions that may indicate inappropriate youth-to-youth or staff-to-youth relationships.
Report all uses of physical force and unusual incidents according to required guidelines.
Perform other duties as assigned or needed.