Behavior Support Specialist
About The Position
Youth Villages' Treatment Foster Care program provides evidence-based, intensive in-home treatment for youth in foster care while supporting foster parents and advocating for the best interests of each youth. The program serves children and adolescents (ages 0 to18) who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect, and may have behavioral and mental health needs. Our parent-centered treatment model promotes positive change across home, school, community, and peer environments – all while working diligently to achieve family reunification whenever possible or finding permanency through adoption. Foster families and youth receive comprehensive support through weekly in-person sessions and access to 24/7 on-call support from highly trained, trauma-informed Foster Care Specialists.
Requirements
- High School diploma or equivalent (required)
- Minimum 1 year of experience working with children, youth, or families in a professional or volunteer setting (required)
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Excellent written, verbal, and oral skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
- Basic computer and office machinery knowledge
- Ability to maintain a flexible schedule
- Current, valid driver’s license
- Automobile for work purposes
- Proof of auto insurance
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor's degree in a social services discipline (preferred)
- Degrees that can be considered include: social work, drug and alcohol education or counseling, psychology, criminal justice, guidance counseling, or marriage and family therapy (others subject to review)
- Experience working in foster care, behavioral health, or school-based settings (preferred)
Responsibilities
- Works closely with other team members to provide holistic support to youth and foster parents
- Provides behavioral support to youth in foster care
- Accompanies and assists with transportation including but not limited to: appointments, court hearings, school, transportation to different treatment facilities, and family visitations
- Utilizes trauma-informed approaches, behavior intervention strategies, and de-escalation techniques to manage challenging behaviors
- Helps foster parents implement behavior strategies through teaching and demonstrating parenting skills and/or safety plans as guided by the clinical team
- Provides behavioral observations of youth in foster care and reports findings to clinical team
- Documents observations, incidents, and daily notes accurately and timely
- Participates in team meetings, case reviews, and planning sessions as needed
- Supervises family visitation sessions
- Ensures child safety and compliance with organizational and licensing requirements during all activities
- Has strong assessment and observation skills to recognize and pick up on behavioral and safety trends
- Provides professional communication and positive customer service with team members and external customers
- Communicates effectively and exchanges information with clients and families regarding their therapy and care
- Completes accurate and timely documentation in an electronic medical record system (EMR)
- Performs other duties as assigned
Benefits
- Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug Coverage and Vision
- 401(k)
- Time off: 2 week paid vacation (full-time) / 1 week paid vacation (part-time)
- 12 paid sick days per year
- 11 paid holidays
- Paid Parental Leave
- Mileage & Cell Phone Reimbursement (when applicable)
- Tuition reimbursement and licensure supervision
- Growth & development through continuous training
- Clinical and administrative advancement opportunities
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Associate degree
