Behavioral Specialist - Overnight, South County Academy

Family Service Of Rhode Island•Exeter, RI

3d•Onsite

About The Position

FSRI is seeking candidates to make a positive impact on the community by providing guidance, support, and supervision to adolescents ages 13 through 17 in a school and residential setting. This role involves a trauma-informed approach, implementing Trauma Systems Therapy (TST) and other evidence-based models. The Behavioral Specialist will assist students in making decisions about daily life, conduct, and discipline within agency policies and contractual agreements with the Department of Children, Youth and Families, promoting safety, well-being, self-expression, learning, and positive decision-making.

Requirements

Minimum of one year working with adolescents in a residential, therapeutic, or youth services setting required.
Willingness and capability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays as scheduled.
Knowledge of and sensitivity to cultural, ethnic, racial and socioeconomic issues.
Excellent communication skills and team-oriented mindset.
Capabilities to implement appropriate child management techniques, which may include use of passive physical restraint.
The position requires reliable transportation, valid driver’s license, proof of automobile insurance, registration, inspection and driving record.
The reliable transportation must have a minimum of three seats in addition to the driver’s seat.
Employees may be scheduled to work shifts less than three hours in any workday, to attend required staff meetings, which are agreed to in advance by the parties.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in recreational therapy, therapeutic recreation, social work, psychology, human services, or a related field preferred.
Candidates without a degree will be considered with equivalent hands-on experience.
Direct experience designing and facilitating therapeutic or recreational programming strongly preferred.
Bilingual/ASL skills are compensated by an additional 6%, above base pay.
Multilingual skills are compensated by an additional 8%, above base pay.

Responsibilities

Provide direct, hands-on support to youth throughout their daily routines in both the school and residential settings.
Exhibit a pattern of conduct so as to be a positive role model to students.
Interact with students to encourage their involvement in all aspects of the school and residential setting.
Complete TST training and adhere to TST model of treatment which includes moment by moment assessment, emotional regulation skill building and TST phase-based treatment throughout the school and residential setting.
Participate in ongoing training in Trauma Systems Therapy and other evidence-based practices.
Model and coach positive social skills, problem-solving, and emotional regulation strategies.
Collaborate with teachers, clinicians, and other staff to ensure a consistent, trauma-informed approach.
Enforce rules and policies in an explicit and consistent way.
Maintains a positive environment for both students and staff.
Facilitate and/or monitor recreational/educational activities within the program or out in the community.
Oversee, monitor, and assist the students in the learning and completion of daily tasks and use of the telephone in accordance with school and residential rules.
Maintain appropriate program documentation, records, reports, logs and/or data as required.
Utilize the Credible EMR as required.
Complete overnight tasks including but not limited to light housekeeping as needed, overnight documentation, safety checks, etc.
Establish and maintain a positive professional relationship with families, social service providers, community trades people, community members, and volunteers who affect the daily operation of the programs and students residing there.
Transport students to appointments as required and to obtain appropriate documentation/information as necessary.
Attend staff meetings, in-service training/workshops, or any special meetings as required.
Provide emergency or crisis intervention techniques, such as passive physical restraint, when necessary, utilizing the Handle with Care (HWC) Behavior Management Model.
Use Handle with Care techniques to safely and respectfully manage challenging behaviors while preserving dignity and relationships.
Adhere to all requirements as mandated by contractual agreements and as set forth in state regulatory manuals.
Drive company vehicle(s) to transport students to and from appointments, visits, passes, events, etc. South County Academy vehicles may include vans and a mini-bus.
Responsible for distribution of any necessary medications in accordance with FSRI medication management policies and procedures.
Act as an advocate for the students and their families.
Perform other duties as assigned.