Behavioral Specialist

ABBOTT HOUSE•New York, NY

7d•$59,000 - $62,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Behavioral Specialist supports the clinical and safety needs of children in the LTFC Program and follows established policies and procedures. The role is primarily assigned to medically fragile children and provides one-on-one care and supervision for medically or psychiatrically fragile minors and tender-aged children. The specialist works with the clinical team to support each child’s clinical goals, helps implement behavioral plans, and provides supervision and care in program settings and during medical appointments or hospital admissions. The position also supports group and recreational activities, monitors children’s health, hygiene, behavior, and safety, and maintains a safe and healthy environment. The specialist documents progress, medication, and incidents; responds to emergencies and fire drills; attends assigned meetings and trainings; and works cooperatively with colleagues while maintaining appropriate supervision ratios.

Requirements

One year of experience in childcare.
High school diploma accepted; a degree is preferred.
Ability to work with all children, including medically fragile, psychiatric, and differently abled children.
Experience as a home attendant is crucial.
Ability to speak, read, and write fluently in English, with correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation in writing.
Ability to use a computer and learn software programs.
Ability to operate a fax machine, copier, scanner, and other office equipment.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including standing, walking, handling objects, reaching, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and lifting and pushing/pulling varying weights.
All mandated certifications must be taken.

Nice To Haves

Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
Bilingual Spanish; other languages are welcomed.
Familiarity with the ORR population.
A degree.

Responsibilities

Work with the clinical team to support each child’s clinical goals.
Participate in 508 meetings and ensure implementation of 508 plans for children who require them.
Review children’s behavioral-plan progress with foster parents and children.
Provide one-on-one daily care and supervision for medically or psychiatrically fragile minors and tender-aged children.
Administer and document medication in the medication log when children are not with foster parents and require medication.
Escort children to medical appointments and supervise children admitted to the hospital.
Provide coverage for Youth Specialists when required.
Oversee and encourage resident participation in clinical group activities and supervise recreational activities.
Document children’s progress and promptly report extreme changes in behavior or incidents that may affect a child’s safety.
Maintain a safe and healthy environment and respond appropriately to children’s individual and special needs.
Demonstrate group management and crisis intervention skills.
Represent and carry out agency, department, and unit policies and procedures.
Monitor unit cleanliness and appearance, resident hygiene and health problems, and appropriate supervision ratios.
Respond appropriately to fire alarms and fire drills.
Complete log entries and incident reports accurately and regularly.
Attend and participate in assigned meetings.
Provide effective supervision of children and work cooperatively as a team member.
Complete mandated ORR and Abbott House trainings on time.
Perform other related duties as required.