Behavioral Specialist - St. Vincent Villa

St. Vincent Villa PS RTC Direct Care•Lutherville Timonium, MD

21h•Onsite

About The Position

Catholic Charities of Baltimore is hiring a Behavioral Specialist for St. Vincent’s Villa, which provides comprehensive residential treatment for children ages 5–13 whose behavioral and emotional needs have not responded to community-based interventions and services. The Behavioral Specialist provides crisis support and proactive assistance to youth, helping maintain a safe, therapeutic environment. The role applies safety and therapeutic interventions in accordance with Trauma Informed Care (TIC), each youth’s Individual Crisis Management Plan (ICMP), treatment plans, and program policy. The position also provides proactive support and unit coverage and may perform residential counselor duties unrelated to crisis intervention as needed. The role works a rotating four-week schedule with shifts from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., including some weekdays and weekends. Full-time staff receive six weeks of hands-on training to complete TCI and CARE certifications. TCI training is provided within two months after hire, and CARE training within three months. The position requires medium physical work, including moving objects up to 50 pounds, being on one’s feet for much of the day, running, and being physically active with students. Work may involve outdoor precipitation and wind while ensuring children’s safety. Driving an agency and/or personal vehicle is required, subject to stated age, driving experience, license, and driving-record requirements.

Requirements

High school diploma.
Four years of experience with children or special populations.
High-level verbal de-escalation skills for working with youth who are angry, aggressive, or out of control.
Ability to relate to youth and help create an enjoyable atmosphere.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to act with discretion, tact, and professionalism.
Effective conflict-resolution skills.
Strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
Ability to use, or willingness to learn, computer systems and software needed for the position, including basic computer, web browsing, online training, and email skills.
Ability to move objects weighing up to 50 pounds and meet the physical demands of the role, including being on one’s feet for much of the day, running, and being physically active with students.
Hearing and vision abilities within normal range, corrected if needed, to drive safely and observe and communicate with others.
Must be at least 21 years old, have at least two years of driving experience, and hold a valid driver’s license issued by the state of residence.
Driver’s license must have no state-issued restrictions that impede operating a vehicle as required by the Agency, and the driving record must have no more than three points.
TCI training within two months after hire and CARE training within three months after hire; training is provided.

Responsibilities

Provide support to residential or school youth to maintain a safe, therapeutic environment.
Interact with youth and model the principles of Children and Residential Experiences (CARE), Trauma Informed Care (TIC), and Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) for coworkers.
Use the CARE model to guide interactions and support for youth, families, and colleagues.
Assess volatile situations and de-escalate problems using appropriate interventions, including verbal de-escalation, proximity control, voice and touch control, and personal restraint.
Apply responses appropriate to each youth’s Treatment Plan and ICMP, and ensure Behavioral Treatment System policies and procedures are implemented appropriately.
Counsel youth after crises to promote learning of self-control and reinforce constructive problem-solving.
Monitor youth throughout crisis intervention responses.
Consult regularly with staff on prevention and de-escalation techniques and provide guidance and support.
Assist in orienting new staff, particularly in personal restraint techniques and assessment of crisis situations.
Keep staff informed of building problems that may affect the unit or classroom.
Coordinate staff when additional personnel are needed to respond to a crisis.
Ensure a Nurse observes all personal restraints.
Participate actively in the debriefing process.
Follow all Risk Management Occurrence procedures.
Provide proactive support and unit coverage as necessary.
Perform residential counselor duties unrelated to crisis intervention as necessary.
Perform other duties as assigned.