Behavioral Specialist - St. Vincent Villa

Catholic Charities of Baltimore•Lutherville Timonium, MD

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Catholic Charities of Baltimore is hiring a Behavioral Specialist at 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 role provides crisis support and proactive assistance to youth in the assigned setting, implementing safety and therapeutic interventions in accordance with Trauma Informed Care (TIC), each youth’s Individual Crisis Management Plan (ICMP), and program policy. The position includes rotating shifts of 6:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. on a four-week basis, including some weekdays and weekends. St. Vincent’s Villa duties include 80 hours per pay period, proactive support and unit coverage as needed, and performing residential counselor duties unrelated to crisis intervention when necessary. Full-time staff receive six weeks of hands-on training to complete TCI and CARE certifications. TCI training is provided within two months of hire and CARE training within three months.

Requirements

High school diploma.
Four years of experience working with children or special populations.
High skill in verbally de-escalating youth who are angry, aggressive, and out of control.
Ability to relate to youth and create an enjoyable environment.
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, the computer systems and software needed for the role, including basic computer, web browsing, online training, and email skills.
Ability to drive an agency and/or personal vehicle; driver must be at least 21 years old, have at least two years of driving experience, hold a valid driver’s license issued by their state of residence, have no license restrictions that impede required driving, and have no more than three points on their driving record.
Ability to move objects weighing up to 50 pounds and meet the physical demands of being on one’s feet most of the day, running, and being physically active or playing with students.
Hearing and vision within normal range, with correction as needed, to drive safely and observe and communicate with others.
TCI training within two months of hire and CARE training within three months; training is provided.

Responsibilities

Support 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 the approach to supporting 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 through crisis resolution in ways that promote self-control and constructive problem-solving, and monitor youth throughout crisis intervention.
Consult regularly with staff about prevention and de-escalation techniques.
Assist with orienting new staff, particularly in personal restraint techniques and assessing crisis situations.
Keep staff informed about building problems that may affect a unit or classroom, and coordinate staff when additional personnel are needed during 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 at St. Vincent’s Villa.
Perform residential counselor duties unrelated to crisis intervention as necessary at St. Vincent’s Villa.
Perform other duties as assigned.