Behavioral Specialist

LGTC Group•San Jose, CA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Behavioral Specialist at LGTC plays a front-line role supporting clients throughout their treatment journey, from admission through discharge. Working with clients daily in a structured therapeutic environment, the specialist provides behavioral, emotional, and practical support in alignment with individualized treatment plans. This is a paraprofessional role and is not intended to provide or replace individual psychotherapy. Behavioral Specialists contribute to group programming, model healthy behaviors, and help clients build skills that support their functioning and quality of life. They respond to client distress and crisis situations, support safety, and collaborate with the multidisciplinary treatment team. The position is based at either the San Carlos or Union Avenue location; candidates may indicate a preferred site. Work hours are Monday through Friday, 1:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m., and the work location is in person.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, or a related field, or currently pursuing such a degree.
Basic understanding of mental health conditions, therapeutic environments, and crisis intervention principles.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to build rapport and maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
Effective crisis management and de-escalation skills.
Empathetic, compassionate, and client-centered approach.
Adaptable, flexible, and solution-oriented approach.
Reliable, proactive, and accountable.
Commitment to personal and professional growth.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in mental health, behavioral health, or a related setting.
Experience working with adolescents and/or adults in structured treatment settings.

Responsibilities

Provide day-to-day behavioral and emotional support to clients in alignment with individualized treatment plans.
Serve as a positive role model through professional behavior, communication, and emotional regulation.
Support clients in using coping skills and navigating distress.
Assist with client check-ins, including structured tools to assess emotional state and safety, and facilitate a structured therapeutic check-in with a clinician when necessary.
Help maintain a safe, structured, and supportive environment with support from the clinical team.
Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, clinical rounds, and trainings.
Participate actively in groups by modeling appropriate engagement, reinforcing behavioral expectations, and demonstrating coping skills.
Facilitate experiential or behavior-based groups as needed while maintaining the curriculum and therapeutic environment.
Contribute observations and insights to support client growth.
Respond to client distress and crisis situations by identifying and promptly escalating safety concerns to the clinical team.
Collaborate with therapists and program leadership to ensure timely intervention.
Maintain strict confidentiality of client and program information.
Demonstrate professionalism in appearance, communication, and boundaries.
Contribute to a positive, collaborative team culture.