Behavioral Specialist

MISSION STATEMENT

Are you ready to give back to the community while pursuing your passion?  For over 50 years, Acacia Network and its affiliates have been committed to improving the quality-of-life and wellbeing of underserved communities in New York City and beyond.  We are one of the leading human services organizations in New York City and the largest Hispanic-led nonprofit in the State, serving over 150,000 individuals every year. Our programs serve individuals at every age and developmental level, from the very young through our daycare programs to mature adults through our older adults centers. Our extensive array of community-based services are fully integrated, bilingual and culturally competent.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Under supervision of the PROS Program Director, the Behavioral Specialist is responsible for the provision of recovery support and goal planning with caseload of psychiatrically diagnosed individuals. The Behavior Specialist serves as a key member of the PROS team, providing behavioral assessment, intervention, training, community outreach efforts with scheduled home visits to participants, and consultation for adults with serious mental illness (SMI) or co-occurring disorders who are engaged in a recovery-oriented community program. The role aims to support participants in achieving meaningful life goals, improving functioning, reducing problematic behaviors, enhancing community integration, and supporting staff in programmatic behavior management. This position requires great organizational and time management skills. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities as defined by the ADA to perform the essential functions of the job.

KEY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Evaluates and provides person centered interventions for adults diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illnesses.


• Assessments performed with complete formulation, treatment, and safety planning.


• Develop, implement, monitor, and revise individualized recovery plans (IRPs) or support plans aligned with recovery goals.


• Use data collection systems to track progress, analyze outcomes, and adjust interventions accordingly.


• Provide direct behavioral supports and coaching to participants in individual and small-group settings, including in community outings, skills training, or daily living activities.


• Provides advising and group services programmatically rooted in evidenced based practice.


• Model and teach coping, self-regulation, social skills, and relapse-prevention strategies to participants.


• Works as a member of a multidisciplinary treatment team and practices client centered and holistic care.


• Communicates effectively with client, collateral contacts, outside agencies, referring agencies, and/or outside providers as needed for continuity of care.


• Maintains appropriate and timely documentation of all individual and group services as well as related individual contacts in accordance with OMH regulations and organizational expectations.


• Performs compliance, and administrative duties as instructed.


• Assist in the development of Evidenced Based Practices Group Curriculums in collaboration with the PROS clinical team.


• Attends professional meetings, educational conferences, and workshops, to maintain and improve professional competence


• Conduct seminars and training for other staff on various areas such as mental health, person centered work, etc.


• Participate in interdisciplinary treatment teams and case conferences to determine client care and treatment planning.


• Develop and maintain a wide range of community-based resources to provide training, education, and housing opportunities.


• Conduct initial assessments of housing and basic needs to develop a preliminary plan of service in the area of living goals.


• Work with clients to ensure that they are appropriately equipped for the housing search and for maintaining the housing that they find.


• Engage in traveling within the community to conduct scheduled home visits and outreach activities and provide services in participants’ homes, community settings, and at the PROS program site, depending on program and individual needs.


• Recognize escalation of risk behaviors, intervene proactively, and implement de-escalation techniques in accordance with program policy and best practices.


• Support safe transitions (e.g., re-entry to community, discharge, change in living environment) by developing behavior support strategies and ensuring continuity.


• Participate in incident review, root-cause analysis, and contribute to revisions of policies and supports to minimize risk and improve participant outcomes.

REQUIREMENTS

• 1 year’s previous relevant experience in mental health experience provided in a Mental or Behavioral Health environment is required.


• BA Degree from a program in an allied mental health field (including but not limited to social work, psychology, and mental health counseling).


• Ability to use business acumen to exercise good judgment and decision-making.


• Ability to deal with sensitive issues with diplomacy and discretion.


• Must be able to multitask with strong organizational skills.


• Excellent interpersonal skills and able to communicate both verbally and in written form.


• Commitment to cultural diversity and sensitivity.


• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor under pressure and operate with a keen sense of urgency and commitment to quality.


• Ability to complete work independently as well as in collaboration with team members.


• Must be team oriented with a willingness to be flexible and helpful.


• Must be able to travel locally to conduct scheduled home visits, community outreach, and off-site appointments as needed.

WHY JOIN US?

Acacia Network provides a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to our employees. In addition to a competitive salary, our benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage. We also offer generous paid time off, including vacation days and paid holidays, to support a healthy work-life balance. We prioritize the well-being of our employees both professionally and personally.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.