Behavior Support Specialist-Yankton, SD

TITLE: Behavior Support Specialist

REPORTS TO: Unit Director

CLASSIFIED: Full Time, Exempt

LOCATION: Yankton, SD

MISSION: To inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens.

JOB SUMMARY: The Behavior Support Specialist helps ensure Boys & Girls Club members thrive by supporting their behavioral, social, and emotional growth. Serving youth ages 5–18, this position combines direct member support, family engagement, and staff coaching to create a safe, inclusive, and fun Club environment. Using trauma-informed practices and individualized Success Plans, the Specialist equips youth with coping and self-regulation skills, strengthens partnerships with families and schools, and provides guidance for staff in managing challenging situations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Administrative/Management:

• Provide immediate redirection and de-escalation during behavioral incidents to ensure a safe environment for all members.
• Build supportive, consistent relationships with youth and families that encourage resilience, growth, and positive decision-making.
• Partner with staff, families, and schools to create, implement, and monitor individualized Success and Medical Plans, ensuring clear communication and documentation.
• Track progress, update success plans, and communicate regularly with families and staff on outcomes and adjustments.
• Ensure staff are aware of and consistently implementing strategies outlined in Success Plans.
• Facilitate mentoring, small groups, and family meetings that strengthen coping skills, conflict resolution, and self-regulation.
• Connect families to additional community resources as needed to address barriers to success.
• Recognize and celebrate youth accomplishments to reinforce growth and confidence.
• Model evidence-based, trauma-informed practices that foster safe and inclusive program environments.
• Provide “on-the-floor” behavioral support in program areas, assisting staff with high-need members.
• Deliver staff training on proactive behavior management, trauma-informed approaches, and de-escalation techniques.
• Maintain accurate documentation of all behavioral incidents, interventions, and follow-up actions.
• Contribute to the design and delivery of programs that strengthen members’ social-emotional learning.
• Monitor trends in member behavior and provide feedback and recommendations to leadership.
• Collaborate with schools, social service providers, and mental health agencies to expand resources for members and families.
• Represent the Club in community coalitions, committees, and initiatives related to youth wellness and behavioral health.
• Pursue training, certifications, and professional development to remain current on best practices in youth development, behavioral health, and trauma-informed care.
• Share knowledge and resources with staff to strengthen the Club’s culture of support and inclusion.

EMPLOYMENT QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, education, or related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in behavioral health and/or working with youth in group settings.
• Strong knowledge of child and adolescent development, trauma-informed practices, and behavior management.
• Skilled in family engagement, mentoring, and group facilitation.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, documentation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to remain calm, flexible, and professional in high-energy and stressful situations.
• Familiarity with community resources available to youth and families.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be of the mental and physical capacity to observe, interact, and communicate with youth, staff, volunteers, etc. at the Club to ensure safety of the space and others, provide guidance and reflection per the Club priority outcomes and goals.
• Ability to stand/sit for long periods of time throughout a shift.
• Ability to operate various types of general office equipment including PC, telephone, copier, etc.
• This position is considered a safety-sensitive position.