Behavioral Health Specialist

Summary: Guides and supports youth in their personal, social and educational development to help them reach their full potential in society.  Concerned with the efficient and effective implementation of the program’s established daily schedule and routine, with special emphasis on the coordination of activities and a positive peer community utilizing TBRI strategies.

Essential Functions: 

1. Engages, inspires, and facilitates meaningful engagement with youth, assisting them to explore, create, and meet their own goals.
2. Implements program goals and objectives to promote a strengths-based, youth-centered approach to assisting residents in achieving individual goals and ultimately transitioning to a less restrictive setting.
3. Responsible for being aware of youth activities and whereabouts while always maintaining a safe and productive environment. 
4. Seeks to understand youth’s unique circumstances, personal preferences and goals and incorporate them into daily activities as well as any needed crisis response to help them regain a sense of control.
5. Assists in providing structured group activities/functions.
6. Provides therapeutic interventions with residents as required and directed by individualized service plans.
7. Facilitates community outings and structured activities as directed.
8. Participates in all scheduled employee meetings, supervision sessions, and other departmental and agency meetings.
9. Implements TBRI (Trust Based Relational Intervention) strategies.
10. Complies with agency, federal and state policies, procedures and regulations.
11. Attends regular training and development opportunities to maintain an up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding health, safety, and local policy developments. 
12. Consistently utilizes trauma informed language and a strength-based approach to assist our young people to reach their fullest potential.

Competencies: 

1. Trauma Informed
2. Integrity
3. Interpersonal Skills
4. Patience/Tolerance
5. Flexibility/Adaptability
6. Problem Solving Skills

Supervisory Responsibility: The position has supervisory responsibilities of clients assigned to their work assignment. 

Work Environment: This job operates in a professional setting which includes shelters and residential treatment centers housing youth from the ages of 0-24 years old. The work environment will depend on the program. This role is considered essential with no remote work options. The position is exposed to a physically challenging environment, which may include exposure to bloodborne and airborne pathogens, physical assault, verbal assault, loud noises, prolonged sitting, restricted movement outside the facility, and highly stressful and hazardous situations. 

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. This position is very active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling and climbing all day. The employee must frequently lift and move items over 50 pounds.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work: Normally works 1^st and/or 2^nd shift. Hours will be worked within standard hours of operation for assigned site. The schedule may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and mandated hours to best meet the needs of clients and families.  

Travel: Travel is primarily local during the business day.  Transporting clients in personal vehicle is expected.

Other Duties: Please note this role description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.   

Required Education and Experience:

1. High School diploma/GED. 

Preferred Education and Experience: 

1. Associates or higher degree. 
2. At least 1 year of experience in serving at risk youth or in a residential program.  
3. A background or college courses in education, social work, or psychology. 

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

1. CPR / First Aid certified. 
2. Ability to handle physical activities, including recreational activities
3. Good driving record

Salary : $17 - $26