Behavior Support Specialist

Job purpose

Work in collaboration with classroom team, case managers, Family Support Specialist, and other members of the treatment team to facilitate the stabilization and de-escalation of clients who present crisis behaviors that prevent participation in the group treatment milieu.  Provide Psychotherapy, Therapeutic Behavioral Services and/or Community Psychiatric Support Treatment as needed.

Duties and responsibilities

• Align practice and work with the agency mission, vision, guiding principles, the Neurosequential Model and the Re-ED philosophy.
• Work collaboratively with classroom team members to provide an integrated program
• of education and mental health services and supports inclusive of academic, social-emotional, and behavioral programming within an ecologically-based model.
• Work collaboratively with all team members, including agency and center staff, parents, and other professionals to implement the program and achieve the best possible outcomes for every student as needed.
• Provide Psychotherapy or Therapeutic Behavior Services to facilitate client stabilization and assist with the return to group.
• Coordinate and participate in the development, updating and review of the ISP.
• Advocate for the vital interests of the client and family by maintaining a working knowledge of ecological/community resources.
• Assist with the assessment, management, and resolution of crisis situations with clients and their families during the treatment day.
• Achieve the agency defined productivity requirements.
• Provide three months of follow-up services following transition to less restrictive environment as appropriate.
• Coordinate the planning and initiating of reintegration to the public-school setting for clients who meet goals for social, emotional and behavioral functioning in collaboration with the treatment team if no CBCM is assigned.   
• Complete and maintain all required paperwork in a timely fashion in accordance with PEP policy and procedures.
• Transport clients, as needed, to facilitate treatment for scheduled appointments or in crisis situations.
• Implement the Therapeutic Crisis Intervention model with fidelity and effectiveness to support treatment and reduce/avoid restraints, as needed.
• Adhere to PEP and ESC policies and procedures, as applicable. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in human services profession required and mental health licensure-eligible preferred.
• Eligible for the Educational Aide Certificate under Ohio Department of Education, if applicable.
• Knowledge and understanding of mental health diagnoses, symptomatology and treatment programming of children/youth.
• Experience working with behaviorally/emotionally challenged children/youth.
• Communicate accurately and effectively, both written and orally.
• Experience working with behaviorally/emotionally challenged children/youth and knowledge to
• address transitional needs for ages 16-22.
• Knowledge and understanding of trauma-informed therapeutic practices.
• Demonstrate effective decision-making skills and utilize good judgment.
• Knowledge of mental health services in the community.
• Work professionally, effectively, and collaboratively with others.

Physical requirements

• Ability to participate in physical interventions, when necessary, and with fidelity to the methods taught through the Therapeutic Crisis Intervention model. Physical interventions require intense physical exertion. The object is to safely control/maintain a struggling and aggressive young person ranging from 50 – 250 pounds.  Physical requirements include, but are not limited to: kneeling, possibly for extended periods of time on hard surfaces, bending, twisting, and holding.
• Ability to participate in the outdoor education activities and field trips.
• Ability to use a computer.
• Ability to move around the classroom/center and sit for more than an hour at a time.
• Ability to meet driver eligibility standards and operate an agency leased vehicle.

Direct reports

None