About Optimist

We invite you to join the Optimist team and help make a difference in the lives of children​ and families, in particular those ​involved in the child welfare system. You ​would be part of a dynamic and mission-driven organization with a ​proven track record of providing life-changing services to at-risk youth and their families.

Optimist Youth Homes & Family Services was founded in 1906, and today we ​continue to help at-risk youth ​through a full continuum of care by supporting children across settings and over time. Our broad range of programs includes residential ​care, mental health counseling, homelessness prevention, and education and career ​pathways. Our services are deeply rooted in equity and leveling the playing field so high-risk youth have the best chance to succeed and ​achieve bright futures.

​Importantly, our values of quality, integrity, respect, advocacy, and diversity ​guide all of our work. Learn more about our mission ​and accomplishments on our website at www.oyhfs.org.

*TO COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION PLEASE REMEMBER TO APPLY ON OUR WEBSITE @ www.oyhfs.org.*

In accordance with CA law, the expected pay range for this CA position is posted with this position. The actual compensation may be determined based on bona fide factors such as education, experience, and other factors permitted by law.

Salary range for this position: $22.50 - $31.15 / hr

Hiring Range for this position: $22.50 - $22.50 / hr

We offer a competitive benefits package:

• Stipends: Bilingual, Licensed, or STRTP
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Care Plan
• Life Insurance
• Paid Holidays (11)
• Paid Vacation Time
• 401(k) Retirement Plan (up to 5%)
• Educational Reimbursement
• Employee Referral Bonus Program

OVERALL FUNCTION:

The Behavioral Specialist provides one-to-one support and interventions to a child receiving Therapeutic Behavioral Services. They also work as a part of the child’s treatment team in conjunction with a child’s family/guardians, residential treatment team, and other collaterals (i.e. school personnel, probation officers, etc.) in supporting the implementation of positive interventions towards helping the child reach his/her behavioral goals.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

• Works in coordination with child’s Therapist, BS Clinical Supervisor, family, child and other collaterals as appropriate in the development of a comprehensive treatment plan.
• Implements interventions as delineated in the child’s treatment plan that addresses his/her mental health needs.
• Maintains a close and supportive relationship with the child’s family, residential treatment team, school personnel, probation officers etc. who may be involved with the child.
• Directs treatment and educates family and residential treatment team in the implementation of appropriate therapeutic interventions that support the treatment plan and goals.
• Intervenes with the child’s behavior management as needed. This may include the verbal de-escalation of Pro-Act techniques, however, does not include authorization for restraint.
• Plans and implements individual and group activities that encourage the child’s social and emotional growth.
• Provides transportation for the child as necessary to implement the treatment plan.
• Is able to effectively handle complaints and/or questions from the parents/guardians and/or residential treatment team.
• Develops a working knowledge of behavioral modification techniques, cognitive behavioral techniques, structuring the environment techniques and activities, crisis intervention and other techniques as they related to working with the child and caregiver.
• Knowledgeable of community resources and other support systems available for the child and family.
• In conjunction with the BS Clinical Supervisor, develops work schedule based on the needs of the children receiving services. Manages hours worked, documents time in weekly productivity worksheet, and meets productivity expectations.
• Participates in weekly individual supervision and group supervision with BS Clinical Supervisor.
• Attends treatment planning meetings and monthly treatment plan reviews. Actively participates and assists in directing the development and implementation of the treatment plan.
• Responds to crisis situations and is available via cell phone as directed by supervisor.
• Completes all documentation as required by the Department of Mental Health and Optimist Youth Homes and Family Services. Documentation should be accurate and completed in a timely manner. Progress notes must be completed weekly.
• Performs all other duties as requested by Clinical Supervisor.
• Other activities and duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be a licensed practitioner of the healing arts of have a Master’s degree; or possess a college degree with one year full time equivalent experience working in a group home, hospital, SED classroom, day treatment or other equivalent setting; or two years college with three years of experience as described above; or a high school diploma with four years’ experience as described above.
• Must have a flexible schedule with the ability to work evening, split shifts and weekends as required.
• Must have excellent writing and documentation abilities.
• Must be a team player and work cooperatively with many different staff members and collaterals.
• Personal characteristics to be able to work effectively with the children in placement as well as adequate knowledge, skills and experience.
• Be comfortable with working with children and families or different diversities and be responsive to their needs.
• Possesses the moral integrity, sense of values and a social commitment of the highest standards as required of all staff dealing with children.
• Able to handle crises.
• Must be fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19.
• All employees, regardless of position, serve as role models for children and adolescents who are served by our agencies. Therefore, each employee must at all times be emotionally stable and able to function effectively with children, adolescents and adults who may have mental or behavioral health problems. The staff must be able to demonstrate appropriate daily behavior, appropriate expression of emotions as well as appropriate role modeling. Hostility, aggression, and unnecessary or inappropriate physical and/or emotional expression are not acceptable.
• Must be able to pass criminal/fingerprinting background check, TB Test, Physical Exam and Drug Testing.
• Must have and maintain a valid California Driver’s License and a clear DMV record.
• Must have the visual, physical and technical ability to independently operate a variety of office equipment including the use of a computer. Will also require bending, stooping, filing, lifting of at least 50 lbs. or more.

*TO COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION PLEASE REMEMBER TO APPLY ON OUR WEBSITE @ www.oyhfs.org.*

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $22.50 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Are you 21 years or older?
• If extended a job offer, are you willing to submit to a detailed background check and drug screen?
• As a reminder, in order to COMPLETE your application, you MUST apply on our website at www.oyhfs.org

Ability to Commute:

• Woodland Hills, CA 91364 (Required)

Work Location: In person