Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) Specialis bei Villages of California

Join us at Villages of California where we envision a world where our youth can thrive.

A Little Bit About Us: 

We are a team of professionals who imagine a world where students are equipped with the skills and knowledge to help themselves; where each student is given the professional support to overcome their unique challenges and realize their academic and personal potential.  We have created a team-based approach beyond the traditional client/therapist treatment setting where we provide more than what families and their children were receiving in weekly therapy sessions.  We hope to continue to make strides for individuals and their families struggling with mental health issues and academic challenges.  Join us and let’s work together to help our youth thrive.

A Little Bit About You:             

You are:

• An empathetic leader with strong relationship-building skills who is committed to actively partnering with our staff, clients, families, and the community.

• A self-directed problem solver with the ability to develop a rapport with clients and families of various backgrounds.  

Overview:

The Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) Specialist is responsible for building and sustaining a trauma-informed, CPS-based culture across all Villages of California programs. This role provides comprehensive staff training, coaching, and consultation to ensure consistent implementation of the Villages Clinical Model—anchored in Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS)—within Nonpublic School (NPS) and community-based treatment settings. The Trainer serves as a key member of the leadership team, bridging clinical, educational, and behavioral approaches to promote staff competence, student safety, and measurable program outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Staff Training and Development

• Deliver ongoing CPS training to new and existing staff, ensuring alignment with the Villages Clinical Model.
  
  

• Design, schedule, and facilitate interactive training sessions on CPS philosophy, de-escalation strategies, and trauma-informed behavioral intervention.
  
  

• Support staff in understanding and applying CPS language, skills, and collaborative strategies with students exhibiting aggressive or high-risk behaviors.
  
  

• Develop training materials, reference guides, and digital resources to reinforce consistent practice.
  
  

Coaching and Implementation Support

• Provide in-the-moment coaching during classroom and community-based interventions to help staff apply CPS and de-escalation techniques effectively.
  
  

• Partner with program supervisors and clinicians to model best practices and reinforce staff competency.
  
  

• Observe, assess, and provide feedback to staff on their use of CPS principles and relational de-escalation skills.
  
  

Program Integration and Fidelity

• Collaborate with leadership to embed CPS principles into daily routines, crisis response protocols, and individualized support plans.
  
  

• Ensure all Behavioral Action Plans (BAPs) for NPS students reflect CPS methodology and trauma-informed care principles.
  
  

• Track and monitor fidelity to CPS practices through data collection, direct observation, and structured feedback loops.
  
  

• Lead debriefs following crisis incidents to promote reflective practice and learning.
  
  

Evaluation and Continuous Improvement

• Collaborate with data and clinical teams to evaluate the impact of CPS interventions on student outcomes, staff safety, and program culture.
  
  

• Maintain documentation of training completion, staff progress, and program-level trends in CPS implementation.
  
  

• Identify and recommend improvements to training systems, crisis prevention protocols, and program design.
  
  

Cross-Program Collaboration

• Serve as a liaison between NPS and community-based programs to ensure continuity of the Villages Clinical Model.
  
  

• Participate in multidisciplinary meetings to inform behavioral and therapeutic strategies grounded in CPS.
  
  

• Assist with parent and community education initiatives to promote understanding and application of the CPS model.                                                                                     

Supervisory Responsibilities

May provide training, coaching, and indirect supervision to educational and clinical staff implementing CPS strategies.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Education, Psychology, Counseling, Special Education, or a related field.
  
  

• 5+ years of experience in behavioral health or educational settings serving students with emotional or behavioral challenges.
  
  

• Demonstrated expertise in behavioral intervention planning, crisis prevention, and trauma-informed care.
  
  

• Strong presentation, facilitation, and coaching skills.
  
  

• Ability to translate theory into practical, actionable strategies for staff.
  
  

Preferred Experience:

• Certification or advanced training in Collaborative Problem Solving (Think:Kids).

• Experience in Nonpublic School (NPS) administration, special education, or community mental health.

• Prior experience as a trainer or professional development facilitator.

• Knowledge of special education law, IEP processes, and behavioral data tracking.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

To perform this position successfully, you must be able to perform each essential duty and responsibility satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  
  

• Commitment to excellence, equity, and high standards of care.
  
  

• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills; able to manage priorities and workflow.
  
  

• Strong interpersonal and coaching skills with the ability to influence and inspire others.
  
  

• Ability to deal effectively with a diversity of individuals at all organizational levels.
  
  

• Sound judgment with the ability to make timely and well-informed decisions.
  
  

• Creative, flexible, and collaborative team player.
  
  

• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
  
  

• Skilled in data-informed decision-making and reflective practice.

Physical/Mental Demands

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this position successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties and responsibilities. 

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties and responsibilities.