Behavior Support Specialist en Youth Villages

Company Overview

Youth Villages has been a national leader in the implementation of research-based treatment philosophies in the field of children's mental and behavioral health. Our commitment to helping troubled children and their families find success spans 35+ years and includes a comprehensive array of programs and services. 

If you are looking for a positive career move where you are meeting the challenges of life and striving to make a positive difference, then Youth Villages is the place for you. We are looking for people with a strong sense of purpose and focus to continually build confidence in yourself and our organization.

Position Summary

The Behavior Support Specialist is a paraprofessional who provides direct support to youth in foster care, clinicians, and foster parents. This role involves helping manage and de-escalate behaviors, supporting foster families, assisting with transportation and appointments, and assisting the program to help creating a stable, trauma-informed environment for children involved in the foster care system.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned:

• Work closely with other team members to provide holistic support to youth and foster parents.
• Provide behavioral support to children and youth in foster care.
• Accompany and assist with transportation to possibly include, but is not limited to, appointments, court hearings, school, transportation to different treatment facilities and/or family visitations.
• Utilize systemic treatment model interventions, trauma-informed and developmentally appropriate approach to help manage challenging behaviors or assist with youth in crisis.
• Help foster parents implement behavior strategies through teaching and demonstrating parenting skills and/or safety plans as guided by the clinical team.
• Provide behavioral observations of youth in foster care and report findings to clinical team.
• Document observations, incidents, and daily notes accurately and timely.
• Participate in team meetings, case reviews, and planning sessions, as needed.
• Support with supervised family visitation sessions.
• Participate in initial and ongoing training in areas such as de-escalation, child development, cultural competence, and trauma-informed care.
• Ensure child safety and compliance with organizational and licensing requirements during all activities.
• Have strong assessment and observation skills to be able to recognize and pick up on behavioral and safety trends.
• Provide professional communication and positive customer service with team members and external customers.
• Must be able to communicate effectively and exchange information with clients and families regarding their therapy and care.
• Must be able to efficiently operate a computer and other office machinery such as calculator, copy machines, and printer.
• This position will complete ongoing training required to learn and maintain skills including CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention).
• Familiarity with trauma-informed care, behavior intervention strategies, or de-escalation techniques (e.g., CPI,TCI)
• Settings could include, but are not limited to, foster homes, community, hospitals, schools, and office buildings.
• Will be responsible for other support duties, as needed, as outlined by the leadership team

Education and Experience

• Minimum high school degree, preferred associate or bachelor’s degree in social services field.
• Minimum 1 year of experience working with children, youth, or families in a professional or volunteer setting.
• Preferred experience working in foster care, behavioral health, or school-based settings

Additional Requirements

• Ability and means to drive frequently; provide proof of liability and property damage insurance on vehicle used with minimum coverage limits of 100/300/50, and possession of a valid driver’s license is required at all times