Behavior Support Specialist

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.

Auto Policy Requirement 

Employees responsible for transporting youth must maintain a valid state driver’s license, an acceptable Motor Vehicle Record (MVR), and current automobile insurance. Staff are required to complete vehicle safety training and may only transport youth if all requirements are met, including maintaining the minimum liability coverage of $100,000/$300,000 bodily injury and $50,000 property damage. Annual MVR checks are conducted, and employees with unsatisfactory records are prohibited from transporting youth or driving company vehicles. Company vehicles are the primary mode of transportation; however, designated counselors may use personal vehicles when a company vehicle is unavailable. Compliance with these policies ensures safe and consistent transportation for youth and families

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