Behavior Support Specialist

For over 35 years, Youth Villages has transformed the lives of children and families nationwide through innovative, research-based programs focused on preserving and restoring families.

As a national leader in children’s mental and behavioral health, we serve more than 47,000 youth, young people, and their families annually across 29 states and Washington, D.C. Our proven treatment models drive long-term success in child welfare, juvenile justice, and mental health systems. At Youth Villages, we do what works — partnering with others to expand our impact and advocate for meaningful, lasting change.

We're seeking purpose-driven individuals who are passionate about making a difference. With a dedicated team of more than 5,000 staff, Youth Villages is committed to investing in and supporting our employees by offering opportunities to build a fulfilling career through professional growth, personal development, and a mission that matters— helping children and families live successfully.

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Program Overview:

Youth Villages’ Treatment Foster Care program provides evidence-based, intensive in-home treatment for youth in foster care while supporting foster parents and advocating for the best interests of each youth. The program serves children and adolescents (ages 0 to18) who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect, and may have behavioral and mental health needs.

Our parent-centered treatment model promotes positive change across home, school, community, and peer environments – all while working diligently to achieve family reunification whenever possible or finding permanency through adoption. Foster families and youth receive comprehensive support through weekly in-person sessions and access to 24/7 on-call support from highly trained, trauma-informed Foster Care Specialists.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The Behavior Support Specialist:

• Works closely with other team members to provide holistic support to youth and foster parents

• Provides behavioral support to youth in foster care

• Accompanies and assists with transportation including but not limited to: appointments, court hearings, school, transportation to different treatment facilities, and family visitations

• Utilizes trauma-informed approaches, behavior intervention strategies, and de-escalation techniques to manage challenging behaviors

• Helps foster parents implement behavior strategies through teaching and demonstrating parenting skills and/or safety plans as guided by the clinical team

• Provides behavioral observations of youth in foster care and reports findings to clinical team

• Documents observations, incidents, and daily notes accurately and timely

• Participates in team meetings, case reviews, and planning sessions as needed

• Supervises family visitation sessions

• Ensures child safety and compliance with organizational and licensing requirements during all activities

• Has strong assessment and observation skills to recognize and pick up on behavioral and safety trends

• Provides professional communication and positive customer service with team members and external customers

• Communicates effectively and exchanges information with clients and families regarding their therapy and care

• Completes accurate and timely documentation in an electronic medical record system (EMR)

• Performs other duties as assigned

Additional Information:

• Schedule is flexible and non-traditional as it is based around the availability of youth and families served.

• Applicants must possess a current, valid driver’s license, an automobile for work purposes, and proof of auto insurance.

• Community-based staff will be reimbursed for applicable mileage.

Salary:

$23/hour

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a social services discipline (preferred)

  • Degrees that can be considered include: social work, drug and alcohol education or counseling, psychology, criminal justice, guidance counseling, or marriage and family therapy (others subject to review

• High School diploma or equivalent (required)

• Minimum 1 year of experience working with children, youth, or families in a professional or volunteer setting (required)

• Experience working in foster care, behavioral health, or school-based settings (preferred)

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

• Excellent written, verbal, and oral skills

• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously

• Basic computer and office machinery knowledge

• Ability to maintain a flexible schedule

Youth Villages Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug Coverage and Vision

• 401(k)

• Time off:

• • 2 week paid vacation (full-time) / 1 week paid vacation (part-time)

  • 12 paid sick days per year

  • 11 paid holidays

• Paid Parental Leave

• Mileage & Cell Phone Reimbursement (when applicable)

• Tuition reimbursement and licensure supervision

• Growth & development through continuous training

• Clinical and administrative advancement opportunities

*Benefits are excluded for variable status employees.

Youth Villages is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Youth Villages is committed to not only advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace but also in our work with children and young adults. We know that children, families and young people of color can face inequity in child welfare and justice systems, and we train our employees to build the skills they need to work with the communities that we serve, as well as, other employees from different cultures and backgrounds. Youth Villages is opposed to racism in any of its forms and is committed to inclusion, equity, and diversity. We believe that respect for each other is crucial in the work that we do each day.