Youth Behavioral Support Specialist (Part-Time)

Behavioral Support Specialist (Part-Time)

Kenneth Young Center is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit dedicated to providing comprehensive outpatient behavioral health services to individuals of all walks of life. Located in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, we offer a wide range of services including outpatient therapeutic care, recovery-oriented support, community prevention, LGBTQ+ outreach, older adult services, and crisis intervention. Our team welcomes and celebrates unique perspectives and represents the diversity and vitality of our local communities. Join our team to grow in your career while building stronger, healthier communities.


Job Scope: Part-Time Behavioral Support Specialist for our Child and Adolescent Services Team. BSS staff provide one-on-one support and skills coaching for children and adolescents with issues, such as anxiety, depression and social skills deficits. BSS work with clients to develop and strengthen social skills, coping skills and independent living skills through various activities in their community. BSS work as part of the client's treatment team and consult with the primary clinician to monitor the client's progress in treatment.

We offer a competitive salary and flexible scheduling. Compensation is based on education and experience, and is in the 18.50-25.00 range.. Mentors set their own schedule around the client's schedule, and must be available evenings and weekends. Mentoring offers excellent exposure to working in a growing community mental health center, and allows staff to gain valuable experience working with individuals with mental health challenges.

Clinical Responsibilities

• Provide community-based skill building interventions or respite for children, adolescents and young adults with severe emotional or behavioral disorders, in accordance with the individual service plan. These services are provided on a planned, regular basis or on an emergent, as needed basis. These services will include but are not limited to:
  • Planning and facilitation of skill building and/ or recreational activities with the identified client
  • Setting limits and providing structure for the youth
  • Monitoring and ensuring the client's safety in the community
• Documenting service provision for the chart
• Consultation and collaboration with other clinical staff to address meeting service needs of client
• Participate in supervision as directed with the Team Leader or designee
• Participate with the Team Leader or designee in regular performance evaluations
• Planning and facilitation of skill building and/ or recreational activities with the identified client
• Setting limits and providing structure for the youth
• Monitoring and ensuring the client's safety in the community

Administrative Duties

• Receive input from the Team Leader and/or designee and provide feedback regarding administrative issues
• Submit, in a timely and accurate fashion, reports and data as required by the Centers' policies and procedures
• Participate in orientations and training programs of the Center as directed

Education & Experience

• Baccalaureate degree preferred from an accredited college or university in social work, psychology or a related discipline or the equivalent education and experience to be classified as a RSA or MHP under Rule 132
• Previous experience working with children and/or adolescents
• Minimum age 21 years
• Ability to work evenings and Saturdays
• Willingness to drive to clients' homes and provide services in the community
• Excellent driving record

Kenneth Young Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer


Pay Range: $18.50 - $25.00 per hour