Behavioral Specialist - Overnight, South County Academy

Specific Duties/Responsibilities

• Provide direct, hands-on support to youth throughout their daily routines in both the school and residential settings.
• Exhibit a pattern of conduct so as to be a positive role model to students.
• Interact with students to encourage their involvement in all aspects of the school and residential setting.
• Complete TST training and adhere to TST model of treatment which includes moment by moment assessment, emotional regulation skill building and TST phase-based treatment throughout the school and residential setting.
• Participate in ongoing training in Trauma Systems Therapy and other evidence-based practices.
• Model and coach positive social skills, problem-solving, and emotional regulation strategies.
• Collaborate with teachers, clinicians, and other staff to ensure a consistent, trauma-informed approach.
• Enforce rules and policies in an explicit and consistent way.
• Maintains a positive environment for both students and staff.
• Facilitate and/or monitor recreational/educational activities within the program or out in the community.
• Oversee, monitor, and assist the students in the learning and completion of daily tasks and use of the telephone in accordance with school and residential rules.
• Maintain appropriate program documentation, records, reports, logs and/or data as required. Utilize the Credible EMR as required
• Complete overnight tasks including but not limited to light housekeeping as needed, overnight documentation, safety checks, etc.
• Establish and maintain a positive professional relationship with families, social service providers, community trades people, community members, and volunteers who affect the daily operation of the programs and students residing there.
• Transport students to appointments as required and to obtain appropriate documentation/information as necessary.
• Attend staff meetings, in-service training/workshops, or any special meetings as required.
• Provide emergency or crisis intervention techniques, such as passive physical restraint, when necessary, utilizing the Handle with Care (HWC) Behavior Management Model.
• Use Handle with Care techniques to safely and respectfully manage challenging behaviors while preserving dignity and relationships.
• Adhere to all requirements as mandated by contractual agreements and as set forth in state regulatory manuals.
• Drive company vehicle(s) to transport students to and from appointments, visits, passes, events, etc. South County Academy vehicles may include vans and a mini-bus.
• Responsible for distribution of any necessary medications in accordance with FSRI medication management policies and procedures.
• Act as an advocate for the students and their families.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in recreational therapy, therapeutic recreation, social work, psychology, human services, or a related field preferred. Candidates without a degree will be considered with equivalent hands-on experience.
• Minimum of one year working with adolescents in a residential, therapeutic, or youth services setting required, with direct experience designing and facilitating therapeutic or recreational programming strongly preferred.
• Willingness and capability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays as scheduled.
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to cultural, ethnic, racial and socioeconomic issues.
• Excellent communication skills and team-oriented mindset.
• Capabilities to implement appropriate child management techniques, which may include use of passive physical restraint.
• The position requires reliable transportation, valid driver's license, proof of automobile insurance, registration, inspection and driving record. In addition, the reliable transportation must have a minimum of three seats in addition to the driver's seat.
• Employees may be scheduled to work shifts less than three hours in any workday, to attend required staff meetings, which are agreed to in advance by the parties.
• Bilingual/ASL skills are compensated by an additional 6%, above base pay.
• Multilingual skills are compensated by an additional 8%, above base pay.

Physical Requirements

This position requires community visits, employees in this position must have the ability to:

• Travel to and from community locations, FSRI main sites, and the school/residential location which could include using walkways, stairs and/or elevators
• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs.
• Ability to push or pull 10 lbs. or more
• Ability to perform restraint techniques if needed and work with physically aggressive students.