Behavioral Specialist

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for supporting the clinical and safety needs of the children in the TFC Program and acts in accordance with all defined policies and procedures. The Behavioral Specialist will be mainly assigned to work with medically fragile children.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Works with the clinical team to support the clinical goals of each of the children.
• Participate in the 508 meeting and assures implementation of the 508 plans for any child that requires a 508 plan.
• Responsible for reviewing the child's progress with their behavioral plan with the foster parent and the child.
• Responsible for providing one-on-one daily care and supervision for medical, or psychiatrically fragile minors and tender aged children.
• Administer & document medication in the medication log (whenever children are not with foster parents and require medication)
• Escorting children to medical appointments.
• Supervise children who are admitted in the hospital.
• Provide coverage for Youth Specialists whenever it is required.
• Oversee and encourage resident participation in clinical group activities.
• Document children's progress, immediately reporting any extreme changes in behavior.
• Report any incidents that may affect the safety of a child.
• Maintain a safe and healthy environment.
• Responds appropriately to the individual and special needs of children.
• Demonstrates group management and crisis intervention skills.
• Represents and carries out agency, department and unit policies and procedures.
• Monitors cleanliness and appearance of units.
• Responds appropriately to fire alarms and fire drills.
• Supervises recreational activities.
• Complete log entries and incident reports accurately and regularly.
• Attends and participates in all meetings as assigned.
• Always provides effective supervision of children.
• Monitors hygiene and health problems of residents.
• Maintains appropriate ratios.
• Works cooperatively and is a good team player.
• Complete all mandated ORR & Abbott House trainings on a timely basis.
• Any other related duties as required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. An employee in this position is regularly required to stand; walk, use hands and fingers, handle, or feel objects; reach with hands and arms; talk and listen, and taste or smell. The employee frequently is required to walk. The employee is occasionally required to keep balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Computer - The Behavioral Specialist must be able to use a computer and able to learn software programs
• Office Equipment- The Behavioral Specialist is required to operate a fax, copier, scan, and other office equipment.
• Communication - The Behavioral Specialist needs to be able to speak, read and write fluently in the English language
• Writing - The Behavioral Specialist must be able to write in the English language using correct spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc.
• Lifting - The Behavioral Specialist may frequently lift 0-25 lbs., occasionally lift 25-50 lbs., and rarely lift over 50 lbs.
• Push/Pull - The Behavioral Specialist may frequently push/pull 0-25 lbs. of force, occasionally push/pull 26-45 lbs. force, and rarely push/pull over 45 lbs.
• Sitting, Standing and Walking - The Behavioral Specialist will be required to sit, stand and walk throughout the work day.
• Stooping -The Behavioral Specialist may occasionally stoop. This is defined as bending body downward by bending spine at the waist.
• Kneeling -The Behavioral Specialist may occasionally kneel. This is defined as bending legs at knees to come to rest on knee(s).
• Crouching - The Behavioral Specialist may occasionally crouch. This is defined as bending body downward and forward by bending spine and legs.
• Work environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in an office environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate due to talk and movement of the program participants and other co- workers. The noise level can increase on occasion due to yelling or screaming by the participants of the programs.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree preferred, High School diploma accepted.
• One year's experience in childcare required.
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record preferred.
• Bilingual (Spanish -preferred but other languages are welcomed),
• All mandated certifications must be taken.
• Ability to work with all children (medically fragile, psychiatric, differently abled). Experience as a home attendant is crucial.
• Familiarity with the ORR population

HOURS AND TIME OF WORK

Full-time - 40 hours per week