BEHAVIOR SUPPORT SPECIALIST

Sat: 10-6 (but flexible based on need)

Sun/Mon: OFF

Tue: 2-10

Wed: 12-8

Thurs: 2-10

Fri: 10-6 

or Sunday - Thursday 10am - 6pm

Basic Function/Overall Responsibilities: In concert with RTF Clinical Team, coordinate all aspects of training, mentoring and on-going monitoring of crisis prevention activities in support of the development of a collaborative treatment environment and achievement of a significant reduction in the use of restraints at Schafer Residence.

Principal Assigned Responsibilities:

1. Orient and engage youth and their families as part of the admission and initial planning process in a review of Schafer Residence' s crisis support program and completion of the Individual Behavior Support Assessment (BSA) and other pertinent assessments, as defined by the Treatment Team.
2. Assist each youth's Primary Therapist in the completion of an Individualized Crisis Management Plan (ICMP) and related safety plans within agency' s prescribed timeframes.
3. Provide consultation for the revision of ICMPs and safety plans for each youth.
4. Ensure that every staff person at Schafer Residence who may be involved in participating in a restraint has completed the agency's OMH-approved Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) training curriculum.
5. Conduct specific on-site activities with newly trained staff to enhance their practical application of trauma informed care and approved crisis prevention and management interventions; provide ongoing mentoring to direct care staff in these areas.
6. Provide specific on-site observation and assessment of staff competencies related to trauma informed care and crisis prevention and management, working with RTF Management staff to recognize best practice performance and improve low/marginal performance and enhance fidelity to approved agency and regulatory body practices.
7. Provide psycho-educational and skill-building activities and/or groups for youth at Schafer Residence and their families relevant to trauma-informed care and crisis prevention and management.
8. Conduct quality assurance reviews to ensure program compliance with all agency, CMS and New York State requirements related to restraint.
9. Be the lead facilitator of formal debriefings with staff, youth, and families.
10. Coordinate the programs analysis of restraint and near miss trend data to refine quality improvement efforts against standards defined by the agency and accrediting bodies.
11. Assist program Management and Clinical staff in promoting and ensuring the provision of effective trauma informed, strength-based, and recovery-oriented daily therapeutic activities that build resiliency.
12. Participate on the agency's Behavior Support Committee.
13. Attend agency, community or other meetings as assigned by the Director of RTF Services.
14. Other related tasks/duties or special projects as requested by supervisor.

Education & Experience Requirements:

1. Master's degree in a human services field or Bachelor's degree in Occupation Therapy with two years' experience in providing services to children with serious emotional disturbance preferred.
2. Bachelor's degree in a human services field or certification as an Occupational Therapy Assistant with four years accepted as a substitute for the above requirement.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The House of the Good Shepherd is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability, marital status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and accessible environment where diversity is valued and recognized as a source of strength and enrichment. We seek to attract talented people from a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures.