Therapeutic Behavioral Support Specialist

Job Details: Job Location: Legal Address - Louisville , KY, Salary Range: $20.45 - $22.45Hourly, Job Summary: The Therapeutic Behavior Support Specialist will play a key role in assisting with crisis prevention, intervention and debriefing with clients within the Residential setting.  This position will provide one on one support and de-escalation to clients who are experiencing difficulties with emotional and behavioral regulation during the daily routine.  This role will be responsible for supporting milieu development and ensuring that the cottage environment is operating from a trauma informed lens by leading, role modeling and directing therapeutic interventions as identified on the client’s individualized treatment plan.
The Therapeutic Behavior Support Specialist will communicate with members of identified client’s treatment team to provide feedback and support.  Collaboration in the school and with external providers may also occur.  This position will also be responsible for the oversight of medication administration in all Cottages. This will ensure clients are receiving medications as prescribed, and work to reduce medication errors.
Essential Functions:

Provide one on one support and crisis intervention to clients who are experiencing difficulties with emotional and behavioral regulation during the daily routine.
Leading the implementation of trauma informed interventions by role modeling, coaching and directing residential staff throughout the shift and during crises.
Conduct crisis evaluations and incident debriefing with clients, if needed.
Assist with supervised visitation on campus, when needed.
Assist with implementation of regular daily routine in cottages when crisis intervention is not needed.
Participate or provide feedback in treatment team meetings for identified clients.
Works with other members of the treatment team, as needed, to develop individualized crisis intervention strategies based on client needs and treatment plans.
Implements the child caring program by providing a therapeutic milieu.  Responds to clients’ needs with fairness, objectivity, firmness, care and concern.  Observes behavioral and emotional climate within the group and with each individual client and respond appropriately.
Oversee the administration of client medication for all cottages during assigned shifts to ensure clients are receiving medication as prescribed and work to minimize medication errors.
Collaborate with the school and external service providers, as needed.  
Handles emergencies and other difficult situations according to policies, procedures, and training.
Performs competently in crisis management and maintain certification in Safe Crisis Management.  Certification as an SCM trainer preferred.  Utilize these skills as needed to assure the safety of the individual clients and that staff are properly trained.
Demonstrates a calm and professional demeanor.
Responsible for obtaining forty (40) clock hours of requires staff development/training.  Must implement and use the tools acquired during education sessions.
Other duties may be assigned.
Qualifications: Position Requirements (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities):

CULTURAL SENSITIVITY

Appreciates differences between others in thought as well as style and shows respect for their ideas.
Demonstrates responsiveness to the racial, ethnic, and cultural needs of individuals while maintaining respect for those differences.

EMPOWERMENT

AS APPROPRIATE TO ROLE: Recognizes and works to eliminate situations that may lead to re-traumatization; Understands and allows for mutual self-help to occur among trauma survivors by utilizing their lived experience to promote recovery and healing.

JOB KNOWLEDGE (Essential Functions)

Has a clear understanding of the position.
Demonstrates proficiency in the necessary common and technical knowledge areas required for the position.

MODELING

AS APPROPRIATE TO ROLE: Uses appropriate voice, is aware of development levels of clients served, encourages independence and self-help, and reinforces positive behavior.
For those who provide direct care to clients, has the ability to anticipate problems, redirect behavior using positive practices, handle transitions well and develop goals for observation.

PEER SUPPORT & COLLABORATION

Communicates and interacts well with others among teams, across departments, and/or with clients to ensure a respectful, and inclusive service/work environment.
Encourages and supports skill development of colleagues and/or direct reports, clients and/or families, and external stakeholders.
Builds/maintains trust and exhibits healthy boundaries with colleagues and/or direct reports, clients and/or families, and external stakeholders.

PROFESSIONALISM

Is visible with a positive presence, ethical, and highly professional.
Expresses accountability for actions.
Shows respect towards others, serves as an appropriate role model during interactions and while performing job responsibilities, and is responsive to the needs of others.

QUALITY OF WORK

Reliably completes work according to organization standards.
Exhibits strong judgment and problem-solving skills.

SAFETY

Creates and maintains a safe, welcoming, physical and service environment.

TIME MANAGEMENT

Is consistently at work, on time, and conforms to scheduled work hours.
Possesses the ability to effectively manage projects, timelines, and team goals without constant oversight.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university in a related field required.  Master’s degree preferred. 
Experience preferred in providing appropriate care to clients, winning their respect, guiding clients in their development and implementation of coping skills, responding to unsafe behavior in a trauma informed manner and in the participation, management, and implementation of a treatment program.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

Must become certified in CPR, First Aid, Safe Crisis Management, and Defensive Driver’s training.  Certification as a Safe Crisis Management intstructor preferred.
Valid and current driver’s license with insurable driving record required in order to assist in transporting clients when necessary.

Physical Factors (those checked apply):

Sitting at a desk for  up to 8 hours

Office Environment

Entering data / keystroke

x

 
Driving
 

x

 
Standing for up to 8 hours
 

x

 
Reaching above shoulder level
 

x

Walking

x

Bending

x

Lifting/Carrying 50 max lbs

x

Pushing / Pulling 50 max lbs.

Using feet for repetitive action

 
Using hands for repetitive action
 

x

Repetitive kneeling movements to and from the floor

x

Sustained kneeling position for up to 10 minutes

x

Supporting another participant/client’s body weight

x

 
Indoor/Outdoor environment  that may be at times loud and/or stressful