Behavioral Specialist

About the role

Bethany Christian Services is a non-profit organization that supports children, foster care, and adoption across 29 states. The Behavioral Specialist position is rooted in the organization's Christian values and mission to ensure children are safe, loved, and connected.

Responsibilities

• Maintain assigned caseload of children, birth parents, and foster parents;
• Utilize identified assessment tools to assess the level of necessary behavioral support for all incoming treatment foster youth;
• Complete assessments for referred youth in a timely manner;
• Develop and implement a child-specific behavior contract and provide the appropriate data monitoring tools based on the assessed needs;
• Conduct meetings with the child and foster parent, as appropriate, to address concerns and review youth’s progress;
• Participate in Corrective Action Plans (CAP) with foster parents to assist in parenting difficult behaviors;
• Work closely with the case manager and therapist regarding the child’s progress while in the program, providing supporting documentation regarding visits, etc., as needed;
• Communicate regularly with Foster Care, Foster Care Adoption and Licensing teams as a member of the Child Welfare Team;
• Support reunification when appropriate and assist birth parents in learning necessary skills to successfully parent children with trauma behaviors;
• Attend team meetings and may participate in crisis planning and intervention, in partnership with the assigned case manager for referred youth;
• Develop and teach interventions related to trauma, behaviors, emotions, coping skills, etc.;
• May assist in the ongoing training of foster parents;
• Assist in the coordination and implementation of monthly foster parent support group;
• Cultivate and develop resources for children, foster parents, and caseworkers specific to the identified needs;
• Provide transportation for clients, as needed;
• Complete all standard annual training.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, or related field from an accredited college;
• At least one (1) year of experience working in a child and family welfare agency;
• Demonstrated ability to complete assessments, implement treatment plans, goals, and behavioral interventions to clients who have experienced trauma;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Reliable with time-sensitive deadlines and tasks;
• High level of confidentiality;
• Ability to engage and communicate effectively with a diverse group of individuals;
• Work well under pressure and adaptable to change;
• Able to work flexible work hours to include some evenings and weekends;
• Computer skills sufficient to perform essential functions including knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite;
• Must be 21 years old with a valid driver's license with at least 3 years driving experience in the U.S. to operate a vehicle on behalf of Bethany;
• Pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check and maintain a reliable vehicle with proof of adequate coverage;
• Pass a criminal history screen, including state and local child protection agency registries;
• Subscription to and integration of the agency Statement of Faith, Mission Statement, and Commitment to Unity.

Qualifications

• Experience a team environment with other professionals who are motivated by faith, support one another, pursue excellence, and are in it for the long haul;
• Access to training, professional development, and career growth opportunities;
• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, and vision);
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match eligibility;
• Grossly generous time off (11 paid holidays, PTO Your Way, paid parental leave, separate sick and paid absence banks);
• Access to education reimbursement for those that qualify;
• Comprehensive employee assistance and wellness program;
• Employer-paid long-term disability and group term life insurance.