Behavioral Specialist - St. Vincent Villa

Pay Rate: $25.00 per hour

About the role

Catholic Charities of Baltimore is seeking a Behavioral Specialist to provide crisis support and proactive assistance to youth within assigned settings. The role implements safety and therapeutic interventions in accordance with Trauma Informed Care (TIC), each youth’s Individual Crisis Management Plan (ICMP), and program policy. St. Vincent’s Villa provides comprehensive residential treatment for children, ages 5-13, whose behavioral and emotional needs have not responded to community-based interventions and services. Full-time staff receive 6 weeks of hands-on training to complete TCI and CARE certifications.

Schedule

The selected candidates will work a variety of shifts on a rotating 4-week basis, including:

• 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Shifts will include some weekdays and weekends. Employees at St. Vincent’s Villa work 80 hours per pay period.

Responsibilities

• Provide support to residential or school youth to ensure a safe, therapeutic environment.
• Interact with youth and model for coworkers the principles of Children and Residential Experiences (CARE), Trauma Informed Care (TIC), and Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI).
• Use the CARE model to influence and guide all interactions and philosophy of support for youth, families, and colleagues.
• Assess volatile situations and de-escalate problems by applying appropriate interventions, including verbal de-escalation, proximity control, voice and touch control, and personal restraint.
• Apply responses appropriate to each youth’s Treatment Plan, ICMP, and ensure policies and procedures of the Behavioral Treatment System are implemented.
• Counsel youth to process crisis resolution in a manner that promotes self-control and reinforces constructive problem-solving. Monitor youth throughout the crisis intervention response.
• Provide guidance and support to staff by consulting on prevention and de-escalation techniques.
• Assist in the orientation of new staff, particularly in the use of personal restraint techniques and assessment of crisis situations.
• Keep staff informed of problems within the building that might impact the unit/classroom. Coordinate staff when additional personnel are required in responding to a crisis.
• Ensure all personal restraints are observed by a Nurse.
• Actively participate in the debriefing process.
• Follow all Risk Management Occurrence procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Program-Specific Responsibilities (St. Vincent’s Villa)

• Provide proactive support and unit coverage as necessary.
• Perform the duties of a residential counselor unrelated to crisis intervention as needed.

Requirements

• High school diploma and 4 years’ experience with children or special populations.
• TCI training within 2 months and CARE training within 3 months (provided after hire).

Skills

• High level of skill in verbally de-escalating youth when they are angry, aggressive, and out of control.
• Ability to relate to youth and create an enjoyable atmosphere.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to act with discretion, tact, and professionalism in all situations.
• Effective conflict resolution skills.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to utilize, or willingness to learn, computer systems and software necessary to perform position functions (basic computer, web browsing, online training, and email usage skills).

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Medium work that includes moving objects up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the job (e.g., on feet most of the day, running, being physically active/playing with students).
• Exposure to outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind while ensuring the safety of children.
• Hearing and vision abilities within normal range (corrected) to drive safely and observe and communicate with others.
• Driving (Agency and/or personal vehicle) is required. Driver must be at least 21 years of age, with a minimum of 2 years of driving experience, and a valid driver’s license issued by the state of residence. No state-issued restrictions that would impede the ability to operate the vehicle as required by the Agency, and no more than three (3) points on their driving record.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Vacation, sick, and holiday pay.
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with discretionary employer contribution.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Paid parental leave.