Bilingual Behavioral Specialist - ORR

About the role

The Bilingual Behavioral Specialist provides direct support, guidance, and intervention to promote the emotional, behavioral, and social well-being of unaccompanied children (UC) in care under the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) program. Bilingual Spanish is required.

Responsibilities

• Observe and assess youth behavior to identify triggers, risk factors, and areas for skill-building.
• Develop and implement individualized Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) in collaboration with clinical and youth care teams.
• Provide direct behavioral interventions to help youth manage emotions, regulate behavior, and improve social functioning.
• Utilize trauma-informed, strengths-based, and culturally responsive approaches in all interactions.
• Support youth in developing coping mechanisms, problem-solving abilities, and emotional regulation strategies.
• Respond calmly and effectively to behavioral crises, following agency Crisis Intervention and De-escalation protocols.
• Assist staff in maintaining a safe, therapeutic environment that encourages positive behavior and engagement.
• Collaborate with clinicians, case managers, and youth care workers to ensure coordinated behavioral support.
• Participate in case staffing and multidisciplinary meetings to provide behavioral observations and recommendations.
• Coach, model, and consult with youth care staff on behavior management techniques and trauma-informed practices.
• Communicate effectively with all staff regarding behavior support plans, risk assessments, and youth progress.
• Assist with training and ongoing education for staff on behavioral intervention strategies.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential documentation of behavioral observations, interventions, and outcomes.
• Complete incident and progress reports in accordance with ORR, agency, and state licensing requirements.
• Ensure all behavioral plans and interventions align with ORR standards, professional ethics, and trauma-informed best practices.
• Facilitate structured skill-building sessions or group activities focused on emotional regulation, communication, and social skills.
• Model and reinforce positive behaviors through consistent interaction and supportive feedback.
• Encourage youth participation in recreational, educational, and therapeutic activities that build confidence and resilience.
• Support transition or discharge planning by preparing youth for reunification or independent living environments.
• Facilitate support groups and classes to the community and clients of the agency.
• Participate in program audits, compliance reviews, and staff meetings as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

  Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling, education, or related behavioral science field.
  • Minimum 2 years of experience working with youth in behavioral health, residential care, foster care, or similar settings.
  • Bilingual Spanish required.
  • Strong understanding of trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and positive behavior support strategies.
  • Ability to remain calm and professional in stressful or crisis situations.
  • Excellent communication, documentation, and organizational skills.
  • Able to obtain Criminal and Child Abuse Clearance from the State of California/Department of Justice.
  • Available full-time and able to adjust work day/work week to provide services when clients and families need them, which can routinely include evenings and occasionally weekends, in order to ensure coordination and continuity of services.
  • Demonstrate the Understanding of the importance of compliance with HIPAA privacy practices.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team, strong conflict resolution, communication and organizational skills; with great attention to detail.
  • Ability to adhere to our attendance and punctuality policy.
  • Must pass and remain current in CPR/First Aid.
  • Must be able to effectively utilize computers and basic computer software.
  • Must meet Licensing (or contract if not FFA position) and insurance requirements.
  • Must have a valid Driver’s License and a good driving record.
  • Must be at least 18 years old with at least 2 years of driving experience.
  • A Greater Hope includes all employees in the DMV pull notification process, notifying AGH of infractions throughout the process.
  • All Employees are required to report all arrests within 48 hours of arrest as per Licensing requirements.
  • Must pass a drug screen, physical exam, and Tuberculosis skin test.
  • A Greater Hope participates in E-Verify and will verify your Social Security Number.
  • Foster Family Agency experience preferred (if applicable).
  • This position is funded through a federal cooperative agreement with the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). Continued employment is contingent upon continued grant funding, ORR approval (when applicable), and continued compliance with all ORR, licensing, and A Greater Hope personnel requirements.
  • Successfully obtain and maintain an ORR Suitability Determination, including all required background investigations and clearances, prior to having contact with unaccompanied children.
  • Successfully complete all required criminal history background checks, child abuse and neglect registry checks, fingerprint-based clearances, and other background screenings required by ORR, Community Care Licensing (CCL), and A Greater Hope.
  • Successfully complete all required ORR pre-service, onboarding, annual, and ongoing training within required timeframes.
  • Demonstrate the ability to provide trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and child-centered services to unaccompanied children.
  • Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is required for positions designated as bilingual and may be verified through A Greater Hope's language proficiency assessment process.
  • Provide documentation of all required immunizations and authorize A Greater Hope to obtain and verify immunization records through the California Immunization Registry (CAIR), as applicable.
  • Successfully complete and maintain all required health screenings, physical examinations, tuberculosis (TB) clearance, immunizations, vaccinations, and other medical requirements established by ORR, Community Care Licensing (CCL), applicable law, or A Greater Hope policy.
  • Maintain all required licenses, certifications, registrations, and credentials applicable to the position throughout employment.
  • Possess and maintain authorization to work in the United States.
  • Positions requiring transportation duties must maintain a valid driver's license, an acceptable driving record, and insurability under A Greater Hope's automobile insurance policy.
  • Physical Demands: Regular and consistent attendance is required. Employees may be required to and must often lift or carry items 10-50 lbs., usually holding it in the hands or arms or on the shoulder. There may be situations where the employee will have to care for the personal needs of infants and children such as managing personal accidents/bathroom support, feeding and, cleaning up infants and children. The employee may be working outside for periods of time in all seasons of weather. Employees will be required to drive a motor vehicle.