Behavioral Specialist

PRIMARY PURPOSE:
Responsible for the direct supervision of all children assigned to his/her supervision including implementing and maintaining adequate standards of institutional care for children as designated by the Chief Executive Officer and the State of Georgia. The Behavioral Specialist is a professional who requires an advanced type of knowledge in the behavioral sciences acquired by a long course of study.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

A. Responsible for the active direct supervision of all children assigned to his/her supervision as to their designated duties and responsibilities and to provide direction for developing and understanding an appreciation of the philosophy, function and operation of the treatment program, as well as the structure and philosophy of service and treatment of Hillside.

B. In the supervision of children at Hillside, the Behavioral Specialist is responsible for implementing and maintaining adequate standards of institutional care for adolescents as designated by Hillside’s Chief Executive Officer and the State of Georgia. The Behavioral Specialist should actively participate in scheduled activities with the children.

C. Coordinate with Dietary Personnel to ensure that a proper diet is maintained, that meals are well prepared and that the physical facility meets health standard at all times. If on duty at meal times, take his/her meals along with the children. Occasionally or in emergency situations, may be responsible for the preparation of meals.

D. Responsible for monitoring the physical health, hygiene and safety of each child in his/her unit. The safety protection extends to the supervising of the treatment care of assigned children at all times. He/she will teach living and social skills (i.e. maintaining clean/orderly rooms, doing assigned tasks.) on a daily basis. At times, may have to restrain a child (place child in a seclusion room and/or treatment room) to protect the child or other children. NOTE: Only the minimum amount of force necessary to restrain the child will be utilized, while using techniques and procedures according to applicable Hillside Policies and Training.

E. Responsible for collaborating with the multi-disciplinary team to provide an ongoing assessment of changes in child status. Responsible for implementing the multi-disciplinary team plan of care, as well as individual treatment plans and group therapy treatment for the children assigned to his/her unit. Assure quality services for children by enforcing rules, regulations and legal requirements with children and documenting events of the therapeutic process.

F. Review licensing regulations from the State of Georgia by reviewing and referring to the Hillside Policy and Procedure Manual on a consistent basis. He/she will ensure that the unit under his/her supervision is meeting all requirements. He/she will need to demonstrate an understanding of emergency procedures, internal and external disaster plans, and complete and update all required and assigned in-services and training: Orientation, Infection Control, First-Aid, CPR, HELP (Human Empowerment Leadership Principles), DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), Cultural Competency, Confidentiality and Fire Safety. Initial and refresher training sessions require mandatory attendance.

G. Maintain contact and work with the families of the children assigned to his/her unit to ensure that good treatment is being provided for the children at home as well as at Hillside. He/she will act as a liaison with caseworkers and school counselors to facilitate development of home visits, contracts and school assignments.

H. Immediately report all suspected forms of physical and verbal abuse of the children to the Chief Executive Officer or designee, the Residential Program Director, Cottage Supervisors, Campus Supervisors and the Shift Supervisor, and communicate significant child issues as needed to the children’s therapist(s).

I. Periodically be required to transport children assigned to his/her unit to various activities. These activities may include but not be limited to medical appointments, schools and occasionally to bus and/or train stations so that children may go home for visits. Utilize utmost care and caution when transporting children to ensure their safety at all times. Coordinate the medical appointments with the Nursing Department and the Unit Supervisor to ensure that coverage is always maintained in his/her unit.

J. Assist the Education Director and school staff in the classroom and perform duties that may be assigned by the teacher(s). While assigned as teacher’s aid, will be under the supervision of Teacher/Education Director.

K. Actively supervise children in all activities on and off campus.

L. Responsible for completing a variety of paperwork on a daily basis. This paperwork includes, but is not limited to progress notes, special procedure observation forms, home contracts, incident reports, seclusion forms, treatment received, monthly summaries, documentation of school behaviors in the unit charts/notebooks and any area of concern in accordance with record documentation policies. Emphasis is placed on the neatness, correctness and timeliness of the paperwork. Required to understand and maintain the confidential nature of all children and facility related activities with emphasis on the sensitivity of the child’s records.

M. Perform all assigned duties in a safe manner by following Hillside policies and procedures. Ensure proper ESI techniques are adhered to when involved in physical and/or verbal interventions. Report all accidents/incidents in an expeditious manner. If involved in a work related accident, follow the State of Georgia Worker’s Compensation Laws and Responsibilities and abide by the treating physician’s directions.

N. Demonstrate an understanding of the developmental milestones of children and adolescents.

O. Ensure Hillside’s Accessibility Plan is adhered to by assuring the removal of barriers to the greatest extent possible that may hinder those served, staff and/or other stakeholders.

P. Perform the aforementioned duties and other duties as deemed necessary by Management with team support and spirit.

GENERAL COMPETENCIES:

Customer Focus

• Promote positive image of Hillside with all contacts (customers)
• Exhibit high quality of work
• Contribute to development of a culture of care

Teamwork

• Take the initiative to act on own
• Demonstrate cooperation
• Be a productive member of the staff

Communication

• Communicate Effectively, clearly, and appropriately
• Make use of supervision
• Use excellent Judgment

CORE COMPETENCIES:

Safety and Wellness

• Establish and maintain an environment that ensures children and youth’s healthy physical and emotional development, safety, and nourishment.

Child/Adolescent Growth and Development

• Understand how children and youth learn, develop, and acquire language and creative expression in each of the domains: physical, social, emotional, and cognitive

Professional Development and Leadership

• Serve children, youth, and families in a professional manner and participate in the community as a representative of the child/youth development field.

Youth Empowerment

• Provide opportunities for youth leadership, voice, and empowerment by facilitating the knowledge, attitudes, skills, and actions needed for youth to influence, motivate, inform, and inspire desired actions and reactions by others.

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES:

Safety

• Makes sure to understand every safety practice expected by the organization. Takes no shortcuts that increase the risks of accidents, personal injuries or equipment failures. Looks for unsafe practices in the workplace and takes responsibility to ensure that others are aware of the potential impact.

Work Ethic

• Is keenly aware of the time frame in which tasks or projects need to be done. Accepts and mirrors the level of urgency conveyed by manager or customer being served. Puts first priority on the needs of the organization or the needs of its customers.

Flexibility

• Adjusts quickly and effectively to changing conditions and demands. Discusses change as a necessary and inevitable aspect of organizational life as well as an opportunity to learn new things. Has a similar view and approach to potentially stressful situations. Invests personal energy toward accepting and adapting to change that others use toward resisting or resenting it.

Handling Difficult Issues

• Handles sensitive or difficult issues with grace and confidence. Remains clear-headed and focused and inspires others to do the same. Remains objective in the face of strong emotions. Can acknowledge strong emotions without being unduly influenced by their intensity.

EDUCATIONAL:

Bachelors Degree preferred in a discipline, preferably related to the child and adolescent mental health field is desirable. Be trained and/or certifies in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Be able to effectively use DBT in the therapeutic treatment of the children and their families/caretakers. Be trained in the HELP program and techniques. Be able to use the techniques safely and effectively.

WORK EXPERIENCE:

One to two years preferred in a similar environment (school work study programs may apply) with degree. Two to three years without degree, preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must submit to an annual physical exam and be able to meet the following essential requirements:

A. Lift from 60 to 120 lbs. alone on a recurring basis and/or 120 to 200 lbs. with assistance.

B. Able to withstand long periods of standing, walking or taking part in physical exercise programs on a recurring basis.

C. Be able to endure long hours of work periods without rest and/or sleep.

D. *Be highly alert with very quick reflexes to respond to emergency situations with children

E. *Tasks may require exposure to blood, tissue and/or bodily fluids.

MISCELLANEOUS REQUIREMENTS:

A. Must not have a record of a felony or misdemeanor convictions.

B. Must have a current valid State of Georgia license. Must present an M.V.R. that meets the standards set in Hillside Driving policy.

C. Must demonstrate adequate writing skills (refer to the established criteria for the Behavioral Specialist Questionnaire).

SUPERVISION GIVEN:

Various number of children.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Guided by verbal instructions and written policies, procedures and established guidelines.

WORK SCHEDULE:

The Behavioral Specialist will be required to work varied work schedules, such as 40-44 hours/week. If situations allow, rest periods may be provided.