Behavioral Specialist

Lutheran Child and Family Services of IL

Effective Date:
March 1, 2024

Behavioral Specialist

NON-EXEMPT

Program Manager Cornerstone

$19.40 - $21.40

to view LCFS’ Full-Time Employee Benefits.

• Primarily responsible for supervising residents throughout the home, engaging them in social and recreational activities to ensure safety and wellbeing.
• Maintain flexibility in work hours, including participation in rotating on-call shifts, to meet program needs. Current openings for the Behavioral Specialist shift as follows:
• 2:00 p.m.–12:00 a.m., Sunday–Thursday (1 position)
• 2:00 p.m.–12:00 a.m., Thursday–Monday (Monday, Thursday, and Friday);
  Saturday and Sunday require flexibility to rotate between evening and morning shifts (1 position)
• Utilize trauma informed frameworks, harm reduction practices and restorative conversations when interacting with residents.
• Safely transport youth to appointments, school and activities as required.
• Implement weekly psycho educational and life skills curriculum and recreational groups. Provide accurate and timely documentation and maintain records as prescribed by program.
• Provide a nurturing environment conducive to emotional growth, holding youth accountable and implement behavioral management system.
• Assist with medication management and documenting as required.
• Assist with housekeeping and maintenance, food purchase, food preparation and household supplies.
• Ensure all communication is appropriate for the environment. Work cooperatively with staff, community groups, DCFS and placing agencies.
• Develop and maintain working knowledge of trauma informed principles. Attend and participate in staff meetings and complete required professional development in timely manner.
• Accountable for proper usage and recording of all agency and client funds.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Proficient in trauma-informed frameworks and practices for creating a safe environment.
• Skilled in implementing positive behavior strategies for youth development.
• Experienced in developing tailored psycho educational programs.
• Proficient in de-escalation techniques and crisis response protocols.
• Knowledgeable in safe administration and handling of medications.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills with diverse stakeholders.
• Accurate and confidential documentation of resident progress and incidents.
• Competent in providing safe transport and assisting with household tasks.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of all required background checks, including but not limited to criminal background checks and CANTS (Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System) checks, as required by law and agency policy. Candidates must also possess a reliable vehicle and have a valid driver’s license and must not have had a suspended or revoked driver’s license within the past three years.

High school diploma or equivalent required. Associates or bachelor's degree in psychology, Social Work, or related field preferred. Certification in CPR and First Aid preferred. Experience in youth care or residential settings is a plus. Additional training in trauma-informed care and behavioral management is desirable.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential duties listed in the job description satisfactorily. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects,…