Behavioral Specialist; VMS

Villa Maria School is seeking a Behavior Specialist who provides crisis support and proactive assistance to youth within an assigned setting. Implements safety and therapeutic interventions in accordance with Trauma‍Informed‍Care (TIC), each youth’s Individual Crisis Management Plan (ICMP), and program policy.
The work schedule is 37.5 hours per week. Monday–Friday 7:00 am – 3:00 pm
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Villa Maria School provides educational, diagnostic services and treatment for children with emotional, learning, and multiple disabilities.

• 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), Trauma‍Informed‍Care (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 deescalate problems by applying appropriate interventions, including verbal de-escalation, proximity control, voice and touch control, and personal restraint.
• Apply responses that are appropriate to each youth’s Treatment Plan, ICMP, and ensure that policies and procedures of the Behavioral Treatment System are implemented appropriately.
• Counsel youth to process crisis resolution in a manner that promotes learning of self‑control and reinforces constructive problem solving. Monitor youth throughout the crisis intervention response.
• Provide guidance and support to staff by regularly consulting on prevention and de‑escalation techniques.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• 75 hours per pay period.
• Actively work in the classrooms to support student learning.
• Build positive relationships with students and staff.

High school diploma and 4 years of experience with children or special populations.

TCI training within 2 months and CARE training within 3 months provided after hire.

• 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.
• 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).

• Medium work that includes moving objects up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to meet the physical demands (on foot most of the day, running, being physically active/playing with students, etc.).
• Outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind for safety of children.
• Hearing and vision within normal range (corrected) to drive safely and to observe and communicate with others.
• Driving (agency and/or personal vehicle) is required. Driver must be at least 21 years old, with a minimum of 2 years of driving experience, a valid driver’s license issued by the state of residence, and no more than three (3) points on the driving record.

• Vacation/sick/holiday pay
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with a discretionary employer contribution
• Tuition advancement

Join Catholic Charities of Baltimore where you will be an important member of a trauma‑informed care organization that promotes a culture of safety, empowerment, healing, and self‑care, and that believes that every person has infinite worth and promise.

Catholic Charities is an equal opportunity employer. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.