Behavioral Specialist - St. Vincent Villa

Overview

Pay Rate: $24.51 per hour

Catholic Charities of Baltimore is currently seeking a Behavioral Specialist to provide crisis support and proactive assistance to youth within an assigned setting. The selected candidates will work a variety of shifts (6:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.) on a rotating 4-week basis. Shifts will include some weekdays and weekends. 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.

• Provide support to residential or school youth to ensure a safe, therapeutic environment.
• Interact with youth and model for coworkers the principles of CARE, TIC, and TCI.
• Use the CARE model to influence and guide interactions with youth, families, and colleagues.
• Assess volatile situations and de-escalate problems using appropriate interventions, including verbal de-escalation, proximity control, voice and touch control, and personal restraint.
• Apply responses appropriate to each youth’s Treatment Plan and ICMP, ensuring Behavioral Treatment System policies are followed.
• Counsel youth to process crisis resolution in a way that promotes self-control and constructive problem solving; monitor youth during crisis interventions.
• 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 crisis assessment.
• Keep staff informed of problems within the building that may impact the unit/classroom and coordinate staff during crises.
• Ensure that all personal restraints are observed by a Nurse and participate in debriefing processes.
• Follow all Risk Management Occurrence procedures and perform other duties as assigned.

• St. Vincent’s Villa has responsibilities in addition to the above duties, including 80 hours per pay period and providing proactive support and unit coverage as necessary.
• Performs duties of a residential counselor unrelated to crisis intervention as necessary.

• 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, or out of control.
• Ability to relate to youth and create a positive environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Discretion, tact, and professionalism in all situations.
• Effective conflict resolution and strong critical thinking/problem-solving skills.
• Ability to use or willingness to learn computer systems and software needed to perform job functions (basic computer, web browsing, online training, and email).

• Medium physical effort, including moving objects up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to meet physical demands of the job (standing, running, active play with youth).
• Exposure to outdoor elements; precautions to ensure safety of children.
• Normal-range hearing and vision (with correction) for safety and communication.
• Driving is required for this position. Driver must be at least 21 years old, have at least 2 years of driving experience, a valid driver’s license, and no license restrictions that would impede operation of the vehicle. A driving record with no more than three (3) points is preferred.

• Health/Dental/Vision
• Vacation/Sick/Holiday Pay
• 403(b) retirement plan with discretionary employer contribution
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Parental Leave

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

Catholic Charities is an equal opportunity employer