Behavior Specialist

Child and Family Services of Erie County, Inc.; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 40,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off – 20 PTO Days

Medical and dental insurance

401(k) with employer contributions

Job summary

A local community service agency is seeking a Behavior Specialist to deliver therapeutic interventions and counseling services to youth and families in Buffalo, NY. The role includes collaborating with treatment providers and completing documentation as required. A Bachelor’s degree and relevant experience are necessary, along with strong communication skills and cultural competence. The position offers a salary range of $40,000 - $44,000 based on experience, with various benefits including paid time off and health plans.

Qualifications

• 3 years of experience in the behavioral health field.
• Experience providing direct services for children with mental illness or developmental issues.
• Valid NYS driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

• Provide therapeutic interventions to youth and families.
• Collaborate with treatment providers and community agencies.
• Complete documentation and maintain relationships with stakeholders.

Skills

Cultural competence

Communication skills

Therapeutic engagement

Education

Bachelor’s in social work, psychology, or related field

Master’s in Social Work or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Electronic Health Records

Job description

Program Summary

Home & Community Based Support Services consists of three programs with the goal of keeping children in the home with their family by providing counseling, psychoeducation, skill building, support and linkage.

Position Summary

The Behavior Specialist will provide therapeutic behavioral interventions, counseling and mental health services to youth and families. Mental health assessment and counseling may be provided in the home or in the community for a youth and their family.

Major Responsibilities

• Provide individual and family interventions to develop and implement social, interpersonal, self‑care and independent living skills to restore and maintain stability, support functional gains and adapt to community living.
• Guide families during and following a crisis episode experienced by a child/family with the goal of stabilizing the child/youth in the home and natural environment.
• Collaborate with other treatment providers and collaterals, as appropriate.
• Complete and submit required documentation in a timely manner (e.g., progress notes, treatment plans, etc.). Maintain positive working relationships with other professionals, community agencies and team members.
• Engage and guide the youth and family through active listening skills and therapeutic engagement methods.
• Maintain positive working relationships with program/agency staff, collaborating agencies, and stakeholders.
• Continue professional growth and training in best practices, as necessary/appropriate (e.g., cultural competencies).
• Attend coaching/supervision meetings as required.
• Participate in the agency Quality Improvement Process and other agency meetings including in‑service trainings, supervision and staff meetings as requested.
• Adheres to NYS and agency requirements, including, but not limited to: HIPAA, ethical guidelines, confidentiality, child abuse identification and reporting, incident reporting, worker safety protocols.
• Possess a working knowledge of Microsoft-based products, including agency programs such as Credible and Fidelity Electronic Health Record.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s in social work, psychology, or related human services field and 3 years of experience in the field or training in an evidence‑based practice.
• Master’s in Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, Psychology or Marriage and Family Therapy and one (1) year of experience providing direct services for children with one or more of the following primary diagnoses: mental illness, developmental delay, alcoholism, chemical dependency and substance abuse.
• Demonstrated cultural competence in understanding and working with disadvantaged/minority populations in community‑based programs in an urban and suburban setting.
• A valid NYS driver’s license is required.
• Must have reliable means of transportation to travel throughout Western New York area.
• Computer literacy required; experience with Electronic Health Records preferred.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Hours

Mostly afternoons, evenings and weekends.

Competitive Pay

$40,000 – $44,000, based on experience.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off – 20 PTO Days (25 Days after five years of employment).
• 14 Paid Holidays (including 2 flex holidays).
• Bereavement: Four paid days.
• Paid Jury Duty.
• Employer‑paid life insurance.
• Medical, two plan options.
• Dental, two plan options.
• Vision insurance.
• Wellness program and incentives.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and quarterly employer contributions.
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• Dependent Care FSA.
• Employee referral bonus.
• Qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
• 403(b) – right away and employer contributions after two years (1,000 hours each year).

Equal Opportunity Employer

Child And Family Services is an equal‑opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran or familial status, or genetics. We comply with applicable federal, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.