Behavior Support Specialist-RTF (5756)

The House of The Good Shepherd; City of Utica (NY); On-site; USD 29,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

The House of The Good Shepherd in Utica, NY seeks a qualified clinician to design, implement, and supervise behavior-based interventions for youth in care. The role emphasizes evidence-informed practices, trauma-informed care, and compliance with NY OMH standards.

Responsibilities include data analysis, staff training, and collaboration with families and interdisciplinary teams to support positive behavioral outcomes in a Sanctuary-aligned environment.

Qualifications

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Familiar with Sanctuary Model commitments.
• Willingness to work flexible evenings/weekends.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and improve alignment with OMH regulations and agency policies.
• Provide clinical direction and support for high-quality care.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations including OMH standards.
• Participate in on-call duties as necessary.
• Develop and maintain behavior management interventions and data systems.
• Lead projects to elevate behavior analysis practices.

Skills

Communication skills

Trauma-informed care

Documentation

Regulatory knowledge

Flexible hours

Education

Master's in human services

Bachelors in Occupation Therapy

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Champlin Ave - Utica, NY 13502, Position Type: Full Time, Salary Range: $25.47 - $25.47 Hourly, Travel Percentage: Occasional, Job Shift: Evening, Schedule 1:

• Sat: 10-6 (but flexible)
• Sun: OFF
• Mon: OFF
• Tue: 2-10
• Wed: 12-8
• Thurs: 2-10
• Fri: 10-6

Schedule 2

• Sat: OFF
• Sun:12-8pm
• Mon: 12-8 (but can be flexible based on need)
• Tues: 10-6
• Wed: 10-6
• Thurs: 10-6
• Fri: OFF

Both Case Loads of 7

Principal Assigned Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and continuously improve alignment with New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) regulations and agency policies.
• Provide clinical direction and support to ensure high-quality, evidence-informed care.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including OMH standards.
• Participate in on-call duties as necessary.
• Support a collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven team culture.
• Actively support staff in maintaining a Sanctuary environment that demonstrates the Sanctuary Commitments and is grounded in the philosophy of Trauma Informed Care.
• Perform and interpret the results of functional behavior assessments for youth.
• Develop and implement interventions that target the reduction of challenging behaviors and increase of adaptive behaviors.
• Create and implement individual behavior plans for youth as part of the interdisciplinary team.
• Collect, analyze, and present data on target behaviors as part of treatment planning process to inform data-based decision making.
• Generalize necessary skills for home or other environments in collaboration with families and other stakeholders.
• Support the development, implementation, and maintenance of various behavior management interventions or in-home behavior management systems.
• Collaborate in the ongoing development and maintenance of systems to support the practice of applied behavior analysis (e.g., data collection systems).
• Develop, maintain, and update all required documentation for regulatory compliance and in alignment with agency protocols in a timely manner.
• Develop and deliver staff training.
• May act as a mentor to direct care staff.
• Lead projects for various programs designed to elevate the practice of behavior analysis.
• Consult with and provide oversight for implementation of behavior plans.
• Serve as a resource to guide team performance.
• While this job description covers many aspects of the role, employees may be required to perform other duties as assigned.
• Other related activities assigned by the Director.

Qualifications: Education & Experience Requirements

• Master's degree in a human services field or Bachelor's degree in Occupation Therapy with two years' experience in providing services to children with serious emotional disturbance preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in a human services field or certification as an Occupational Therapy Assistant with four years accepted as a substitute for the above requirement.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies

• Commitment to the following and Embracing the Seven Commitments of our Sanctuary Model.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Organized and efficient.
• Working knowledge of relevant regulatory and accreditation standards and requirements.
• 5 Willingness and ability to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends consistent with restraint utilization patterns.
• Computer proficiency including word processing, spread sheet and data base management preferred.
• Understanding of basic needs and developmental issues of children in a way that promotes growth and respects individuality.
• Asks age and developmentally appropriate questions and actively listens to children's responses.
• Develops a warm, positive, nurturing relationship with each child.
• Follows mandated reporting requirements regarding child abuse and neglect.
• Practices infection control, including appropriate hand washing procedures.
• Uses knowledge of developmental milestones, assists children in participating at their individual level of interest and ability.
• Interacts with children during meal and snack times, promoting appropriate social behavior.
• Applies knowledge of child development to plan and implement developmentally appropriate activities and environments.
• Adapts activities and environments to meet the special needs and situations of individual children.
• Identifies developmentally appropriate behavior and reasonable expectations for children 's behavior.
• Uses observation as a way to get to know children their interests and developmental levels.
• Valid New York State driver's license.