BEHAVIORAL SPECIALIST (FT DAYS)

Hillside; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Hillside seeks a Behavioral Specialist to supervise and guide adolescents, uphold care standards, and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team. The role requires DBT/HELP training, strong communication, and a commitment to safety and confidentiality.

Responsibilities include direct supervision, meal coordination, incident reporting, and active participation in trainings and care planning. Flexible hours up to 40–44 per week, with a focus on compassionate, compliant care.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in a discipline related to client and adolescent mental health.
• Training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and the HELP program, with ability to use DBT safely and effectively.
• Work Experience: One to two years preferred in a similar environment; two to three years without a degree also preferred.

Responsibilities

• Active direct supervision of all assigned children, ensuring their duties, responsibilities, and understanding of the treatment program’s philosophy, function, and operation.
• Implement and uphold standards of institutional care for adolescents as directed by the Chief Executive Officer and state regulations.
• Coordinate with Dietary Personnel to maintain proper diet, well‑prepared meals, and health‑standard compliance; may be responsible for meal preparation during duty.
• Monitor physical health, hygiene, and safety of each child, supervising treatment care at all times.
• Teach daily living and social skills, including maintaining orderly rooms and completing assigned tasks.
• Safely restrain or place a child in a seclusion or treatment room when necessary, using only the minimum force required and following Hillside policies and training.
• Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team to assess child status and implement care plans and group therapy.
• Apply licensing regulations from the State of Georgia, maintaining compliance with Hillside policies and procedures.
• Participate in mandatory trainings: Orientation, Infection Control, First‑Aid, CPR, Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NCI), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cultural Competency, Confidentiality, and Fire Safety.
• Liaise with families, caseworkers, and school counselors for home visits, contracts, and school assignments.
• Report suspected physical or verbal abuse promptly to the Chief Executive Officer, Residential Program Director, and other designated supervisors.
• Transport children to medical appointments, schools, and other activities, coordinating with Nursing and Unit Supervisor for coverage.
• Assist Education Director and classroom staff, serving as a teacher’s aide under supervision.
• Supervise children during all on‑ and off‑campus activities.
• Complete daily paperwork: progress notes, procedure observation forms, home contracts, incident reports, seclusion forms, treatment records, monthly summaries, and school behavior documentation.
• Ensure confidentiality and timely documentation, following record‑keeping policies.
• Adhere to safety protocols, ESI techniques, and report accidents or incidents promptly.
• Understand developmental milestones for children and adolescents.
• Follow the Accessibility Plan, removing barriers for students, staff, and stakeholders.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by Management with teamwork and a positive spirit.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Safety awareness

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred in a discipline related to client and adolescent mental health

DBT training

HELP program training

Job description

Behavioral Specialist

Job Location: Hillside Inc - Atlanta, GA 30306

Overview

Responsible for the direct supervision of all children assigned to his/her supervision, implementing and maintaining institutional care standards for children and adolescents as designated by the Chief Executive Officer and the State of Georgia. The Behavioral Specialist requires advanced knowledge of behavioral sciences attained through extended study.

Core Responsibilities

• Active direct supervision of all assigned children, ensuring their duties, responsibilities, and understanding of the treatment program’s philosophy, function, and operation.
• Implement and uphold standards of institutional care for adolescents as directed by the Chief Executive Officer and state regulations.
• Coordinate with Dietary Personnel to maintain proper diet, well‑prepared meals, and health‑standard compliance; may be responsible for meal preparation during duty.
• Monitor physical health, hygiene, and safety of each child, supervising treatment care at all times.
• Teach daily living and social skills, including maintaining orderly rooms and completing assigned tasks.
• Safely restrain or place a child in a seclusion or treatment room when necessary, using only the minimum force required and following Hillside policies and training.
• Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team to assess child status and implement care plans and group therapy.
• Apply licensing regulations from the State of Georgia, maintaining compliance with Hillside policies and procedures.
• Participate in mandatory trainings: Orientation, Infection Control, First‑Aid, CPR, Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NCI), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cultural Competency, Confidentiality, and Fire Safety.
• Liaise with families, caseworkers, and school counselors for home visits, contracts, and school assignments.
• Report suspected physical or verbal abuse promptly to the Chief Executive Officer, Residential Program Director, and other designated supervisors.
• Transport children to medical appointments, schools, and other activities, coordinating with Nursing and Unit Supervisor for coverage.
• Assist Education Director and classroom staff, serving as a teacher’s aide under supervision.
• Supervise children during all on‑ and off‑campus activities.
• Complete daily paperwork: progress notes, procedure observation forms, home contracts, incident reports, seclusion forms, treatment records, monthly summaries, and school behavior documentation.
• Ensure confidentiality and timely documentation, following record‑keeping policies.
• Adhere to safety protocols, ESI techniques, and report accidents or incidents promptly.
• Understand developmental milestones for children and adolescents.
• Follow the Accessibility Plan, removing barriers for students, staff, and stakeholders.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by Management with teamwork and a positive spirit.

General Competencies

• Customer Focus: Promote a positive image, exhibit high quality work, support a caring culture.
• Teamwork: Initiate action independently, cooperate, and be a productive member of staff.
• Communication: Communicate effectively, clearly, and appropriately; use supervisions to improve judgment.

Core Competencies

• Safety and Wellness: Ensure healthy physical and emotional development, safety, and nourishment.
• Child/Adolescent Growth and Development: Understand learning, development, and creative expression across all domains.
• Professional Development and Leadership: Serve professionally and represent the child/youth development field in the community.
• Youth Empowerment: Provide opportunities for leadership, voice, and empowerment through facilitation of knowledge, attitudes, and skills.

Job Specific Competencies

• Safety: Identify and address unsafe practices, maintaining risk management.
• Work Ethic: Meet urgent deadlines and prioritize organizational needs.
• Flexibility: Adapt quickly to changing conditions and view change positively.
• Handling Difficult Issues: Manage sensitive situations confidently, remaining objective under pressure.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree preferred in a discipline related to client and adolescent mental health.
• Training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and the HELP program, with ability to use DBT safely and effectively.
• Work Experience: One to two years preferred in a similar environment; two to three years without a degree also preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Annual physical exam required.
• Lifting: 60–120 lbs. alone, 120–200 lbs. with assistance.
• Ability to stand, walk, or exercise for long periods.
• High alertness with quick reflexes for emergency response.
• Possible exposure to blood, tissue, and bodily fluids.

Miscellaneous Requirements

• No record of felony or misdemeanor convictions.
• Current valid State of Georgia license and compliant M.V.R. per Hillside policy.
• Adequate writing skills as per Behavioral Specialist Questionnaire criteria.

Supervision

• Given: Provided by various client numbers.
• Received: Guided by verbal instructions, written policies, procedures, and established guidelines.

Work Schedule

The Behavioral Specialist will work varied schedules up to 40–44 hours per week; rest periods may be provided when feasible.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Hillside Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.