Behavioral Specialist, South County Academy

Family Service Of Rhode Island; Exeter (RI); On-site; USD 35,459 - 44,083; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package including health and dental

Job summary

Family Service Of Rhode Island is seeking a dedicated individual to provide guidance and support to adolescents aged 13-18 in a school and residential setting. The role requires the implementation of trauma-informed approaches to assist students in making positive decisions and engaging in various programs.

Eligible candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree and possess excellent communication skills, cultural sensitivity, and reliability for flexible work hours. A comprehensive benefits package is included.

Qualifications

• Willingness to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Excellent communication skills and a team-oriented mindset.
• Reliable transportation, valid driver’s license, and proof of insurance.

Responsibilities

• Provide guidance and supervision to adolescents ages 13-18.
• Implement trauma-informed methods using evidence-based treatment.
• Engage youth in programming promoting safety and well-being.

Skills

Recreational therapy experience

Bilingual/ASL skills

Communication skills

Cultural sensitivity

Education

Bachelor's degree in recreational therapy

Job description

Position Details

Location: South County Academy, Exeter, RI 02822. Position Type: Full‑Time/Part‑Time. Education Level: 4‑Year Degree. Salary Range: $25.74–$32.00 hourly. Travel: Up to 25% of time. Shift: Any.

Position Summary

Provide guidance, support, and supervision to adolescents ages 13‑18 in a school and residential setting. Utilize a trauma‑informed approach implementing and maintaining Trauma Systems Therapy (TST) and other evidence‑based models of treatment. Assist each student in making decisions about daily life, conduct, and discipline within agency and program policies and contractual requirements with the Department of Children, Youth and Families. Facilitate and engage youth in programming including arts & crafts, sporting activities, horticultural groups, life skills groups, etc., in the classroom, residential dorm, or during recreational activities to promote safety, well‑being, self‑expression, learning, and positive decision‑making.

Responsibilities

• Provide guidance, support, and supervision to adolescents ages 13‑18 in a school and residential setting.
• Implement a trauma‑informed approach using Trauma Systems Therapy (TST) and other evidence‑based treatment models.
• Assist students with decision‑making regarding daily life, conduct, and discipline, ensuring alignment with agency policies and contractual obligations.
• Facilitate and engage youth in arts & crafts, sporting activities, horticultural groups, life skills groups, and other programs that promote safety, well‑being, self‑expression, learning, and positive decision‑making.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in recreational therapy or significant therapeutic recreation experience in a residential setting.
• Willingness and capability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as scheduled.
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to cultural, ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic issues.
• Excellent communication skills and a team‑oriented mindset.
• Capability to implement appropriate child management techniques, which may include the use of passive physical restraint.
• Reliable transportation, valid driver’s license, proof of automobile insurance, registration, inspection, and driving record, with a vehicle that has a minimum of three seats in addition to the driver’s seat.
• Employees may be scheduled to work shifts less than three hours in any workday to attend required staff meetings, which are agreed to in advance by the parties.
• Bilingual/ASL skills are compensated by an additional 6% above base pay.
• Multilingual skills are compensated by an additional 8% above base pay.

Physical Requirements

• Travel to and from community locations, FSRI main sites, and the school/residential location, which may include walkways, stairs, and/or elevators.
• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs.
• Ability to push or pull 10 lbs. or more.
• Ability to perform restraint techniques if needed and work with physically aggressive students.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, and work‑life benefits.

Travel & Shift

Up to 25% travel. Shift duty may require any shift, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

EEO Statement

Family Service of Rhode Island provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, or covered veteran status in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.