DBT-Driven Youth Behavioral Specialist

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

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.