DCS - BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SPECIALIST - 11032026-82386

State of Tennessee; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 62,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Tennessee’s Department of Children’s Services in Knoxville seeks a Behavior Specialist for on-site evening shifts in transition homes. The role focuses on de-escalation, active listening, safety planning, and youth engagement, with responsibilities spanning case notes, data tracking, and milieu activities.

The position requires a Master’s degree in a related field, eligibility for licensure, and passing a criminal background check.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in social/behavioral sciences with licensure pathway acceptable after review.
• Criminal background check required.
• Ability to obtain licensure following program review.

Responsibilities

• Provide verbal de-escalation, active listening, safety planning, and problem solving with youth.
• Offer feedback to staff on how to best support youth, including crisis management.
• Engage youth in milieu activities (cards, crafts) to keep them engaged and regulated.
• Perform case management, track work on a spreadsheet, organize files, and keep case notes.
• Possibility of individual therapy depending on space and policy.

Skills

Time Management

Complex Problem Solving

Critical Thinking

Education

Master's Degree in Social Work, Human Development, Psychology or Counseling

Tools

Electronic Devices

Office Equipment

Job description

State of Tennessee Job Information
Opening Date/Time 11/03/2026 12:00AM Central Time

Job Information
State of Tennessee Job Information
Opening Date/Time 11/03/2026 12:00AM Central Time
Closing Date/Time 11/09/2026 11:59PM Central Time
Salary (Monthly) $5,151.00 - $6,437.00
Salary (Annually) $61,812.00 - $77,244.00
Job Type Full-Time
City, State Location Knoxville, TN
Department Children's Services
LOCATION OF (1) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN'S SERVICES, KNOX COUNTY
The behavior specialist will be on-location at the transition homes Monday-Friday from 1pm to 9:30 pm (including a lunch break). There can be some flexibility in the shift schedule depending on the region. In regions with multiple transition homes the behavior specialist may be required to drive to multiple sites in their region.
This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you may be required to provide information about your criminal history in order to be considered for this position.
Qualifications
Education and Experience: Master's Degree from an accredited university in one of the following: Social Work, Human Development, Psychology or Counseling. Other master¿s degrees in the social and/or behavioral sciences that provide a pathway to licensure may be acceptable after review and approval by the Director of Behavioral Health/designee.
Overview
The transition homes are short term placements where youth are housed as they await placement in a residential treatment facility or foster home.
Responsibilities
The specialist is responsible for providing support such as verbal de-escalation, active listening, safety planning, helping the youth engaging in problem solving. The specialist will provide feedback to other staff in the transition homes in how to best support and interact with youth including in crisis management situations.
The primary role will be to engage the youth in milieu activities such as card games, crafts or sensory activities with the purpose of having them stay engaged and regulated. The work involves case management, tracking work on a spreadsheet, including the organization of files, and keeping case notes. There may be some opportunities for engaging in formal therapy such as doing individual therapy but that is not a guarantee and is dependent on multiple factors such as space availability and a secure records storage system. Additionally, the behavior specialist will provide structure and organizational programming support such as the development of activity stations (e.g. setting up a coloring station or craft station or other games) or other milieu interventions that will strengthen the stability and further address the therapeutic needs of the population.
Competencies (KSA's)
Competencies

• Manages Conflict
• Decision Quality
• Customer Focus
• Communicates Effectively
• Resourcefulness
  

Knowledges

• Behavioral Health Practices & Procedures
• Customer and Personal Service
  

Skills

• Time Management
• Complex Problem Solving
• Critical Thinking
  

Abilities

• Written Comprehension
• Problem Sensitivity
  

Tools & Equipment

• Electronic Devices
• Office Equipment