Trauma-Informed Youth Behavioral Specialist

Boys and Girls Club of the Northern Plains; Yankton (SD); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Behavior Support Specialist at Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Plains works with youth ages 5-18 to support behavioral, social, and emotional growth. This role blends direct member support, family engagement, and staff coaching in a safe, inclusive environment using trauma-informed practices and individualized Success Plans.

You will equip youth with coping and self-regulation skills, collaborate with families and schools, and guide staff in managing challenging situations while

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, education, or related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in behavioral health and/or working with youth in group settings.
• Strong knowledge of child and adolescent development, trauma-informed practices, and behavior management.
• Skilled in family engagement, mentoring, and group facilitation.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, documentation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to remain calm, flexible, and professional in high-energy and stressful situations.
• Familiarity with community resources available to youth and families.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Responsibilities

• Provide immediate redirection and de-escalation during incidents to keep members safe.
• Build supportive relationships with youth and families to encourage resilience.
• Partner with staff, families, and schools to create and monitor plans.
• Track progress, update plans, and communicate outcomes with families and staff.
• Ensure staff implement strategies from Success Plans.
• Facilitate mentoring, small groups, and family meetings to strengthen coping skills.
• Connect families to additional community resources as needed.
• Represent the Club in community coalitions related to youth wellness.
• Pursue training to stay current on best practices in youth development and trauma-informed care.
• Share knowledge with staff to strengthen club culture.

Skills

Trauma-informed practices

Family engagement

Group facilitation

Communication

Organizational skills

De-escalation

Documentation

Behavior management

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, education, or related field

Job description

The Behavior Support Specialist at Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Plains works with youth ages 5-18 to support behavioral, social, and emotional growth. This role blends direct member support, family engagement, and staff coaching in a safe, inclusive environment using trauma-informed practices and individualized Success Plans.

You will equip youth with coping and self-regulation skills, collaborate with families and schools, and guide staff in managing challenging situations while