Youth Behavior Support Specialist (Trauma-Informed)

Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Plains; Vermillion (SD); On-site; USD 36,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Plains seeks a Behavior Support Specialist to help members aged 5–18 thrive by guiding behavioral, social, and emotional growth. You will use trauma-informed practices and individualized Success Plans to build coping skills, support families, and coach staff on managing challenging situations.

You will provide on-floor support, deliver staff trainings, and collaborate with schools and community partners to expand resources and ensure safe, inclusive clubs.

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 behavioral incidents to ensure a safe environment for all members.
• Build supportive, consistent relationships with youth and families that encourage resilience, growth, and positive decision-making.
• Partner with staff, families, and schools to create, implement, and monitor individualized Success and Medical Plans, ensuring clear communication and documentation.
• Track progress, update success plans, and communicate regularly with families and staff on outcomes and adjustments.
• Ensure staff are aware of and consistently implementing strategies outlined in Success Plans.
• Facilitate mentoring, small groups, and family meetings that strengthen coping skills, conflict resolution, and self-regulation.
• Connect families to additional community resources as needed to address barriers to success.
• Recognize and celebrate youth accomplishments to reinforce growth and confidence.
• Model evidence-based, trauma-informed practices that foster safe and inclusive program environments.
• Provide “on-the-floor” behavioral support in program areas, assisting staff with high-need members.
• Deliver staff training on proactive behavior management, trauma-informed approaches, and de-escalation techniques.
• Maintain accurate documentation of all behavioral incidents, interventions, and follow-up actions.
• Contribute to the design and delivery of programs that strengthen members’ social-emotional learning.
• Monitor trends in member behavior and provide feedback and recommendations to leadership.
• Collaborate with schools, social service providers, and mental health agencies to expand resources for members and families.
• Represent the Club in community coalitions, committees, and initiatives related to youth wellness and behavioral health.
• Pursue training, certifications, and professional development to remain current on best practices in youth development, behavioral health, and trauma-informed care.
• Share knowledge and resources with staff to strengthen the Club’s culture of support and inclusion.

Skills

Trauma-informed care

De-escalation techniques

Youth mentorship

Communication

Education

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

Job description

The Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Plains seeks a Behavior Support Specialist to help members aged 5–18 thrive by guiding behavioral, social, and emotional growth. You will use trauma-informed practices and individualized Success Plans to build coping skills, support families, and coach staff on managing challenging situations.

You will provide on-floor support, deliver staff trainings, and collaborate with schools and community partners to expand resources and ensure safe, inclusive clubs.