Under general supervision, the Bilingual Behavioral Specialist provides direct support, guidance, and intervention to promote the emotional, behavioral, and social well-being of unaccompanied children (UC) in a federal program. Bilingual Spanish is required.
This position plays a vital role in implementing trauma-informed behavior management strategies, developing individualized behavior support plans, and assisting youth in developing healthy coping skills. Working under the supervision of the Lead Clinician, the Behavioral Specialist collaborates closely with case managers, youth care workers, and education staff to ensure a consistent and supportive environment that meets the unique needs of each child.
The Behavioral Specialist serves as a bridge between clinical and direct care teams to maintain safety, stability, and therapeutic engagement throughout the youth’s stay in care.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Observe and assess youth behavior to identify triggers, risk factors, and areas for skill-building.
- Develop and implement individualized Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) in collaboration with clinical and youth care teams.
- Provide direct behavioral interventions to help youth manage emotions, regulate behavior, and improve social functioning.
- Utilize trauma-informed, strengths-based, and culturally responsive approaches in all interactions.
- Support youth in developing coping mechanisms, problem-solving abilities, and emotional regulation strategies.
- Respond calmly and effectively to behavioral crises, following agency Crisis Intervention and De-escalation protocols.
- Assist staff in maintaining a safe, therapeutic environment that encourages positive behavior and engagement.
- Work closely with clinicians, case managers, and youth care workers to ensure coordinated behavioral support.
- Participate in case staffing and multidisciplinary meetings to provide behavioral observations and recommendations.
- Provide coaching, modeling, and consultation to youth care staff regarding behavior management techniques and trauma-informed practices.
- Communicate effectively with all staff regarding behavior support plans, risk assessments, and youth progress.
- Assist with training and ongoing education for staff on behavioral intervention strategies.
- Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential documentation of behavioral observations, interventions, and outcomes.
- Complete incident and progress reports in accordance with federal, agency, and state licensing requirements.
- Ensure all behavioral plans and interventions align with federal and agency standards, professional ethics, and trauma-informed best practices.
- Participate in program audits, compliance reviews, and staff meetings as needed.
- Facilitate structured skill-building sessions or group activities focused on emotional regulation, communication, and social skills.
- Model and reinforce positive behaviors through consistent interaction and supportive feedback.
- Encourage youth participation in recreational, educational, and therapeutic activities that build confidence and resilience.
- Support transition or discharge planning by preparing youth for reunification or independent living environments.
- Participate in and provide support groups and classes to the community and clients of the agency. (based on position)
- Maintain a welcoming environment for families and other community partners.
- Ensure compliance with HIPAA and PII privacy and security requirements.
- As with all of our positions, we work as a team and various duties may be assigned at any time including tasks to support other AGH programs/services, cleaning, organizing, child care, attending to the needs of the child in your care or in the office, attendance at meetings, transportation, paperwork, etc.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Reporting To: Lead Clinician
Hiring Rate of Pay: $25.96 per hour
