Behavior Specialist

Program Summary:

Home & Community Based Support Services consists of three programs with the goal of keeping children in the home with their family by providing counseling, psychoeducation, skill building, support and linkage.

Why work in a home and community-based position?

· A New Adventure Every Day: No more mundane desk work! Every day is different, as you'll be on the move, visiting new places, and interacting with diverse individuals. The variety of each day keeps things exciting!

· No Desk, No Problem: Say goodbye to being tied to a desk. If you're someone who thrives on autonomy, a home-based role is perfect for you. Whether you're in your car, out in the field, or at a client’s location, you won't be stuck in one place.

Position Summary: 

The Behavior Specialist will provide therapeutic behavioral interventions, counseling and mental health services to youth and families. Mental health assessment and counseling may be provided in the home or in the community for a youth and their family.

Major Responsibilities/Activities:        

• Provide individual and family interventions with the goal of developing and implementing social, interpersonal, self-care and independent living skills to restore and maintain stability, to support functional gains and to adapt to, and or maintain community living.


• Guide families during and following a crisis episode experienced by a child/family with the goal of stabilizing the child/youth in the home and natural environment.


• Collaborate with other treatment providers and collaterals, as appropriate


• Complete and submit required documentation in a timely manner (e.g. progress notes, treatment plans, et cetera). Maintain positive working relationships with other professionals, community agencies and team members


• Engage and guide the youth and family through active listening skills and therapeutic engagement methods


• Maintain positive working relationships with program/agency staff, collaborating agencies, and stakeholders


• Continue professional growth and training in best practices, as necessary/appropriate (e.g. cultural competencies)


• Attend coaching/supervision meetings as required


• Participate in the agency Quality Improvement Process and other agency meetings including in-service trainings, supervision and staff meetings as requested


• Adheres to NYS and agency requirements including, but not limited to: HIPPA, ethical guidelines, confidentiality, child abuse identification and reporting, incident reporting, worker safety protocols


• Possess a working knowledge of the Microsoft based products including agency programs such as Credible and Fidelity Electronic Health Record

 Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s in social work, psychology, or related human services field and 3 years of experience in the field or training in an Evidenced Based Practice.


• Master’s in Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, Psychology or Marriage and Family Therapy and one (1) year of experience providing direct services for children with one or more of the following primary diagnoses: mental illness, a developmental delay, alcoholism, chemical dependency and substance abuse


• Demonstrated cultural competence in understanding and working with disadvantaged/minority populations in community-based programs in an urban and suburban setting


• A valid NYS driver’s license is required


• Must have reliable means of transportation to travel throughout Western New York area


• Computer literacy required, experience with Electronic Health Records preferred


• Excellent written and oral communication skills

Hours: Mostly afternoons, evenings and weekends. 

Competitive pay rate of $40,000 - $44,000 based on experience.

C+FS offers full-time employees the below benefits to support our employees and their families and help to create a healthy work environment.

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
  –20 PTO Days (25 Days After Five Years of Employment)
  –14 Paid Holidays (includes 2 flex holidays)
  – Bereavement: Four Paid Days
  – Paid Jury Duty


• Employer Paid Life Insurance


• Medical, Two Plan Options


• Dental, Two Plan Options


• Vision Insurance


• Wellness Program and Incentives


• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Quarterly Employer-Contributions


• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA)


• Dependent Care FSA


• Employee Referral Bonus


• Qualifying Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)


• 403(b) Right Away and Employer-Contributions After Two Years (1000 hours each year)

Child and Family Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer: 

Child and Family Services provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran or familial status, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Child and Family Services complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer leaves of absence, compensation, and training.