Behavior Support Specialist

Department: Mental Health
Reports to: Health + Wellness Coordinator
Employment Type: In-Person, Full-Time, Salary, Exempt

About Our House

Our House empowers homeless and near-homeless families and individuals to succeed in the workforce, in school, and in life through hard work, wise decision-making, and active participation in the community. The Our House team has defined a set of seven Guiding Principles that characterize our culture and that we intentionally seek to uphold: Hard Work, Wise Decision-Making, Community, Initiative, Integrity, Safety, and Heart.

About the Role

You will be responsible for integrating the two-generation approach into behavior support strategies and collaboratively developing holistic behavior plans that support both the child's and the family's needs. By taking a person-centered approach, you will build trust, offer meaningful support, and connect individuals to appropriate resources. You will collaborate with classroom Teachers, Youth Program Specialists, the Mental Health Team, and families to provide trauma-informed intervention strategies that ensure children have access to and experience a safe and nurturing environment and foster resilience in their development. 

What You’ll Do

• Collaborate with the Children’s Programs and Mental Health teams to identify and address behavior concerns, implement trauma-informed interventions, and a positive, strengths-based approach


• Conduct trauma-informed assessments and observations to gather information about children's/youth’s experiences and develop individualized behavior plans when necessary


• Coordinate with the Children's Programs teams regarding IEPs/BIPs (Bright Beginnings) and Behavior Improvement Plans (Our Club). Offer guidance within these areas. 


• Supervise Behavior Coach AmeriCorps Members in a way that ensures the safety and growth of children enrolled in programs, and develops the skillset and learning of the member


• Guide Children’s Program staff in implementing relevant practices, offering coaching, and sharing resources to enhance their understanding and skills


• Coordinate closely with Our House Case Managers, Children’s Program team members, Mental Health Team, and other professionals to ensure full collaboration with a client’s full support team to coordinate their behavioral care


• Participate and help with parenting classes that are offered on campus and provide individualized support to parents who are struggling with their child’s behavior


• Be trained and well-versed in evidence-based practices appropriate to working with children of all ages (infants, toddlers, youth, and teens)


• Be available and well-trained in crisis intervention strategies with children and youth


• Be knowledgeable and available to assist with assessments such as Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ), Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and other appropriate measurement tools 


• Maintain client confidentiality and ensure that all clients are treated fairly and with respect, and that Our House maintains an environment that is inclusive and safe for all people


• Attend all relevant meetings on campus to advocate for clients, such as staffing, supervision, and meetings with other program staff


• Conduct other duties as assigned to fulfill Our House’s mission

What You’ll Bring

• At least 3 years of experience working with children or youth


• The ability to work with a diverse population of people and effectively collaborate with team members by using best practices 


• Experience working with individuals and families in poverty, distress, and/or homelessness and near-homelessness


• Strong written and verbal communication skills; a persuasive and passionate communicator with excellent interpersonal skills


• Action-oriented, entrepreneurial, adaptable, and innovative 


• Passion, idealism, integrity, positive attitude, mission-driven, and self-directed 


• Experience with conflict resolution and/or crisis management 


• Supervisory skills 


• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or 5 years of experience in a social services field (ex., Social Work)


• CPR / First Aid certified within 90 days of employment


• Must be able to pass criminal background checks, child and adult maltreatment registry checks, sex offender registry checks, and a pre-employment drug screen


• Must be able to lift 50 lbs

Benefits & Perks

• Insurance benefits are available on the first day of the month following the start date:
  
  
  
  • 95% employer-paid premiums for employee health insurance
  
  
  • Optional employee-paid dental, vision, and life insurance
  
  
  
  


• 401(k) match up to 4% after one year of employment


• 10 days of annual leave and 10 holidays per year, including a birthday holiday


• 15 days of additional leave for requirements of life


• Employee Assistance Program 


• Eligible for tuition discount at UA Little Rock

Our House is a drug-free workplace. 

Our House is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members. People of color and members of the LGBTQ community are encouraged to apply.