Behavior Crisis Intervention Specialist

Role Overview

The Unaccompanied Children Long Term Foster Care Program provides a safe and secure placement to Unaccompanied Children (UC) who, following an initial placement in an ORR/DUCO care provider facility and after efforts for safe and timely release indicated that no sponsor is willing or able to care for the UC, are expected to have a protracted length of time in ORR care. Working in collaboration with the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), our program provides a safe and nurturing environment for youth in licensed foster homes in the community. We provide therapeutic, medical, and educational services, as well as other supports that youth need to achieve success through an array of strength-based and targeted interventions as we link them with family members and/or other sponsors in the United States. We want all children we support to move forward with their lives and thrive.

The Behavioral Support Crisis Intervention Specialist acts as a mentor for the minor, assists program staff in providing stabilization of the minor, teaches social skills, and works with the minor on existing behavioral issues with the clinician. The Specialist oversees the minor's progress while in care and shares updates and recommendations with the rest of the team to ensure holistic support for the minor's treatment plan as the minor continues in the existing placement. This role is also responsible for the implementation, instruction, and coordination of Life Skills Training for all youth placed in the LTFC program.

Key Responsibilities

Provide direct support and mentorship to youth in the LTFC program, as needed.
Conduct routine calls to foster parents to assist with coordination of services related to community extracurricular activities, academics, and independent living skills.
Conduct home visits with youth and foster families on an as-needed basis to follow up and assist in the development of independent living skills.
Co-facilitate Family Team Conferences (FTC) with the clinician and attend Treatment Team Meetings as requested.
Assist in completing community-based programming applications and referral forms, and accompany foster parents/youth (or provide telephonic support) to facilitate school enrollment (backup for Case Manager), appointments, and/or access to community resources, as needed.
Complete a Life Skills Assessment for each youth within 30 days of admission.
Facilitate individual and group Life Skills training for all youth in the LTFC program.
Create and update, as needed, a comprehensive Independent Living/Life Skills program curriculum that includes community involvement activities.
Identify and utilize community resources, partnerships, and local out-of-network placements to further support the needs of youth, and conduct outreach (in-person and/or telephonic) with local community agencies to ensure resources are culturally and linguistically appropriate.
Document all services provided within 72 hours.
Other related duties as assigned by supervisor.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in education, psychology, sociology, or other relevant behavioral science preferred.
Two years' experience in a related program for the adolescent population.
Bilingual Spanish required. Other languages are welcomed.
Knowledge of child welfare and immigration-related legislation.
Excellent verbal, written communication, and organizational skills are essential.
Proficient in Microsoft Office suite; knowledge of Connections.
Must complete Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) training.
Capability to establish and maintain working relationships with staff, community groups, and community-based organizations.
Understanding of practice models such as FTC, PBIS, Trauma-Informed Care, and evidence-based models a plus.
Valid driver's license from the tri-state area (NYS preferred) with a clean driving record as determined by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Supervisory Responsibilities

No. This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities. The LTFC Behavioral Support Crisis Intervention Specialist will work independently with guidance and support from their supervisor and other team members, collaborating closely on case management and service delivery.

Work Environment

Requires 5 in-office days per week, with flexibility for after-hours, weekend, and holiday support as needed.
Involves collaboration with multiple teams, fieldwork, and travel for foster home visits to assess the adjustment and safety of the child in their home environment.