Wage band range $18.00 - $26.00 per hour; however, starting pay is ultimately determined by the scope of the position, the candidate's relevant experience, and internal equity.

The Behavior Specialist will carry out the mission of Casa Pacifica as it pertains to day-to-day care and/or educational services of the youth. Secondary to this, they are responsible for safeguarding the facility and ensuring the safety of the youth and staff. Behavior Specialists facilitate or co-facilitate the group rehab program in conjunction with recreation therapy program, provides behavioral coaching, skill training, crisis prevention/intervention, and support services to Casa Pacifica’s youth and staff. Their services may be provided in an assigned program/cottage, or as part of a float team overseeing campus.

• Completes incident reports and mental health progress/billing notes before completion of the assigned shift, unless otherwise approved by the supervisor.
• Will be responsible for maintaining monthly mental health billing expectation as set by supervisor.
• Maintain confidentiality in all matters within the organization with respect to personnel, operations, and youth served.
• Utilizes established interventions and techniques to talk with /de-escalate youth (Relational Repair, SAFE, MSDR and Life Space Crisis Intervention)
• Reviews Safety Plans and consults with youth’s treatment team in order to evaluate youth’s mental and physical status and determine next steps for youth.
• Assist Lead Behavior Specialist with facility and safety management responsibilities.

Position requires staff must be at least 21 years of age. Completed and cleared LiveScan, criminal statement, health screening with TB test. Must undergo a one-hour training which reviews mandatory reporting requirements as per Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA). This training takes place during pre-service orientation training and periodically thereafter.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Must meet at least one of the following requirements prior to employment:

• Bachelor of Arts or Sciences Degree; (social work, sociology and psychology);
• Have a valid Child Development Training Permit, or Vocational Training Certificate; or completed 12 semester units of Early Childhood education and have at least 100 hours of experience working with youth;
• Previously been employed as a staff or volunteer at a group home or short-term residential therapeutic center for 1 year, and/or prior experience working with severely emotionally disturbed children and adolescents. Training in Cognitive Behavioral Interventions and Relational Repair model will be helpful.
• Relevant life experience in the child welfare, mental health or juvenile justice system as a consumer, mentor, or caregiver or other relevant experience as determined by the department.

In addition, individual must meet one of the following billing requirements:

• A minimum two (2) years of full-time experience providing direct care experience in a mental health setting and/or support services to mental health clients and their families

OR

• Possesses a bachelor’s degree in a mental health related field (Social-Behavioral Sciences including psychology, social work, or sociology) AND A minimum of six (6) months of full-time experience providing direct care experience in a mental health setting and/or support services to mental health clients and their families.

OTHERSKILLSAND ABILITIES: Bilingual, helpful. Must have strong documentations skills, familiar with Avatar and Microsoft Word programs. Good understanding of child and adolescent development, behavior management, group process and basic understanding of applied behavior analysis (ABA). Must have aptitude to work with Emotionally Disturbed children and adolescents in a residential setting.

• Valid California Driver's License with excellent driving record. Any changes that occurs on your driving record must be reported immediately to your supervisor.
• Language Skills: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports, mental health progress notes.
• Mathematical Skills: Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide.
• Reasoning Ability: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Organizational Skills: Ability to utilize strong time management strategies to insure organization and manage time with paper work, client interaction, and meeting/trainings.
• Computer Skills: Basic Word Processing skills to write progress notes and reports.

Casa Pacifica offers:

• Comprehensive benefits package, including 401k with up to 5% fully vested employer matching contributions made after first year of service
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance options
• Flexible spending and dependent care programs
• Excellent training opportunities
• Education/tuition assistance programs
• Group Discount Pet Insurance
• Aflac Critical Illness, Accidental & Dental supplemental plan options
• Employee Assistance Program
  • Free Confidential Crisis Line 24/7 (365 days a year)
  • Four face to face or telephonic sessions per issue, i.e.,
    • Stress, Anxiety, Depression
    • Life transitions
    • Grief and Loss
    • Divorce
    • Conflict Resolution
    • Substance Abuse
    • Work-Life Counseling
    • Free Legal and Financial consultations
    • Identity Theft Recovery Services

Casa Pacifica restores hope, enhances resilience, and strengthens community connections for children, young adults, and families.

We are a diverse and inclusive team providing excellent services to all our communities. Our team members are empowered to share their identities, ideas, and perspectives. A culture built on diversity, equity and inclusivity is essential to creating a safe and healing environment at Casa Pacifica.

Casa Pacifica is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. All applicants will be given full consideration under state, local, and federal law.