Job Description

Ti tle: Behavioral Support Specialist
Location: Thurston County
Category: Part-Time, Non-Exempt
Reports To: Kaila's Kids Director
Pay Rate: $18.00/hr - $21.00/hr (depending on experience)
Schedule: Mon-Fri, 2:00pm – 6:00pm (additional hours may be available during early release days, school breaks and summer) 

JOB SUMMARY

The Behavioral Support Specialist works collaboratively with participating Club members from branch locations throughout Thurston County to set and achieve behavioral goals using a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approach. This position champions the Kaila's Kids program serving youth struggling emotionally and behaviorally and provides social/emotional coaching allowing them to practice and participate in the Club environment using the tools and skills gained.

All members can receive support, while staff and families can identify specific children for additional needs or support. Club member needs addressed by the program might include impulse control, anger management, emotional regulation, or strengthening social skills.

Youth engage evidence-based programs tools such as familiar games, along with strategies designed by the Kaila's Kids staff, to create fun and meaningful opportunities to practice and achieve behavior goals. This position builds on each child's individual strengths and interests to keep them engaged and feeling accomplished.

This position is funded by a grant, and the continuation of staffing for the Kaila's Kids program depends on the ongoing availability of grant funding.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Behavioral Support and Intervention

• Provide individualized and group interventions to youth enrolled in the Kaila's Kids program.
• Develop and implement behavior management strategies in coordination with staff and caregivers.
• Facilitate de-escalation techniques and teach coping strategies for emotional regulations.
• Address social, emotional, and behavioral issues that impact a youth's participation in programs and activities.
• Provide a personalized approach when working with Club members and families.

Collaboration and Communication

• Collaborate with Kaila's Kids and Club staff to create an inclusive and supportive environment for all participants.
• Communicate regularly with staff, parents, guardians, and caregivers regarding their child's behavioral progress and needs.
• Partner with community mental health organizations, schools, and social services as necessary for additional resources.
• Attend State Behavioral Support Specialist meetings as requested.
• Assist in training and guiding staff on best practices for behavior management and intervention strategies.
• Attend ongoing meetings and interact regularly with Area Directors and other administrative staff, Branch Directors to provide updates and work together on support plans for youth.
• Maintain contact with Club parents and guardians, teachers, and school liaisons.
• Clearly and confidently present Boys & Girls Clubs programs and services to respective audiences.

Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain accurate and confidential records of attendance, incidents, interventions, outcomes, and other measures as requested.
• Provide reports and analysis of trends in behavior and intervention effectiveness. 
• Ensure all interactions adhere to Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County policies and comply with local, state, and federal regulations.

Program Development

• Assist in developing and implementing programs that promote positive social-emotional learning (SEL) behavior within the Kaila's Kids program.
• Help organize workshops or group sessions that address relevant topics.
• Enroll members to participate in the program.

Youth Mentorship and Guidance

• Act as a positive role model, guiding youth in developing problem-solving, communication, and relationship-building skills. 
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with Club members, encouraging respect, responsibility, and positive behavior.

Other Responsibilities

• Assume other tasks, assignments, and responsibilities as needed or directed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum two years of experience working in direct service delivering social/emotional supports to youth.
• Strong knowledge of behavioral management strategies and social-emotional learning principles.
• Excellent communication, listening, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with conflict resolution, de-escalation, and mentoring techniques.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and age groups.
• Must be friendly, outgoing, team-oriented, flexible, and work well with others.
• Must have a thorough understanding of computer programs and be an expert in Microsoft Office, including Word, Publisher, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Passion for the advancement of the organization's mission.
• Valid driver's license and consistent access to a motor vehicle. Able to travel daily between Club locations in Thurston County.
• CPR and First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain.
• At least 21 years of age. 
  
• Must pass national background check and drug screening (in accordance with RCW 49.44.240 ( 
  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong verbal and written communication skills in both Spanish and English, allowing for effective communication with Spanish-speaking clients, partners, and team members.
• Four-year degree in psychology, social work, counseling, education, or a related field or equivalent experience.
• Experience working directly with vulnerable populations.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Empathetic, patient, and nurturing approach to working with youth.
• Adaptable and creative in problem-solving and managing group dynamics.
• Passion for making a positive impact on the lives of youth and adolescents.

BENEFITS

• Paid sick leave 
• Paid professional development training 
• Access to Employee Assistance Program 
• Mileage reimbursement in accordance to organization policies.
• Hourly pay premium of $0.50/hour for fluent Spanish speakers

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job; reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions; duties are normally performed at Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County or within Thurston County. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet while in the office and moderately loud when at Club locations. Ability to interact with youth for extended periods of time.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to manage stressful situations involving youth behavior in a calm and professional manner. Must be able to sit for long periods of time and may be exposed to extended stretches of time viewing a monitor. Physical abilities required include bending at waist and reaching above the shoulder to maintain files, speaking clearly and listening actively, dexterity of hands/fingers to operate the computer keyboard and enter data. Will require some weekend and evening responsibilities for special events and/or special program work.

DISCLAIMER

The information presented here indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, nor is it to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job. 

ABOUT US

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County (BGCTC) inspire and enable youth to realize their greatness. Our nine Clubs in Lacey (2), Olympia (3), Rochester, Tenino, Tumwater, and Yelm collectively serve nearly 1,500 youth and teens annually with safe, fun, and supportive spaces during critical out of school time. Founded in 2001, BGCTC has nearly 75 employees and an operating budget of $3.3 million. Shellica Trevino, Chief Executive Officer, leads the organization and receives guidance from the Board of Directors. BGCTC's administrative office manages human resources, financial, resource development, communications and marketing, and operational activities for Club locations. 

To learn more about our organization, visit ( 

Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.  

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