About the Role
The Behavior Specialist assists and supports the Caseworker in providing services for children and families in the Therapeutic Foster Boarding Home Program. The Behavioral Specialist works primarily with the child (ren) in the foster home and in concert with the caseworker to provide task-oriented service delivery. Performs child/youth care functions relevant to daily foster home care, including the delivery of respite and crisis intervention services.
Responsibilities
- Share 24-hour 7-day cell phone coverage with the social worker.
- Shares in the pre-placement process with the social worker.
- Visit the foster home at least three times during the first week a child is in placement and have daily phone contact to monitor the child’s adjustment.
- Helps foster parents develop sensitivity and awareness of children’s problems, including separation and loss.
- Establishes and maintains regular contact (a minimum of once per week) with children and foster parents and provides support.
- Develops appropriate behavior plans, refining and revising as needed.
- Collects and reviews weekly positive time sheets.
- Maintain monthly contact with the school, by phone or in person.
- Attends CSE and other school meetings with the TFBH program Educational Coordinator.
- Maintain weekly telephone contact with each child’s therapist and document in progress notes.
- Make at least one home visit and frequent telephone contact when a child is in a respite placement for more than a weekend to monitor adjustment.
- Work with children 14 or older on independent living skills.
- Participates in treatment team meetings.
- Participates in recreational activities for the TFBH program.
Requirements
- Previous experience preferred.
Location
- Wading River, NY
Work Type
- Full-time
Education Level
- Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology, or Sociology required.
About the Company
- Little Flower Children and Family Services of New York is a nonprofit organization that has worked to improve the well-being of children, youth, and families across New York City and Long Island since 1929.
- Our staff of more than 500 provides prevention services, foster care, residential treatment care, adoption services, and medical and mental health services.
- A career with Little Flower can be rewarding in so many ways.
- We are looking for conscientious and caring people who are ready to commit to the work of strengthening families and supporting the well-being of children.
- If you’re looking for a career where you can truly make a difference, we hope you will consider joining our team.
Equal Opportunity
- With more than 250 years of combined experience, Little Flower Children and Family Services of New York and St. John’s Residence for Boys have a long-standing history of serving children, youth, adults and families of color.
- Our mission, vision and values are grounded in elevating the shared humanity of every staff member, community partner and those with whom we engage.
- We recognize that our DEIB work is continuously evolving as we strive for equity and inclusion for individuals of all races, ethnicities, genders, sexualities, ages, abilities, religions and lived experiences.
