LEAD BEHAVIORAL SPECIALIST

Responsible for the direct supervision of all children assigned to his/her supervision including implementing and maintaining adequate standards of institutional care for children as designated by the Chief Executive Officer and the State of Georgia. The Lead Behavioral Specialist is a professional who role models for peers and requires an advanced type of knowledge in the behavioral sciences acquired by a long course of study.

• *Responsible for the active direct supervision of all children assigned to his/her supervision as to their designated duties and responsibilities and to provide direction for developing and understanding an appreciation of the philosophy, function and operation of the treatment program, as well as the structure and philosophy of service and treatment of Hillside.
• In the supervision of children at Hillside, the Lead Behavioral Specialist is responsible for implementing and maintaining adequate standards of institutional care for adolescents as designated by Hillsides Chief Executive Officer and the State of Georgia. The Lead Behavioral Specialist should ensure unit schedule is being followed and actively participate in scheduled activities with the children.
• Keep the Unit Supervisor/Unit Director informed on matters that impact the unit. This must be done in a timely and supportive fashion.
• *Responsible for completing a variety of paperwork on a daily basis. This paperwork includes, but is not limited to progress notes, special procedure observation forms, home contracts, incident reports, seclusion forms, safety coat forms, treatment received, monthly summaries, treatment plans, APS reports, documentation of school behaviors in the unit charts/notebooks and any area of concern in accordance with record documentation policies. Emphasis is placed on the neatness, correctness and timeliness of the paperwork. Required to understand and maintain the confidential nature of all children and facility related activities with emphasis on the sensitivity of the childs records.
• Assist in developing treatment objectives/special treatment plans, and meet with treatment coordinator to review treatment goal objectives.
• Lead/Co-lead various groups. Ensure that activities are conducted daily and are linked to the DBT skills of the week. Record the activities in the Activity Log.
• *Coordinate with Dietary Personnel to ensure that a proper diet is maintained. If on duty at meal times, take his/her meals along with the children.
• *Responsible for monitoring the physical health, hygiene and safety of each child in his/her unit. The safety protection extends to the supervising of the treatment care of assigned children at all times. He/she will teach living and social skills (i.e. maintaining clean/orderly rooms, doing assigned tasks.) on a daily basis. At times, may have to restrain a child (place child in a seclusion room and/or treatment room) to protect the child or other children. NOTE: Only the minimum amount of force necessary to restrain the child will be utilized, while using techniques and procedures according to applicable Hillside Policies and Training.
• *Responsible for collaborating with the multi-disciplinary team to provide an ongoing assessment of changes in child status. Responsible for implementing the multi-disciplinary team plan of care, as well as individual treatment plans and group therapy treatment for the children assigned to his/her unit. Assure quality services for children by enforcing rules, regulations and legal requirements with children and documenting events of the therapeutic process.
• *Review licensing regulations from the State of Georgia by reviewing and referring to the Hillside Policy and Procedure Manual on a consistent basis. He/she will ensure that the unit under his/her supervision is meeting all requirements. He/she will need to demonstrate an understanding of emergency procedures, internal and external disaster plans, and complete and update all required and assigned in-services and training: Orientation, Infection Control, First-Aid, CPR, HELP (Human Empowerment Leadership Principles), DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), Cultural Competency, Confidentiality and Fire Safety. Initial and refresher training sessions require mandatory attendance.
• Maintain contact and work with the families of the children assigned to his/her unit to ensure that good treatment is being provided for the children at home as well as at Hillside. He/she will act as a liaison with caseworkers and school counselors to facilitate development of home visits, contracts and school assignments.
• *Immediately report all suspected forms of physical and verbal abuse of the children to the Chief Executive Officer or designee, the Residential Program Director, the E&S Unit Director, Unit Supervisors, Campus Supervisors and the Shift Supervisor, and communicate significant child issues as needed to the childrens therapist(s).
• *Periodically be required to transport children assigned to his/her unit to various activities. These activities may include but not be limited to medical appointments, schools and occasionally to bus and/or train stations so that children may go home for visits. Utilize utmost care and caution when transporting children to ensure their safety at all times. Coordinate the medical appointments with the Nursing Department and the Unit Supervisor to ensure that coverage is always maintained in his/her unit.
• *Assist the Education Director and school staff in the classroom and perform duties that may be assigned by the teacher(s). While assigned as teachers aid, will be under the supervision of Teacher/Education Director.
• Actively supervise children in all activities on and off campus.
• Perform all assigned duties in a safe manner by following Hillside policies and procedures. Ensure proper HELP techniques are adhered to when involved in physical interventions. Report all accidents/incidents in an expeditious manner. If involved in a work related accident, follow the State of Georgia Workers Compensation Laws and Responsibilities and abide by the treating physicians directions.
• Ensure Hillsides Accessibility Plan is adhered to by assuring the removal of barriers to the greatest extent possible that may hinder those served, staff and/or other stakeholders.
• Perform the aforementioned duties and other duties as deemed necessary by Management with team support and spirit.

EDUCATIONAL:      Bachelors Degree preferred in a discipline, preferably related to the child and adolescent mental health field is desirable. Be trained and/or certifies in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Be able to effectively use DBT in the therapeutic treatment of the children and their families/caretakers.  Be trained in the ESI program and techniques.  Be able to use the techniques safely and effectively.

WORK

EXPERIENCE:          One to two years preferred in a similar environment (school work study programs may apply) with degree.  Two to three years without degree.

PHYSICAL

REQUIREMENTS:    Must submit to an annual physical exam and be able to meet the following essential requirements:

1. Lift from 60 to 120 lbs. alone on a recurring basis and/or 120 to 200 lbs. with assistance.
2. Able to withstand long periods of standing, walking or taking part in physical     exercise programs on a recurring basis.
3. Be able to endure long hours of work periods without rest and/or sleep.
4. Be highly alert with very quick reflexes to respond to emergency situations with    child.

Tasks may require exposure to blood, tissue and/or bodily fluids