Job Title: Youth Mental Health Specialist (Also commonly referred to as a Behavior Support Specialist)
Department: Wellness Program
Site: Multiple Sites
Report To: Wellness Program Director
Direct Reports: N/A
Salary: $24 (hourly)
FLSA Status: (X) Part-time (X) Non-exempt
Primary Function
Under the direction of the Wellness Program Director, the Youth Mental Health Specialist will assist the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos (BGCSM) achieve its mission to integrate social emotional and behavioral health supports within the Club community. The role will be responsible for integrating a trauma informed approach to youth development in addressing the needs of our youth and teens. This role includes conducting behavior observations, developing “support plans,” facilitating one-on-one and group counseling, and training staff in positive behavior management.
This is a part-time position (20-29 hours per week) serving multiple site locations across the San Marcos community.
Responsibilities include:
Essential Duties
- - Provide one-on-one and group counseling services to youth identified as needing enhanced social, emotional, and behavioral support.
- - Assist members in utilizing calm down corners, coping mechanisms, and safe places to manage emotional and behavioral challenges effectively.
- - Provide de-escalation and crisis intervention across multiple site locations.
- - Communicate behavioral challenges observed in an accurate and timely manner.
- - Collaborate and consult with Club directors and staff for behavioral support, incident response, and implementing positive behavior management strategies.
- - Assist members in learning adaptive skills to replace challenging behaviors.
- - Create and implement behavior support plans for identified members in collaboration with Club directors, caregivers, wellness program team, and other supports (i.e. school staff).
- - Develop and facilitate social emotional and behavioral management training for program staff.
- - Attend weekly staff meetings and one-on-one meetings with direct supervisor.
- - Participate in professional development and training related to counseling, mental health, and wellness.
- - Attend BGCSM training and events as required.
Program Development
- - Design and facilitate group counseling programming focused on social emotional skills such as coping strategies, communication, self-esteem, relationship skills, social awareness, and responsible decision making.
- - Develop systems to maintain consistent, high-quality programming and services to support members through a strength based, trauma informed approach.
Program Evaluation and Reporting
- - Document all provided services comprehensively and maintain detailed case records to track progress and ensure continuity of care.
- - Assist with evaluation activities including data collection, contract and grant activities relating to program evaluation and measurement.
- - Collect regular reports and feedback reflecting attendance, participation, and activities provided by Wellness Program, including success plans, goal plans, behavior support plans, and progress reports.
- - Collect and share stories of impact with Administrative Team.
- - Maintain confidentiality of club members and their families.
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in counseling, social work, psychology, or related discipline (A combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree may be substituted for a degree).
Knowledge & Skills
- Knowledge and understanding in Trauma Informed Care and experiencing working with youth.
- Understanding of basic youth development principles and developmental characteristics.
- Demonstrated ability to utilize de-escalation skills and remain calm in stressful situations.
- Demonstrate empathy and emotional intelligence in interactions with members, families, and community partners.
- Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills to effectively manage multiple tasks and competing priorities.
- Demonstrated skill in delivering and accepting feedback with staff, colleagues, and supervisors.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including computer skills in Microsoft Office.
Minimum Qualifications
- Must be at least 18 years of age and have valid identification.
- - Must have or have the ability to obtain a valid CA’s driver’s license.
- - Must have reliable transportation to provide services to various Club sites across San Marcos.
- - Clear all required background screenings successfully.
Experience
- - Previous experience working with children and adolescents who have experienced trauma, developmental and/or behavioral challenges.
Physical Requirements
- - Maintain a high energy level.
- Speak clearly and hear normal conversations as well as out of the ordinary noises.
- Sit or stand for extended periods of time.
- Ability to stand, walk and climb.
- Ability to lift, carry, pull or otherwise move objects between 10-20 pounds.
Compensation & Benefits
BGCSM’s salary and benefit standards are competitive and will depend on qualifications and experience. Part-time employees are eligible for a range of benefits including:
- - 10 paid holidays per year including a weeklong, organization-wide end-of-year closure
- - 1 paid personal day per year
- - Ongoing professional development opportunities
Disclaimer
The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, or to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or objective required of employees assigned to this job. Employer or employee may terminate the employment relationship at any time with or without cause.
Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, pregnancy, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, nationality, sex, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.
