Behavior Technician in Washington, District of Columbia at Sasha Bruce Youthwork Inc

About Sasha Bruce Youthwork (SBY)

Sasha Bruce Youthwork (SBY) is the leading provider of homeless youth services in the DC Region. Through the holistic integration of its Pillars of Opportunity, Sasha Bruce is able to provide safe homes, life skills, and workforce development to meet the unique needs of homeless youth. For more than 45 years, Sasha Bruce has implemented innovative interventions aimed at bringing an end to youth homelessness in the DC region. Today, its programs in DC and Prince George’s County, MD, reach over 6,500 runaway, homeless, abused, and neglected youth, and their families.

About The SBY Therapeutic Group Home

The Sasha Bruce Therapeutic Group Home is one of Sasha Bruce’s newest programs serving children and youth ages 13-21 from foster care who present with an Axis 1 diagnosis. The program has a high level of structure, supervision, behavior management/modification, and clinical intervention due to the nature of the emotional and behavioral conditions.

Position Summary

The Behavior Modification Technician will report to the Clinician regarding clinical matters and the Program Director as it relates to program operations of the Sasha Bruce Therapeutic Group Home. The Behavior Modification Technician will provide behavioral support for clients, employing positive reinforcement strategies and crisis intervention supports.

Qualifications

● License/Certification: Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Counseling, psychology or another relevant Human Services field preferred OR at least 2 years’ experience in the human service field preferably working with adolescents and/or young adults required;

● Competency in crisis intervention and de-escalation;

● Strong communication and organizational skills required; and,

● This is a full-time, exempt level position. All candidates must possess a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation; pass the required clearances; and provide any additional information regarding previous records, if necessary.

Duties and Responsibilities

● Work closely with the Clinician in creating the Behavior Modification and Management Plans for clients in programming;

● Support and facilitate structured programming targeted at coping skills, mental health and wellbeing and other relevant topics; support the Clinician in their anger management trainings and intervention;

● Employ behavior management techniques to assist with client behavior issues that teach and reinforce appropriate behaviors in the group home; employ appropriate positive reinforcement strategies;

● Anticipate and respond quickly and appropriately to immediate needs of youth and escalating behaviors;

● Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques to stabilize clients in order to foster a safe environment;

● Supporting other staff by providing tools to assist clients in developing routines and structures;

● Regularly connects with Social Workers, probation officers and other collateral contacts for residents in order to maintain an open line of communication and to better support their needs; also connects with family members in order to create positive, collaborative relations;

● Complete service documentation in client case records within 24-48 hours of the service; maintain accurate, complete, and confidential case files, written documentation, reports to track client progress and outcomes and all other necessary clinical documentation; supports file audits;

● Participate in regular biweekly team consultation meetings with the Clinician, Linkage to Care Coordinator, case manager, and other staff working with shared clients;

● Participate in staff meetings, trainings, conferences, regular supervision and community outreach events as required;

● Provides on-call support and coverage when needed and available;

● Other duties as assigned; and,

● Must have a commitment to ending youth homelessness, racial equity, inclusion, and issues central to Sasha Bruce Youthwork’s mission.