Job Description
Behavioral Health Specialist (BHS) – Emergency Foster Care
Support Healing. Build Confidence. Make a Lasting Difference.
At OLV Human Services, we're committed to helping children and youth heal from trauma, develop healthy coping skills, and build brighter futures.
We're seeking compassionate and dependable Behavioral Health Specialists (BHS) to join our Emergency Foster Care team! In this role, you'll provide direct care, supervision, and behavioral support to children and youth, ranging from infants to teens, in a residential setting licensed by the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS).
You'll help create a safe, structured, and trauma-informed environment where children can develop essential life skills, build positive relationships, and work toward successfully returning to their home communities.
If you're passionate about working with children and want a rewarding career where you can make a meaningful impact, we'd love to hear from you!
Rewards & Benefits
- Starting Pay: $19.00 per hour
- Schedules: Full-time and part-time opportunities available
- Shifts: Afternoon, evening, and weekend shifts
- Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, and vision insurance options
- Paid Time Off: PTO and holidays
- Retirement Benefits: 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions for eligible employees
- Life Insurance: Employer-sponsored life insurance and optional supplemental coverage
- Education Support: Tuition assistance and university discount opportunities
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): Potential eligibility for qualifying employees
- Employee Perks: Team OLV events, wellness programs, gym reimbursement, and employee referral opportunities
- Professional Growth: Training in trauma-informed care and behavioral intervention
Benefits are subject to employment status, plan terms, and eligibility requirements.
Requirements & Qualifications
Education & Experience: Candidates must meet one of the following:
- High school diploma or GED with at least 1 year of paid childcare experience
- Associate's degree
- Completion of 60 college credits and current enrollment in a four-year degree program in Human Services or a related field
Additional Requirements:
- Valid New York State driver's license required
- Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) Certification – training provided by OLV Human Services
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to maintain a safe, structured, and supportive environment
- Basic computer skills and ability to complete required documentation
- Commitment to trauma-informed care and working collaboratively with others
Responsibilities & Daily Duties
- Provide direct supervision and support to children and youth in emergency foster care.
- Teach and reinforce daily living skills, including decision-making, communication, personal care, and problem-solving.
- Maintain daily routines, structure, and therapeutic programming to support individual treatment goals.
- Supervise and assist with transportation of clients as needed.
- Help maintain a clean, safe, and supportive residential environment.
- Assist in implementing individualized treatment plans and behavioral interventions.
- Build positive, respectful, and trauma-informed relationships with children and youth.
- Utilize prevention and de-escalation strategies consistent with Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI).
- Complete required documentation, including daily logs, behavioral intervention plans, monthly summaries, and electronic records.
- Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor.
Your Support. Their Healing. Their Future.
Every interaction is an opportunity to make a difference. Bring your compassion, patience, and dedication to a team committed to helping children and youth grow, heal, and thrive.
Apply today and help create brighter futures at OLV Human Services!
