Mental Health Behavior Assistant

Position Summary:
Behavioral Assistants (BAs) provide direct, goal-oriented interventions to children and adolescents in the home and community setting under the guidance of a licensed clinician. BAs focus on skill-building, behavioral management, and emotional regulation, helping to strengthen families and empower youth toward long-term stability.

Responsibilities:

• Implement individualized behavioral strategies as outlined in the youth's treatment plan provided by clinician.
• Work closely with a licensed Intensive In-Community (IIC) clinician, Care Management Organization (CMO) or Children’s Mobile Response (CMRSS), school staff and other providers identified as part of the team.
• Provide support and therapeutic guidance to youth and caregivers in real-life settings.
• Maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and respect for all clients and families.

Progress Notes:

• Track progress and document session notes accurately and on time.
• Notes to be entered in Cyber no later than 7 days, documenting sessions rendered, progress/lack of progress and outreach contacts to family.

In Person Sessions:

• All sessions are to occur in-person.
• Should telehealth be explored due to emergent reasons, it is to be discussed with supervisor prior to providing services.

Proactive Communication with Care Managers (CMs):

• Effective wrap-around includes weekly communication with the CM.

CORE VALUES:

• Demonstrate cultural competence through an awareness of and sensitivity towards agency’s clients’ and coworkers’ cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.
• Demonstrate commitment to the value of nurturing a family as the ideal environment for a child and believe in the capacity of people to grow and change.
• Work from a strengths-based perspective.
• Understand and work well with other service systems (i.e.; Division of Child Protection and Permanency, juvenile justice, division on aging, probation and parole), maximizes resources to assist client.
• Recognize that the needs of consumers are priorities and respond appropriately.

PROFESSIONALISM:

• Value and participate in the team as a proactive member.
• Respect others’ professional opinions and tolerate a range of feelings.
• Able to give and receive constructive criticism.
• Perform required tasks according to the program philosophy, policies and procedures.
• Be courteous, approachable, and cooperative towards others and conducts self in a mature, competent, confident, and respectful manner.
• Understand and adhere to confidentiality rights of clients, co-workers and agency, consistent with HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), and protects personal health information in written, verbal and electronic forms.
• Practice self-care, possess a healthy work/ life balance and provide exceptional customer service.
• Ensure the safety & comfort of others by communicating the presence of hazards, injuries, equipment problems.
• Understand, practice, and reiterate the importance of emergency evacuation plans and other safety policies (universal precautions, etc.).
• Be willing to help others and communicate urgent information quickly to supervisor and team in times of crisis.
• Be punctual for youth appointments, meetings, etc.
• Use good judgment, practices ethical decision-making, and explores all options in problem solving.

SUPERVISION:

• Attend supervision consistently with direct supervisor as needed and once monthly with Clinical Director.

Qualifications:

• Must be BA-certified via the NJ Children’s System of Care (CSOC) or eligible and willing to complete the certification process within 6 months of hire.
• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, education, or a related field.
• Minimum of one year of experience working with youth with behavioral or emotional challenges.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Must have reliable transportation and ability to travel to clients' homes.

Compensation:

• $30-40 per hour (To be determined upon hire).

Schedule:

• Flexible schedule as an independent contractor – perfect for part-time or supplemental work.

Work Location:

• In person and teleservices.