New Alternatives for Children, Inc. (NAC) is an award-winning not-for-profit agency in Midtown Manhattan, with a satellite Bronx office, dedicated to serving children and families with medical complexities, chronic illnesses, and disabilities throughout the five boroughs. To assist in achieving this mission, NAC is currently seeking a Behavior Specialist to join its Enhanced Family Foster Care Program. •Reports to: Supervisor of Treatment Family Foster Care
Responsibilities and Duties
•Works directly with the child and foster parent to develop/ strengthen social, emotional and academic skills to promote special talents, interests, and recreational pursuits with the child; collaborates with the case planning team in assisting child to adjust to foster care placement.
•Develops and implements a behavioral plan and /or contract with input from school staff, child, foster parent(s) and family to optimize the child’s functioning and mental health in the family and community.
•Identifies community resources for the child as needed.
•Advocates for the child within the school. This includes providing technical assistance to the classroom teacher and paraprofessional (if applicable) using the ABC model. This also includes coordination with NAC’s Education, Health Homes, and Mental Health Departments.
•Maintains accurate and timely record keeping.
•Facilitates and supervises visits between the child and parent and assists with all case work activities as needed.
•Maintains weekly face to face contact and/or virtual contact as needed with the foster parent and child in the foster home or community. Two contacts per month must be in the foster home.
•Maintains weekly phone contact or more with the foster parent and child as needed.
•Participates in all family-team conferences and other meetings regarding children on caseload.
Qualifications and Skills
•A Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, special education, or related human service field is required.
•Direct experience working with children/youth is required.
•Experience working with children with emotional challenges, intellectual disabilities and medical complexities is preferred.
•Effective behavior analysis, conflict resolution, and crisis intervention skills are valuable.
•Ability to work independently and part of a team.
•Excellent interpersonal communication and organizational skills are essential.
•Proficiency in Spanish is desirable.
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