About Upbring
At Upbring, we are servants on a mission to break the cycle of child abuse. We are warriors, brave as the thousands of Texas Children and families we serve. We stand up for those who can’t speak for themselves. We are a family who values innovation, empathy, patience, understanding and trustworthiness.
About our Children's Shelters
Many children begin life in the face of serious challenges. Instead of playing pretend and imagining grand adventures, unaccompanied children face perilous conditions alone as they travel to unfamiliar countries, leaving home and loved ones behind to escape war and violence. Our children’s centers, operated through a grant from the Office of Refugee and Resettlement (ORR), provide safety, stability and wraparound services. We help children grow into adults who have received love and kindness, instead of only violence and chaos.
What You'll Do
The Behavioral Specialist acts as a mentor for the minor, assists program staff in providing stabilization of the minor, teaches social skills, and works well with the minor on existing behavioral issues with the Clinician. Oversees the minor’s case and its progress and shares updates and recommendations with care provider staff to ensure holistic support for the minor’s treatment plan as the minor continues in the existing placement.
Our Upbring staff members are servant-leaders on the pursuit of breaking the cycle of child abuse and empowering others to do the same through example while embodying our core values: We are Warriors. We are Servants. We are Family.
All Upbring Children's Shelters employees must comply with ORR's vaccination mandate.
All staff must be able to show proof of immunity to vaccine-preventable diseases transmitted by the respiratory route if working directly with unaccompanied children (UC). Medical and Religious exemptions may be requested after an offer of employment is accepted.
We Are Warriors We Set the Standards for Child Welfare
Work Standards
Models’ specific strategies and provides technical instruction for Youth Care Workers, Case Managers, with consultation from Clinicians including all director care staff for UC unaccompanied children
Determines behavior capabilities of UC as they function at home and in school
Provides status reports to clinician of progress and developments for UC in the program
Measures goals and objectives of behavior support plans to ensure they are being met
Maintain up to date documentation by utilizing forms authorized by Clinician related to unaccompanied youth in a timely manner
Enter progress notes on students with identified behavior issues
Attend all professional development
Reports possible cases of child abuse, neglect, or endangerment at home and in the program
Assists and ensures communication between child and biological family and sponsors occurs as required by ORR Policy and state licensing requirements.
Identify and establish relations with community service providers
Assist with UC after hour/weekend emergencies in the foster home setting
Perform other activities and duties as assigned
Communication
Obtain required information and complete regular reports regarding resident progress
Maintain contact with foster parents and families regarding UC progress and needs; complete monthly documentation on assigned caseload
Coordinate community services for minors as needed
Prepare and maintain data and information for all assigned UC and services provided complete reports with collected data and information
Complete case notes and ensure all case files and documentation are completed accurately and in a timely manner; maintain case logs for all assigned UC
Maintain behavioral data and services provided to UC
We Are Servants We Help Others
Teamwork
Assists UC in identifying inappropriate behaviors and develop better behavior alternatives
Assist Clinician with designing behavior interventions for UC
Assist as required in transporting minors to any required services
Work closely with management and the team to ensure case management and program services are effectively and efficiently supporting Agency objectives and program purpose
We Are Family We Are Passionate & Compassionate
Building Relationships
Respond to UC and foster parents and families regarding needs and concerns with compassion and empathy in a timely manner Work closely with service professionals, court officials, parents and families, clinical staff, and service providers to develop, manage, and evaluate UC needs
Develop and maintain positive working relationships with UC, community partners, services providers, professional service providers, management, and staff
Work as team player and exhibit professional behavior and a positive attitude with both internal and external clients that reflects positively on the Agency and is consistent with Agency policies and practices
Actively participate in exhibiting cultural awareness and sensitivity when interacting with children, parent(s)/guardian(s), staff, and the community
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, psychology, or closely related field
Experience working individuals with special needs
Bilingual in English and Spanish (Based on service area and service population)
Ability to establish rapport, trust, and boundaries with children, parents, and families
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with diverse groups of people
The ability to apply compassion and empathy, while dealing with stressful and difficult situations
The ability to work independently and collaboratively within a group
Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage heavy caseload and meet deadlines
Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Must be willing to work evenings and Saturdays as required
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in social work, human services, psychology or closely related field
Specialty certificate in Applied Behavioral Analysis
Perks at Upbring
Competitive PTO & paid holidays
Health, dental, vision insurance & more!
403(b) Plan
Employee Assistance Program
24/7 access to telemedicine and counseling services
Discounted Gym Memberships
Physical Demands & Work Conditions
This position requires sitting and looking and using a computer for long periods of time
Lift, push, pull, move up to 50 lbs.
The physical requirements for this position with or without reasonable accommodation are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this position successfully. While performing this position the employee with or without reasonable accommodation should have the ability to walk, stand, sit, kneel, speak, and hear with aid, see, read, reach with arms and hands, lift and/or move up to specified weight, and use equipment that is essential to performing the job, such as a computer, copier, fax machine, telephone, and automobile, if applicable. Specific vision requirements of this position may include color vision, seeing things close up, and the ability to adjust focus.
Diversity. Equity. Inclusion. Belonging
We are a diverse and inclusive Organization that recognizes our strength is in the efforts of our selfless warriors. Honoring and recognizing the value and dignity of all individuals is the cornerstone of our agency. The more diverse the individuals, thought processes and lived experiences, the greater the opportunity is to combine unique perspectives to make a greater impact. Our trust, respect, and appreciation for one another is demonstrated through our communication, celebration of progress and relentless effort to be at our best TO FULLFILL OUR MISSION OF BREAKING THE CYCLE OF CHILD ABUSE.
Upbring is an Equal Employment Opportunity/AA Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status.