Openings

SUMMARY

The Community Programs Behavioral Health Specialist (CPBHS) plays a vital role in helping young people heal, grow, and thrive. In this role, the CPBHS delivers trauma-informed group and individual skill development services using therapeutic activities to strengthen resilience and promote well-being.  We have full-time, part-time, and summer temporary positions available.

Collaborating within a multidisciplinary team, the CPBHS assists young individuals in cultivating vital skills necessary for achievement in life, education, and interpersonal relationships. The services provided are tailored to align with the personalized treatment plan of each youth.

Rooted in our trauma-informed approach and commitment to helping youth heal and grow, the CPBHS is responsible for:

• Supporting and co-facilitating group skill development as a primary focus, with occasional individual services provided based on need and staffing
• Engaging youth in meaningful, developmentally appropriate therapeutic activities designed to strengthen coping skills, build confidence and support emotional and social development
• Fostering positive, trusting relationships with a diverse population of youth
• Collaborating with the multidisciplinary team to implement individualized treatment plans that include specific goals and objectives tailored by the directing clinician
• Promoting a safe, inclusive and structured environment
• Using sound judgement and responding calmly to dynamic situations
• Communicating clearly and respectfully with youth, families, community members and professionals
• Accurately and promptly documenting youth progress, therapeutic activities and future plans in the electronic health record

The Community Programs Behavioral Health Specialist adheres to standards and regulations as set forth by the Agency, OCS Licensing, The Joint Commission, and Medicaid. The CPBHS duties are carried out in accordance with AK Child & Family policies, the AK Child & Family Mission, Core Values, and Philosophy of Care. The CPBHS assumes additional duties as assigned.

*All positions at AK Child & Family may have responsibilities altered during the course of employment due to agency imperatives.

As the only Sanctuary Certified agency in Alaska, we champion the Sanctuary Model, fostering safety and resilience during recovery from adversity. 

The Sanctuary model is a blueprint for change, which at its core, promotes safety and recovery from adversity through the active creation of a trauma-informed community.  A recognition that trauma is pervasive in the experience of human beings forms the basis for the Sanctuary Model’s focus not only on the people who seek services, but equally on the people and systems who provide those services.

It is made up of a shared language, tools and 7 Commitments:

1. Growth and Change: Embracing continuous learning, resilience, and innovation to build a supportive community that helps students, and their families overcome trauma and create a brighter future.
2. Emotional Intelligence: Awareness of our own and other’s feelings to foster healthy interactions.
3. Social Learning: Sharing and valuing ideas while learning from one another.
4. Social Responsibility: Committing to care for each other, our community and ourselves.
5. Open Communication: Clear, respectful and honest communication.
6. Democracy: Aligning with shared goals and values, respecting and valuing diverse opinions, and encouraging constructive discussion to reach positive solutions.
7.  Nonviolence: Physical, emotional, moral, cultural and social safety for others and ourselves

BENEFITS

Health Benefits for Full-Time:

• Medical, Pharmacy, Dental, & Vision
• Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Account
• Group Life and AD&D
• Long-Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program

Other Benefits:

• 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off (PTO) - 13 hours/month in 1st year and then increases
• 2 Floating Holidays/year
• 6 Observed Holidays: double-time pay for working on the Holiday
• Bonuses: Longevity & Referral

Pay:

• $20.00/hour + depending on experience
• 3% pay increase after successful completion of 6-month Intro Period.

• The CPBHS is directly supervised by the Community Programs Coordinator (CPC).
• Scheduling of individual/group skill development sessions, job performance evaluations, youth consultations, and all other aspects of the job are coordinated and supervised by the CPC.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: The Community Programs Behavioral Health Specialist must have demonstrated the ability to:

• Relate positively to children with severe emotional challenges
• Communicate effectively in English (oral and written)
• Work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Maintain a schedule that meets the needs of the program and the youth served
• Demonstrate an understanding of and sensitivity to serving a culturally diverse and/or special needs population
• Engage in physical activity and respond appropriately in crisis situations
• A valid Alaska driver’s license and use of an adequately insured vehicle is required
• Be ready to learn, grow and make a meaningful difference in the lives of youth
• Bring a commitment to helping others – whether through professional experience, lived experience or a passion for services.

Education and experience: The CPBHS is required to:

• Be at least 21 years of age
• Possess a High School Diploma / GED
• Meet State of Alaska background check requirements.

Two years of college education in a related field or two years’ direct care human services job experience working with emotionally disturbed children/adolescents preferred, but not required. Life experiences outside of the stated qualifications will be considered on an individualized basis.

• The CPBHS is required to have a valid driver’s license and an adequately insured personal vehicle for reliably getting to and from work.
• The Community Programs Behavioral Health Specialist must be able to drive and transport self and youth in their own vehicle or in an agency van within the Anchorage Municipality.
•  The ability to physically manage students ages three to eighteen years, according to AK Child & Family and CP Behavior Management policies and procedures; moving quickly throughout home and community recreation settings in order to monitor/supervise student activities is required.
•  The CPBHS supervises and assists youth in home and community settings; actively participate in the cleaning and general upkeep of agency property; and be able to teach, supervise and participate in therapeutic and recreational activities.
• The CPBHS must have basic computer and typing skills to complete accurate and timely progress notes in an electronic health record.