A member of the Nexus family treatment programs, Nexus-Onarga Family Healing is located approximately 90 miles south of Chicago and only a few miles off of I-57 on a historic site in Onarga, IL. Nexus Onarga provides boys ages 10 to 20 years old a structured, homelike environment where they can safely address their unhealthy sexual behaviors and their emotional and behavioral issues.

At Nexus, we believe in changing the course of a child’s life by stabilizing families and strengthening mental health through trauma-informed care. We are a large nonprofit within the human services, mental health, and behavioral health sectors. Nexus is a growing, innovative organization focused on transforming our level of impact through a heightened focus on family expertise, healing complex trauma, and supporting high-stress youth and families.

Position Summary:

The Behavior Specialist provides therapeutic crisis intervention services within the school setting while working closely with the residential treatment team to provide consistent treatment approach.

Primary responsibilities:

Student Supervision & Safety

Maintains the orderly transition of students during key times: morning arrivals, class transitions, lunch and breaks, afternoon departures and off-campus field trips or other outings. Assists and supports teaching staff in maintaining a classroom environment conducive to learning. Ensures student compliance with rules relating to personal conduct, personal appearance, hygiene, grooming, housekeeping as well as individual behavior goals. Assists with monitoring compliance of student population to established attendance policy and takes appropriate action to address truancy issues. Transports students when necessary and appropriate per established guidelines.

Integrated Mental Health

Participates in developing Individual Education Plans (IEPs) behavior goals for Social/Emotional Function section.  Participates in progress meetings with teaching staff and parents. Maintains comprehensive documentation on student behavior progress and intervention activities.  Assists in the development of policy and procedure surrounding student behavior and conduct expectations. Participates in field trips and special event planning and organizing. Coordinates and implements, student activities and events that are part of the regular school day program and extracurricular programming.

Program Policy, Procedure & Training

Exhibits clear, professional, respectful, and effective communication when interfacing with clients, coworkers, families and external contacts and willingly share knowledge, information and resources Remains current on all company policies, assigned trainings and/or certification requirements; exhibits a high degree of ethical conduct, discretion and confidentiality while exemplifying professional behavior. Continually seeks knowledge of and exhibits an understanding and acceptance of differences in gender, race, age, culture, ethnicity, class, religion and disability to better appreciate staff, children, and families. Engages in crisis interventions and applying de-escalation techniques when appropriate, while maintaining appropriate boundaries and relationships with students. Participates in all required trainings and remains current on any required certifications including obtaining and maintaining certification in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) techniques.

Required Education and Licensure:

High School diploma or GED required Minimum 2 years of experience in a school, day treatment or residential treatment setting with demonstrated emphasis on behavior intervention responsibilities required Illinois: Paraprofessional Licensure through ISBE (Illinois State Board of Education)  Valid driver’s license required. Must meet state regulating agency and Home Office driving requirements

Nice to Have:

Associates or Bachelor's degree preferred MHP eligible in the state of IL preferred (MHP qualifications)

Work Schedule & Salary:

Salary: $18-$20 per hour 

Schedule: 

Monday-Friday 7a-3:30p This position supports a year-round school with paid break weeks & holidays off throughout the year

Physical Demands:

Must be able to assist staff in proper restraining of youths. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds unassisted and up to 100+ pounds with assistance. Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods of time (2-4 hours). Must be able to twist, bend and stretch in a manner conducive to the execution of daily activities within the residential program

ICARE Values & Behavioral Competencies:

Innovation: Leading the way and implementing creative, cutting-edge ideas and approaches. Compassion: Listening, honoring differences, and showing respect, kindness, empathy care, and concern. Agility: Exhibiting flexibility and adapting quickly. Responsiveness: Being quick, positive, and accurate. Excellence: Demonstrating quality results that surpass ordinary standards.

At Nexus Family Healing, our voices and actions will be focused on recognizing, affirming and respecting people of every race, ethnic background, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender expression and faith.

Keywords:  "Behavior Interventionist", "Behavioral Health", "School Interventionist", "Behavior Analyst", "Behavior Counselor", "Mental Health Technician", "Teacher Aide", "Paraprofessional", " Teaching Assistant", "Substitute Teacher"