Founded as an orphanage in 1831, Rising Ground has been at the forefront of evolving community needs. Driven by the belief that each of us can thrive when life has hope and opportunity, Rising Ground provides caring support and proven paths to positive change, helping children, adults, and families rise above adversity, and each year, Rising Ground is a positive force in the lives of more than 25,000 individuals. We do this through 50 programs in 70 locations throughout New York City and Westchester. Our strong belief and commitment to diversity shows not just through our work with supported persons but is integral to the building of a strong staff that reflects the communities we serve. Rising Ground is headquartered in downtown Brooklyn.

The Unaccompanied Children Long Term Foster Care Program provides a safe and secure placement to Unaccompanied Children (UC) who following an initial placement in an ORR/DUCO care provider facility, and after efforts for the safe and timely release indicated that no sponsor is willing or able to care for the UC, and the UC is expected to have a protracted length of time in ORR care. Working in collaboration with the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement, ORR, our program provides a safe and nurturing environment for youth in licensed foster homes in the community. We provide therapeutic, medical and educational services, as well as other supports that youth need to achieve success through an array of strength-based and targeted interventions as we link them with family members and/or other sponsors in the United States. We want all children we support to move forward with their lives and thrive.

About the Role:

The Behavioral Support Crisis Intervention Specialist acts as a mentor for the minor, assists program staff in providing stabilization of the minor, teaches social skills, and works with the minor on existing behavioral issues with the clinician. Oversees the minor's progress while in care and shares updates and recommendations with the rest of the team to ensure holistic support for the minor's treatment plan as the minor continues in the existing placement.  This role is also responsible for the implementation, instruction and coordination of Life Skills Training for all youth placed in the LTFC program. 

• Provide direct support to the children in the LTFC program. 
• Conduct routine calls to the foster parent to assist with coordination of services 
• Visit youth placed in the LTFC program on a weekly basis to follow up and assist in their development of independent living skills.
• Assist in completing applications and referral forms; 
• Accompany foster parent/youth (or provide telephonic support) to facilitate school enrollment (backup for Case Manager), appointments and/or access to community resources, as needed;
• Complete Life Skill Assessment for each youth within 15 days of admission.
• Facilitate individual and group Life Skills training to all youth in the LTFC program.
• Create and update, as needed, a comprehensive Independent Living/Life Skill program curriculum. Ensure that the program curriculum includes community involvement activities.
• Find and utilize community resources, partnerships, and local out-of-network placements to further support the needs of the youth
• Conduct outreach with local community agencies to identify appropriate community resources for youth, ensuring they are culturally and linguistically appropriate; 
• Tutor and mentor youth as needed.
• Attend Treatment Team Meetings as requested.
• Document all services provided on a monthly basis.

• Bachelors in education, psychology, sociology, or other relevant behavioral science
• Two years’ experience in a related program for adolescent population

• Knowledge of child welfare and immigration related legislation 

• Excellent verbal, written communication and organizational skills are essential 

• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite, knowledge of Connections 
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) a must. Other languages preferred as well.

• Must complete Therapeutic Crises Intervention Training (TCI)
• Capability to establish and maintain working relationships with staff, community groups, and community-based organizations. 
• Understanding of practice models such as FTC, PBIS, Trauma-Informed care and evidence-based models a plus. 
• Ability to transport youth and travel. 
• Possession of a valid vehicle operator’s license and clean driving record

Supervisory Responsibility

This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities. The LTFC Behavioral Support Crisis Intervention Specialist will work independently with guidance and support from their supervisor and other team members, collaborating closely on case management and service delivery. 

Work Environment:

This role requires four in-office days and one remote day per week  with flexibility for after-hours, weekend, and holiday support as needed. The position involves collaboration with multiple teams,  fieldwork, and travel for foster home visits to assess adjustment and safety of the child in their home environment.
 

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
This is a full-time position with an annual salary of $54,600.00. The position operates, with flexibility for after-hours, weekend, and holiday support as needed.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Comfort operating in a fast paced, sometimes challenging, environment
• Ability and willingness to work overtime and on weekends, as required
• Must be able to do extensive traveling throughout the Tri-State area / ability to commute within the tri-state area.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Fairness, and Belonging

Rising Ground is comprised of unique and valued individuals who together make the organization effective in assisting the children, adults and families who come to us for support. We believe that only when all employees contribute fully as their true selves can Rising Ground's true strength, vision, and values come to fruition. We recognize the ubiquitous social biases and structures that impact and shape the experiences of all people, including our own staff and people supported. Among the many biases present in our society that shape our personal and professional experiences race, gender, sexual orientation, and gender expression are all factors that can present hurdles. As such, Rising Ground is committed to being an anti-racist and inclusive organization that will actively strive to overcome both systemic and interpersonal biases that perpetuate oppression.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is the policy of Rising Ground that the Agency wholly complies with equal treatment of all employees and applicants for employment without unlawful discrimination as to an individual’s perceived or actual race, creed, color, national origin, alienate, citizenship status, gender, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, partnership status, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, or veteran status in all employment decisions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring,

compensation, training and apprenticeship, promotion, upgrading, demotion, downgrading, transfer, layoff and termination and all other terms and conditions of employment.