JCFS Chicago is looking to hire a Support Specialist to assist in the establishment and maintenance of a safe environment for all students and staff within the school through close collaboration with School Teachers, Teacher’s Aides, Social Workers and School Administration at our Therapeutic Day School.  The Support Specialist must be able to verbally and physically intervene in a therapeutic manner in order to prevent and/or resolve conflict safely.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain controlled, calm, helpful and appropriate demeanor during crises and post-crisis debrief. Observe for student comments, behaviors or indicators that suggest potential crisis or conflict and intervene proactively in order to prevent and minimize crises.
• Successfully complete training in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) and complete all requirements to maintain certification in TCI. Strictly apply and maintain TCI techniques and procedures.
• Collaborate with classroom team when working with students; fill in for Teacher’s Aide when staffing levels require.
• Effectively intervene in students’ disruptive and/or unsafe behaviors, including using both verbal and physical methods as prescribed by TCI in order to de-escalate critical situations.
• Use TCI prescribed methods for protective interventions and physical restraint should students become physically out of control and consequently a danger to him/herself or others. Students may be a variety of heights, weights, and strength capacities; this task may involve but is not limited to transitioning the student from a standing position to the floor; deflecting and/or absorbing blows, bumps, kicks, spitting, and other aggressive acts; and moving furniture or other large, heavy objects in order to clear a space in which the student can be safely restrained.
• Communicate with Director of Student Support or Assistant Director of Student Support regarding all crisis situations as soon as possible. Complete all required post-crisis documentation as required by school policy.
• Provide adequate supervision of designated students at all times. Respond to student elopement as indicated in the student’s elopement plan, which may require leaving school grounds.
• Monitor students in separate space and maintain accurate log of time using school-provided documentation.
• Utilize and maintain radio to communicate with team members; remain present and available in designated work location/station during entire scheduled shift unless directed otherwise due to assignment change or crisis and notify designee of any situation that would prevent your availability to perform duties or be reachable via radio.
• Attend required meetings, such as Support Team, All School Staff, Community, Professional Development, and other meetings as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS: (Knowledge, Experience & Abilities)

• Must be able to successfully complete Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Training and maintain the required credentials.
• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• ISBE Certified Paraprofessional or 60 hours of college credit.
• Prior experience working with ED/BD populations.

JCFS offers an array of benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, Wellness, Paid sick and vacation time, Agency holidays, Pension, 403(b), Flexible Spending Plans, and Life Insurance.

Please visit us at http://www.jcfs.org  

Jewish Child and Family Services (JCFS) is committed to serving the needs of the diverse Chicago metropolitan area.  Accredited by COA, Charter member of CWLA, Licensed by DCFS

JCFS is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran. JCFS provides a reasonable accommodation to those who need assistance in completing this application