| Location | Knoxville, TN |
Job Information
State of Tennessee Job Information
Opening Date/Time11/03/2026 12:00AM Central TimeClosing Date/Time11/09/2026 11:59PM Central TimeSalary (Monthly)$5,151.00 - $6,437.00Salary (Annually)$61,812.00 - $77,244.00Job TypeFull-TimeCity, State LocationKnoxville, TNDepartmentChildren's Services
LOCATION OF (1) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN'S SERVICES, KNOX COUNTY
The behavior specialist will be on-location at the transition homes Monday-Friday from 1pm to 9:30 pm (including a lunch break). There can be some flexibility in the shift schedule depending on the region. In regions with multiple transition homes the behavior specialist may be required to drive to multiple sites in their region.
This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you may be required to provide information about your criminal history in order to be considered for this position.
Qualifications
Education and Experience: Master's Degree from an accredited university in one of the following: Social Work, Human Development, Psychology or Counseling. Other master¿s degrees in the social and/or behavioral sciences that provide a pathway to licensure may be acceptable after review and approval by the Director of Behavioral Health/designee.
Overview
The transition homes are short term placements where youth are housed as they await placement in a residential treatment facility or foster home.
Responsibilities
The specialist is responsible for providing support such as verbal de-escalation, active listening, safety planning, helping the youth engaging in problem solving. The specialist will provide feedback to other staff in the transition homes in how to best support and interact with youth including in crisis management situations.
The primary role will be to engage the youth in milieu activities such as card games, crafts or sensory activities with the purpose of having them stay engaged and regulated. The work involves case management, tracking work on a spreadsheet, including the organization of files, and keeping case notes. There may be some opportunities for engaging in formal therapy such as doing individual therapy but that is not a guarantee and is dependent on multiple factors such as space availability and a secure records storage system. Additionally, the behavior specialist will provide structure and organizational programming support such as the development of activity stations (e.g. setting up a coloring station or craft station or other games) or other milieu interventions that will strengthen the stability and further address the therapeutic needs of the population.
Competencies (KSA's)
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Tools & Equipment