Behavioral Specialist (Ummi's House) - The Dimock Center

Behavioral Specialist (Ruth Kelley Ummi's House)

You are a caring, hard-working individual who thrives in a team environment and is committed to excellence. You have experience in a medical or office setting and are comfortable interacting with patients, as well as managing administrative responsibilities.

The Dimock Center is a federally qualified community health center that heals and uplifts individuals, families and communities. Our vision is to redefine the model of a healthy community by creating equitable access to comprehensive health care and education. We promote a culture of respect, excellence, equal opportunity, and commitment to our employees and the communities we serve.

Ummi’s House is based in a brownstone in Roxbury’s nearby Fort Hill neighborhood. The program provides housing and intensive case management to women and children. We serve previously incarcerated women who are living with multiple health, mental health and substance use issues, including HIV/AIDS and bipolar disorder. We welcome pregnant women and women who are on methadone maintenance. The majority of the children are under the care of the Department of Children and Families (DCF). Families live at RKUH from six to 24 months and continue to receive supportive services for an additional six months once they move to their own homes. Past participants also meet in a monthly alumni group for peer support.

Our Services
RKUH is a long-term stabilization program. Families enter the program having experienced significant trauma, in some cases dating back to the women’s own childhoods. The program focuses on moving on and moving forward. Case managers help each woman develop her plan and find the critical resources she’ll need to move on to permanent housing, advance her education, secure employment and access services for her children. The program also offers an Alumni group, which meets on a monthly basis providing peer-to-peer and relapse prevention support. The Department of Public Health’s Bureau of Substance Abuse Services, the City of Boston’s Department of Neighborhood Development and private donations support the program.

POSITION SUMMARY: Behavioral Specialists provide guidance and direction to residents, and oversee resident activities to ensure conformance with program policies. Behavioral Specialists who meet qualifications defined for Counselors may provide individual or group counseling services. Behavioral Specialists will oversee the day to day operations of the living environment, coordinate on-site activities (i.e. self-help meetings, community house meetings, etc.) and assist residents with life skills and cooperative living. The milieu staff will be responsible for appropriate oversight of the program that includes safety issues, assurance of a drug and alcohol-free environment, and 24/7 availability for emergencies.

POSITION DIMENSIONS:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:
Required –
Behavioral Specialists will have a Bachelor’s Degree, a LADC II or LADC Assistant, or 3 years of full time experience working with families with histories of substance use disorders/trauma.

Knowledge/Skills:
Required-
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Commitment to community integration.

License/Registration/Certification: CPR and First Aid Certification within 90 days of hire.
CORI check


PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES (Job Specific Competencies):

I. Essential Functions/ Performance Standards

JOB KNOWLEDGE - The extent to which the employee demonstrates technical and professional knowledge of job requirements and takes personal responsibility to maintain and improve that knowledge:

A. The employee is able to fulfill all of the requirements of the job assigned in a satisfactory manner as demonstrated by:
a) To develop and maintain a warm, friendly, cooperative atmosphere in the residence in which residents live and staff work.
b) To safeguard the privacy and confidentiality of the residents and staff and to treat residents with dignity and respect at all times.
c) To perform duties that ensure the health, safety and well-being of residents and staff, including proper maintenance of house and grounds.
d) To maintain appropriate records as directed by the Program Director.
e) To develop and carry out recreational/community activities in cooperation with the wishes of the residents under the direction of the Program Director.
f) To implement all DPH regulations under the direction of the Program Director.
g) To support residents, as needed, in activities of daily living, self-help and socialization skills.
h) To cover the house when necessary on an emergency basis, including remaining on-site during emergencies such as snow storms until relieved by incoming staff member.
i) To attend staff meetings.
j) To maintain current First Aid, CPR certification.
k) To establish and maintain professional, courteous communication at all times with all reside

EEO Statement

At The Dimock Center, we are deeply committed to fostering an environment of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. We value the diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences of both our staff and the communities we serve. We believe that a team rich in diversity is essential to our mission of providing high-quality, accessible health and human services to all. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply and are dedicated to creating a welcoming, supportive workplace where everyone can thrive and contribute to our collective impact.