Behavioral Specialist I

About the role

The operates at the intersection of clinical practice and real-world community living. This position is fundamentally person-centered, multidisciplinary, and implemented within both residential and community-based environments. The core objective of this role is to actively advance recovery, rehabilitation, and the consistent application of culturally competent practice. You will own the application of evidence-based strategies that bridge the gap between clinical recommendations and daily functioning. Success in this position is defined by your ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to support sustainable client outcomes. The work requires a blend of structured thinking and genuine empathy to meet clients where they are. Ultimately, this role ensures that interventions are not only effective but also respectful of individual preferences and cultural backgrounds.

Key facts

What you'll do

Direct client interventions utilizing problem-solving, modeling, optimism, and encouragement to support immediate and long-term needs.

Advancing personal goals through recovery and rehabilitation efforts that are co-led by clients and coordinated with staff.

Delivering services that remain culturally competent, strengths-based, and precisely aligned with client preferences during every interaction.

Implementing evidence-based interventions within a multidisciplinary team structure to ensure consistency and effectiveness.

Supporting clients in community and residential settings to maintain person-centered care standards.

Facilitating communication and coordination with team members to review progress and adjust plans as necessary.

Applying structured thinking and clear communication to document progress and ensure continuity of care.

Taking notes and maintaining records that make team review and building upon interventions straightforward and efficient.

Ensuring that all professional activities adhere to the ethical standards and best practices of the field.

Contributing to the overall mission of the Adult Community Clinical Service team through reliable follow-through.

Engaging in ongoing training to support professional growth and the continuous development of clinical skills.

Assisting in the collection and interpretation of data related to client outcomes to inform practice improvements.

Building and maintaining positive working relationships with colleagues to foster a supportive team environment.

Demonstrating flexibility to adapt to the evolving needs of clients and the operational requirements of the team.

Requirements

A Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Social Work, or a related field is mandatory for eligibility for this position.

Demonstrated experience working with adults who have severe and persistent mental illness is a hard requirement for success in this role.

Possession of a valid Massachusetts driver's license is an absolute condition for performing essential job functions.

The schedule operates Monday to Thursday, 2pm to 10pm, totaling 32 weekly hours.

The schedule also runs Friday 11am to 7pm, Saturday 3pm to 11pm, Sunday 1pm to 9pm, and Monday 7am to 3pm.

Practical notes

This role requires a valid Massachusetts driver's license and a Bachelor's degree.

Typical interview steps

Hiring processes usually combine a screening conversation with one or more interview rounds. Candidates can expect questions about their experience, a scenario or case, and a chance to ask their own questions. Preparation and specific examples from past work carry the most weight. Whatever the role, preparation is visible. Reviewing the company's product, the job description, and your own past work before the conversation is the strongest step.

Good to know

Evidence-based interventions guide practice within a multidisciplinary team structure.

Person-centered, culturally competent care is delivered in community and residential settings.

Ongoing training supports professional growth and career development for practitioners in this field.

Questions to ask

Good questions to ask the employer in the interview: what does success look like in the first six months, how is the team structured, what is the current biggest challenge, and how are decisions made. Asking about growth paths and the review process is also well received. Employers expect questions, and good ones show preparation.

Career growth

Careers in this field grow through a mix of experience, responsibility, and demonstrated results. Early years build skills; later years build ownership. Many professionals switch focus areas or companies to keep growing. Growth in any career comes from scope, results, and reputation. Take on work that is slightly uncomfortable, and make sure others can see the outcomes.