Youth Behavioral Health Specialist – Multiple Locations
Supervisor: Area Director
Status: Full Time, non-exempt, 30 hours per week
Location: Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Cruz County
Compensation: $28 – $32 / hour
Benefits: Health, dental, vision and life insurance; 401k with employer match; 10 paid holidays and 15 days of PTO per year; access to free afterschool and out-of-school programs for your children
Job Overview
The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Cruz County is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. We currently serve more than 1,500 youth per year across our three clubhouse locations in Downtown Santa Cruz, Live Oak, and Scotts Valley.
Position Summary:
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Cruz County is seeking a compassionate, skilled Behavioral Health Specialist to support the social-emotional well-being and behavioral success of our youth members. This role is responsible for delivering trauma-informed care, providing behavioral interventions, leading the evidence-based SMART Moves program, and facilitating SEL (Social and Emotional Learning) trainings and activities.
This position will also prioritize overall wellness activities, conduct regular mental health check-ins, and provide early behavioral interventions when appropriate. The role is on-site and will require travel between three Boys & Girls Club locations to ensure consistent support across multiple sites.
The ideal candidate will have experience in mental/behavioral health services, youth development, and direct support work with children and adolescents from diverse backgrounds. This position plays a key role in creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment that promotes positive behavior, emotional resilience, and personal growth for all members.
Key Responsibilities
Program Managment:
- Provide direct behavioral support services to youth ages 6–18, using evidence-based and trauma-informed practices.
- Implement and facilitate the SMART Moves program (Skills Mastery and Resistance Training), focusing on healthy decision-making, substance abuse prevention, and positive behavior development.
- Design and lead social-emotional learning (SEL) activities for youth, supporting emotional regulation, communication skills, and self-awareness.
- Develop and deliver SEL trainings for staff to build their capacity to support youth emotional and behavioral needs effectively.
- Prioritize and lead wellness-focused activities, mental health check-ins, and early intervention strategies for youth exhibiting behavioral or emotional concerns.
- Identify and respond to behavioral issues by conducting informal assessments, developing behavior support strategies, and collaborating with staff to implement interventions.
- Support staff through behavioral coaching, crisis intervention, and trauma-informed care strategies.
- Serve as a resource for Club staff on best practices related to youth behavior, mental health awareness, and de-escalation techniques.
- Collaborate with families, caregivers, school staff, and external providers to ensure a coordinated, wraparound approach to youth support. Provide referrals to external resources as appropriate.
- Maintain appropriate documentation and data collection for program impact, interventions, and member progress. Ensure compliance with grant contract requirements and deliverables.
- Travel regularly between three Boys & Girls Club sites to provide on-site services and support.
Knowledge and Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, Education, or a related field.
- Minimum of 2 years of experience working in behavioral health, counseling, youth development, or a related setting.
- Experience with trauma-informed care and SEL implementation.
- Strong understanding of child and adolescent development, especially as it relates to behavior and emotional regulation.
- Experience working with diverse populations, including youth impacted by trauma, poverty, and systemic inequities.
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and crisis management skills.
- Ability to build trusting relationships with youth, families, and staff.
- Comfortable working independently and across multiple sites.
- Familiarity with Boys & Girls Club programs, especially SMART Moves, is a plus.
- Bilingual in English/Spanish is highly desirable.
- Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and ability to travel between sites required.
Work Environment
- Dynamic, youth-centered Clubhouse environment. Boys & Girls Clubs are often energetic, busy, and noisy environments. The Behavioral Health Specialist will regularly work in this type of dynamic atmosphere, with access to calmer spaces for direct program delivery with youth.
- Frequent movement between sites and regular interaction with youth, families, and staff.
- Occasional evening or weekend hours for family events, trainings, or special programs.
Physical Requirements/Work Environment
- Occasional lifting up to 25 pounds may be required.
- Ability to work significant hours on their feet, including after school, evenings, and weekends.
- The Boys & Girls Clubs are often energetic, busy, and noisy environments. The Education Director will regularly work in this type of dynamic atmosphere.
Why Join Us?
At the Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Cruz County, we’re committed to helping youth thrive socially, emotionally, and academically. You’ll be part of a passionate team that values equity, inclusion, and the power of supportive relationships to change lives.
TO APPLY
If this opportunity aligns with your passion and skills, we’d love to hear from you! Please send your cover letter and resume to jobs@boysandgirlsclub.info or apply directly through our Indeed listing by clicking the “Apply Now” button below.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Cruz County is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
