The Guiding Light Wellness Center Behavioral Support Specialist Salisbury, MD · Full time Company website

Apply for Behavioral Support Specialist

The Guiding Light Wellness Center is an outpatient behavioral health program committed to supporting the mental, emotional, and social well-being of youth and adults. We provide individualized therapy for clients of all ages, as well as therapeutic groups for elementary and middle school-aged children, including after-school and summer enrichment programs. What sets us apart is our holistic, client-centered approach. We combine evidence-based therapeutic practices with experiential learning, community engagement, and skill-building activities that help clients apply what they learn in real-world settings. Our compassionate team creates a welcoming, trauma-informed environment where clients feel safe, understood, and empowered to grow. At Guiding Light Wellness Center, we don’t just treat symptoms, we guide clients toward lasting emotional resilience and meaningful personal growth.

Department: Clinical

Supervisor: Executive Clinical Director

Position Summary: The Behavioral Support Specialist provides behavioral and emotional support to youth participating in The Guiding Light Wellness Center’s Therapeutic Afterschool and Summer Enrichment Program. This position assists in managing group dynamics, promoting positive behavior, and facilitating skill-building activities that foster social-emotional growth, self-regulation, and teamwork. The ideal candidate is patient, engaging, and experienced in working with youth in a therapeutic or educational setting.

Duties and Responsibilities: The Behavioral Support Specialist is responsible for maintaining a safe, structured, and supportive environment for program participants. This includes managing group behavior, implementing behavior intervention strategies, and supporting youth in developing coping and interpersonal skills. The Specialist facilitates skill-building and social-emotional learning groups, assists therapists and program staff during group sessions, and provides individualized behavioral support as needed. Additional responsibilities include documenting behavioral observations, communicating effectively with team members, and modeling positive, respectful interactions that align with the center’s trauma-informed and strength-based approach.

Essential Functions:

• Manage and support group behavior to ensure a positive, inclusive, and safe environment for all participants.
• Facilitate skill-building and social-emotional learning groups focused on self-regulation, communication, and teamwork.
• Provide individual behavioral support and coaching as needed to assist youth in meeting treatment and program goals.
• Collaborate with therapists, program staff, and families to implement behavior support plans and intervention strategies.
• Maintain accurate behavioral observations and documentation in accordance with program standards.
• Model positive interactions, emotional regulation, and problem-solving skills for participants.
• Support program logistics and activities during afterschool and summer sessions.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Child Development, or a related field.

Experience:

Experience working with youth and adolescents in behavioral, therapeutic, or educational settings.

Knowledge of trauma-informed care, positive behavior supports, and social-emotional development.

Strong communication, teamwork, and crisis-intervention skills.

Schedule & Compensation:

Part-time position; hours based on programming needs.

·        Afterschool Program: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

·        Summer Program: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Compensation: Commensurate with education and experience.