Refuge House Behavioral Support Specialist/Mentor Credentialing Program
Comprehensive Development & Implementation Plan
I. PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Position Purpose
The Behavioral Support Specialist/Mentor (BSS/M) provides direct behavioral support, mentoring, and skill-building services to children and youth in foster care. This role bridges the gap between clinical intervention and daily support, offering consistent positive relationships that promote healing and growth.
Program Philosophy
- Relationship-First Approach: Building trust before addressing behaviors
- Strength-Based Practice: Identifying and building on existing capabilities
- Trauma-Informed Care: Understanding behavior as communication
- Cultural Humility: Respecting and incorporating diverse backgrounds
- Professional Development: Growing future child welfare professionals
II. TARGET CANDIDATE PROFILES
A. Primary Recruitment Pools
1. College Students (Junior/Senior Level)
Ideal Majors:
- Social Work (BSW programs)
- Psychology/Applied Psychology
- Human Development & Family Studies
- Counseling/Human Services
- Education (Special Education emphasis)
- Criminal Justice (Youth Services track)
Minimum Requirements:
- 60+ credit hours completed
- 2.5+ GPA
- 20 hours/week availability minimum
- Reliable transportation
- Clear background check
Preferred Qualifications:
- Previous youth work experience
- Relevant coursework in child development/trauma
- Bilingual capabilities (Spanish especially)
- Personal vehicle for transporting youth
2. Recent Graduates (0-2 years post-degree)
Value Proposition:
- Bridge to graduate school with strong experience
- Professional references and mentorship
- Skill development in evidence-based practices
- Clear career advancement pathway
- Tuition reimbursement potential (after 1 year)
Ideal Candidates:
- Exploring clinical vs. direct service careers
- Gap year before graduate programs
- Building supervised experience hours
- Seeking meaningful work with flexibility
3. Career Changers/Community Members
Backgrounds of Interest:
- Former military with youth programs experience
- School paraprofessionals seeking advancement
- Youth ministry/camp counselors
- Foster care alumni (with appropriate healing)
- Parent advocates with lived experience
Unique Value:
- Life experience and maturity
- Community connections
- Diverse professional perspectives
- Potential for rapid advancement
B. Schedule Flexibility Options
Standard Schedules:
- After-School Focus: 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM (M-F)
- Weekend Intensive: Friday 4 PM - Sunday 8 PM
- Evening Support: 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM (varied days)
- School Break Coverage: Full days during holidays/summer
Minimum Commitments:
- 20 hours/week during school year
- 30+ hours/week availability during summer
- 1-year commitment preferred
- 6-month minimum requirement
III. RECRUITMENT STRATEGY
A. Academic Partnerships
University Partnerships:
Tier 1 Partners (Formal MOUs):
- UTSA School of Social Work
- Texas State Human Development
- Our Lady of the Lake Social Work/Psychology
Partnership Benefits:
- Internship credit options (BSW/BA field placements)
- Priority recruitment pipeline
- Guest lecture opportunities
- Research collaboration potential
- Student organization engagement
Recruitment Activities:
- Semester information sessions
- Professor recommendations
- Student organization presentations
- Career services partnerships
- Social media campaigns
Community College Partnerships:
- Target Human Services programs
- 2+2 transfer students
- Evening/weekend program students
- First-generation college students
B. Community Recruitment
Channels:
- Indeed/LinkedIn (targeted posts)
- Handshake (university job boards)
- Faith-based community networks
- Professional associations (NASW student chapters)
- Foster care alumni networks
- Military transition programs
Recruitment Events:
- Monthly information sessions
- University career fairs (each semester)
- Community job fairs
- Virtual information sessions
- Shadow day opportunities
IV. SELECTION PROCESS
A. Application Requirements
Required Documents:
- Application with availability grid
- Resume/CV
- Two references (one professional/academic)
- Writing sample (response to scenario)
- Unofficial transcripts (students)
- Background check consent
Preferred Additional Materials:
- Cover letter addressing motivation
- Diversity statement
- Relevant certifications
- Volunteer experience documentation
B. Interview Process (Total: 2-3 hours)
Phase 1: Virtual Screening (30 minutes)
- Availability confirmation
- Basic qualifications review
- Program overview
- Q&A opportunity
- Scenario response
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills
- Basic understanding of trauma
- Motivation alignment
- Professional boundaries awareness
- Schedule reliability
Phase 2: In-Person Assessment (2 hours)
Components:
Group Activity (45 minutes)
- Team problem-solving exercise
- Youth engagement simulation
- Observation of interpersonal skills
Individual Interview (45 minutes)
- Behavioral questions
- Case scenario discussions
- Values alignment
- Career goals exploration
Skills Demonstration (30 minutes)
- De-escalation role-play
- Documentation sample
- Basic crisis response
- Communication exercise
Phase 3: Reference Checks & Decision
- Professional/academic reference
- Background clearance
- Driving record check (if applicable)
- Final selection committee review
C. Selection Criteria Rubric
| Criteria | Weight | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| Experience with Youth | 25% | Previous work, volunteer, personal |
| Cultural Humility | 20% | Awareness, openness, experience |
| Communication Skills | 20% | Verbal, written, listening |
| Trauma Understanding | 15% | Knowledge or learning orientation |
| Reliability/Commitment | 10% | References, history, availability |
| Growth Potential | 10% | Coachability, career interest |
V. CREDENTIALING LEVELS & PROGRESSION
A. Three-Tier Credentialing System
Tier 1: Apprentice BSS/Mentor (Months 0-6)
Status: Learning and supervised practice Requirements to Achieve:
- Complete 80-hour initial training
- Pass written competency exam (80%)
- Complete 160 supervised practice hours
- Demonstrate 10 core competencies
- Maintain satisfactory performance
Supervision Structure:
- Weekly 1:1 supervision (1 hour)
- Weekly group supervision (1.5 hours)
- Always paired with senior staff
- Monthly progress reviews
Scope of Practice:
- Low-acuity youth only
- Structured activities
- Cannot transport alone
- No crisis intervention lead
- Maximum 3 youth caseload
Texas Market Compensation:
- Base: $13-14/hour (Dallas/Fort Worth)
- Base: $12.50-13.50/hour (San Antonio)
- Comparable to entry-level youth worker positions
Tier 2: Certified BSS/Mentor (Months 6-12)
Status: Independent practice with oversight Requirements to Achieve:
- 6 months at Apprentice level
- Complete 40 hours additional training
- 500 total practice hours
- Pass practical skills assessment
- Positive supervisor recommendation
Supervision Structure:
- Bi-weekly 1:1 supervision
- Weekly peer consultation group
- Quarterly performance review
- Available senior consultation
Scope of Practice:
- Moderate acuity youth
- Independent activity planning
- Solo transportation approved
- Co-lead crisis intervention
- Maximum 8 youth caseload
Texas Market Compensation:
- Base: $15-16.50/hour (Dallas/Fort Worth)
- Base: $14.50-16/hour (San Antonio)
- Comparable to experienced direct care staff
Tier 3: Senior BSS/Mentor (12+ months)
Status: Full autonomy and leadership Requirements to Achieve:
- 12 months experience minimum
- Complete advanced training (60 hours)
- 1000+ total practice hours
- Mentor an Apprentice successfully
- Demonstrate leadership competencies
Supervision Structure:
- Monthly 1:1 supervision
- Peer consultation as needed
- Annual performance review
- Provides supervision to others
Scope of Practice:
- All acuity levels
- Program development
- Lead crisis intervention
- Train new staff
- Maximum 12 youth caseload
- Specialist assignments available
Texas Market Compensation:
- Base: $17-19/hour (Dallas/Fort Worth)
- Base: $16.50-18.50/hour (San Antonio)
- Comparable to lead direct care/junior case management
Additional Opportunities:
- Weekend differential: +$1.50/hour
- Evening differential: +$1.00/hour
- Training delivery: $25/hour when teaching
- Annual performance bonus potential
B. Specialty Endorsements (Optional Add-ons)
After achieving Tier 2, staff can pursue specialty endorsements:
Trauma Specialist (+$0.75/hour)
- 20 hours additional trauma training
- TBRI Practitioner certification
- Complex trauma case experience
Education Advocate (+$0.50/hour)
- School system navigation training
- Special education knowledge
- Academic support strategies
Bilingual Support (+$1.00/hour)
- Fluent Spanish required
- Cultural competency advanced training
- Translation/interpretation skills
Transition Specialist (+$0.75/hour)
- Older youth expertise
- Independent living skills training
- Career/college preparation
VI. COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING CURRICULUM
A. Foundation Training (80 hours) - Tier 1
Week 1: Orientation & Safety (40 hours)
Monday-Tuesday: Agency & Role Foundation
- Refuge House mission, values, history (4 hours)
- T3C model and BSS/Mentor role (4 hours)
- Professional boundaries and ethics (4 hours)
- Confidentiality and HIPAA (2 hours)
- Documentation requirements (2 hours)
Wednesday-Thursday: Safety & Crisis Response
- SAMA behavioral intervention (16 hours)
- CPR/First Aid certification (4 hours)
- Medication management basics (2 hours)
- Transportation safety (2 hours)
Friday: Trauma-Informed Care Foundation
- ACEs and trauma impact (4 hours)
- Trauma responses in youth (2 hours)
- Secondary trauma awareness (2 hours)
Week 2: Core Competencies (40 hours)
Monday: TBRI Foundation
- Connecting principles (4 hours)
- Empowering principles (4 hours)
Tuesday: TBRI Application
- Correcting principles (4 hours)
- Practice scenarios (4 hours)
Wednesday: Behavior Support Strategies
- Understanding behavior as communication (3 hours)
- Positive behavior support planning (3 hours)
- De-escalation techniques practice (2 hours)
Thursday: Mentoring & Engagement
- Building therapeutic relationships (3 hours)
- Motivational interviewing basics (3 hours)
- Activity planning and implementation (2 hours)
Friday: Systems & Procedures
- Case management collaboration (2 hours)
- Service planning participation (2 hours)
- Progress note writing (2 hours)
- Competency assessment (2 hours)
B. Certification Training (40 hours) - Tier 2
Advanced Skill Development:
Clinical Skills Enhancement (16 hours)
- Advanced de-escalation
- Suicide risk assessment
- Cognitive-behavioral techniques
- Grief and loss support
Program Development (8 hours)
- Group facilitation skills
- Curriculum development
- Outcome measurement
- Evidence-based practice implementation
Leadership Preparation (8 hours)
- Mentoring skills
- Team collaboration
- Conflict resolution
- Professional development planning
Specialized Populations (8 hours)
- LGBTQ+ youth support
- Commercially sexually exploited youth
- Youth with disabilities
- Cultural considerations
C. Senior Training (60 hours) - Tier 3
Leadership & Supervision Track:
Staff Development (20 hours)
- Adult learning principles
- Providing effective feedback
- Performance management
- Building team cohesion
Program Leadership (20 hours)
- Quality improvement processes
- Data collection and analysis
- Grant writing basics
- Community partnership building
Advanced Clinical Skills (20 hours)
- Complex case consultation
- Family engagement strategies
- Court testimony preparation
- Ethical decision-making
VII. IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE
Phase 1: Program Development (Months 1-2)
Month 1:
- Finalize curriculum materials
- Develop training modules
- Create assessment tools
- Design tracking systems
- Establish university partnerships
Month 2:
- Recruit first cohort
- Train supervisors on program
- Set up LMS modules
- Create orientation materials
- Launch recruitment campaign
Phase 2: Pilot Cohort (Months 3-6)
Month 3:
- First cohort selection (6-8 participants)
- Week 1 foundation training
- Week 2 foundation training
- Begin supervised practice
Months 4-5:
- Weekly supervision and training
- Competency assessments
- Feedback and adjustments
- Second cohort recruitment
Month 6:
- First certifications achieved
- Program evaluation
- Curriculum refinement
- Scale-up planning
Phase 3: Full Implementation (Months 7-12)
Months 7-9:
- Second cohort launch (10-12 participants)
- Advanced training for first cohort
- Specialty endorsement development
- Ongoing quality improvement
Months 10-12:
- Third cohort launch
- Senior promotions begin
- Program sustainability planning
- Annual evaluation and reporting
VIII. SUPERVISION & SUPPORT STRUCTURE
A. Supervision Model
Individual Supervision Requirements:
| Level | Frequency | Duration | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apprentice | Weekly | 1 hour | Skills, safety, cases |
| Certified | Bi-weekly | 1 hour | Development, complex cases |
| Senior | Monthly | 1 hour | Leadership, consultation |
Group Supervision Format:
- Weekly case consultation
- Peer support and learning
- Skill practice opportunities
- Guest expert presentations
B. Mentorship Program
Structured Mentorship Components:
Assigned Senior Mentor
- First 90 days intensive
- Monthly check-ins thereafter
- Career development focus
- Cultural navigation support
Peer Buddy System
- Cohort partnerships
- Mutual support
- Shared learning
- Accountability partners
C. Professional Development Support
Continuing Education:
- Monthly skill workshops
- Quarterly trauma trainings
- Annual conference attendance (Tier 2+)
- Graduate school preparation support
Career Advancement:
- Clear progression pathways
- Internal promotion priority
- Graduate school recommendations
- Professional network building
IX. QUALITY ASSURANCE
A. Performance Metrics
Individual Metrics:
Engagement Quality
- Youth satisfaction scores
- Relationship assessment tools
- Activity participation rates
- Progress toward goals
Professional Development
- Training completion rates
- Competency assessments
- Supervision participation
- Peer feedback scores
Operational Excellence
- Documentation timeliness
- Schedule reliability
- Team collaboration
- Safety record
Program Metrics:
- Retention rates by tier
- Advancement rates
- Youth outcome improvements
- Cost per credential achieved
- University partnership success
B. Continuous Improvement Process
Monthly Reviews:
- Cohort progress tracking
- Curriculum effectiveness
- Supervision quality
- Barrier identification
Quarterly Evaluations:
- Competency assessment results
- Youth outcome analysis
- Staff satisfaction surveys
- Program cost analysis
Annual Assessment:
- Comprehensive program evaluation
- Strategic planning updates
- Partnership renewals
- Curriculum overhaul
X. BUDGET CONSIDERATIONS
A. Investment Requirements
Startup Costs (One-time):
- Curriculum development: $5,000
- Training materials: $2,000
- Assessment tools: $1,500
- LMS setup: $3,000
- Marketing materials: $1,500 Total Startup: $13,000
Annual Operating Costs:
- Supervisor time allocation (0.5 FTE): $35,000
- Training delivery: $15,000
- Materials and supplies: $5,000
- Conference/development: $8,000
- Recognition/incentives: $3,000 Total Annual: $66,000
B. Return on Investment
Cost Savings:
- Reduced turnover costs
- Lower recruitment expenses
- Decreased crisis interventions
- Improved placement stability
Quality Improvements:
- Better youth outcomes
- Higher CANS scores
- Increased placement stability
- Enhanced foster parent satisfaction
Strategic Benefits:
- Pipeline for full-time staff
- University partnerships
- Community reputation
- Grant competitiveness
XI. SUCCESS FACTORS
Critical Success Elements:
Leadership Commitment
- Executive sponsorship
- Adequate resources
- Program champion
- Board support
Quality Training
- Evidence-based curriculum
- Skilled trainers
- Practical application
- Ongoing reinforcement
Strong Supervision
- Qualified supervisors
- Protected supervision time
- Clear expectations
- Growth-oriented approach
University Partnerships
- Formal agreements
- Faculty champions
- Student incentives
- Mutual benefits
Career Pathways
- Clear progression
- Competitive compensation
- Professional development
- Advancement opportunities
This credentialing program positions Refuge House as an employer of choice for emerging professionals while ensuring high-quality behavioral support services for youth in care.