FIRS Behavior Specialist

Join us at Ryther as a Behavior Specialist in our Family Intervention and Restorative Services (FIRS) Program!

About Ryther:

Ryther is a recognized leader in behavioral health services for children, youth, young adults, and their families facing complex challenges. We provide comprehensive, evidence-based, and innovative treatment across multiple levels of care.

We guide, coach, and teach so that every client may experience new ways of thinking, build positive relationships, and realize a better life. Our social justice mission and trauma-informed framework guide our daily work and internal processes.

About FIRS:

Our Family Intervention Restorative Services (FIRS) program is a voluntary, detention-diversion initiative in King County that provides a safe, therapeutic alternative to juvenile detention for youth involved in incidents of juvenile family violence. Operated by Ryther through the FIRS Center, the program offers short-term, trauma-informed respite and stabilization following a family crisis. FIRS prioritizes safety, accountability, emotional regulation, and family reconciliation through restorative, non-punitive framework that reduces system involvement while supporting long-term family stability.

The available Full-Time schedule is: Thursday - Saturday Swing 2pm to 10pm, Sunday Day 7am - 3pm, and Monday Grave 10pm - 6pm.

We are also looking for people who would like to join us on an on-call basis!

Position Summary:

The Behavior Specialist I creates and maintains a positive, safe, and therapeutic environment while supporting clients in meeting their individualized treatment goals.

This role provides direct client care, facilitates therapeutic groups, supports daily program routines, and collaborates within a multidisciplinary treatment team.

Primary Responsibilities include, but not limited to:

• Facilitate and support daily program activities, including skills groups, meals/snacks, and outings
• Support clients in learning coping skills, emotional regulation, and behavior management
• Assist clients in progressing toward individualized treatment goals
• Promote a safe, affirming, and therapeutic environment
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries
• Role model healthy communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills
• Complete daily clinical documentation in accordance with state and federal regulations.
• Case management and care coordination with external community and court providers.
• Assist with daily routines and client care tasks, including meal preparation when applicable
• Participate in ongoing training (eating disorders, neurodiversity, anxiety, OCD, DBT-informed care, etc.)
• Collaborate within a multidisciplinary team
• Additional responsibilities may vary depending on the assigned program.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (mental health field preferred) OR High School diploma/GED with at least one year of combined education, training, or experience working with children, youth, and/or families (preferably in a mental health setting)
• Valid Washington State driver’s license
• Good driving record and ability to drive agency vehicles
• Ability to work effectively with individuals and families from diverse cultural, spiritual, and lifestyle backgrounds
• Commitment to applying a social justice and equity lens to all aspects of work

Preferred Experience:

• Eating disorders
• Neurodivergent youth
• Anxiety and OCD
• DBT-informed care
• Higher levels of behavioral health treatment
• Teens and/or at-risk youth

Benefits include:

• Medical/Dental/Vision
• 15 Days Paid Vacation (which increases to 17 after your second year, and by 1 each year after that – this is prorated to reflect your FTE as a part-time employee)
• 10 Sick Days (vacation & sick time rollover)
• 9 Paid Holidays + 1 Floating Holiday
• 40% off Aflac supplemental insurance + free identity theft protection
• 403b Tax Deferred Retirement Plan
• $50,000 Life Insurance
• Ryther is a registered 501c(3) which qualifies for the federal Student Loan Forgiveness program

What We Value

• Commitment to Ryther’s mission, vision, and values
• Respect for diverse lifestyles, cultures, identities, and abilities
• Team-oriented mindset with strong self-management skills.
• Adaptability and a proactive approach to change and servant leadership.
• Ryther seeks to create a work environment reflective of the diverse community we serve. People of color, LGBTQIA2S+, persons with disabilities, and multilingual individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. Work Location:

Judge Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center at 1211 E Alder St in Seattle

We look forward to connecting with you!