Therapeutic staff support refers to workers who work as part of a team to help a child who is experiencing serious emotional problems that are causing him or her to behave inappropriately. These children may be obnoxious at school, at home, or in public places. To intervene and change a child’s negative actions, therapeutic staff support professionals follow individual treatment plans devised by other mental health experts. It is regarded as intensive therapy for children who are experiencing severe emotional distress.
Behavioral specialists usually oversee staff support’s work, which includes direct observation of interactions with the disturbed child. Emotional problems and situations that trigger unwanted behavior are usually evaluated by the specialist. He or she might figure out what drives a child to misbehave at home, at school, or in the community. Therapeutic staff support implements the behavioral specialist’s treatment plan, working one-on-one with the child.
In a crisis, support staff may intervene to defuse an emotional outburst. Therapeutic staff support collaborates with the family and school staff to use techniques to calm the child. Passive restraining mechanisms may be used if a child’s behavior is deemed dangerous. Support workers usually provide emotional support to the child’s parents in order to assist them in coping.
A group of doctors, social workers, school staff, and family members could practice role-playing and behavior modification techniques. The goal of therapeutic staff support workers is to assist a child in identifying inappropriate behaviors and teaching them how to change them. As part of the youngster’s treatment, the support team may devise activities to provide more structure in his or her life.
All events are usually documented and the child’s progress is tracked by support staff. They frequently attend meetings with other professionals or agencies to discuss the treatment plan’s efficacy. A bachelor’s degree in human services or a related field is required for most therapeutic staff support employees. Experience working in the juvenile justice system or for a children’s health organization may be required.
School employees may come into contact with students who have been diagnosed with learning disabilities. Because of their behavioral issues, these children may have difficulty learning. Other school employees are usually educated about the child’s treatment plan, which may include encouraging participation in school activities. The educational plan for the child is frequently incorporated into the behavioral plan by therapeutic staff support.
These individuals may accompany a child to a daycare center, school, or social events. When unacceptable behavior occurs, they are ready to intervene immediately and use the situation as a teaching tool. Showing the child a better way to cope with frustration without erupting into anger or inappropriate behavior could be part of the intervention.