Behavioral Specialist

Description

Under the supervision of the School Age Childcare Director, the Behavioral Specialist is responsible for assessing program behavioral and social-emotional needs through systematic observations and data collection. The specialist collaborates with parents, staff, family advocates, coaches, and mental health/special education partners to develop, support, and evaluate behavior needs, plans and intervention strategies. The role includes observing staff–child interactions, providing coaching and modeling for staff, communicating with families, embedding evidence-based practices into the program, and tracking data to monitor progress toward social-emotional goals that support children’s overall school success.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Promote excellence in daily programming operations by supporting high-quality services for children and families by fostering an environment where all children and staff can thrive.
• Conduct ongoing observations of staff–child interactions and use collected data to guide behavioral support, program decisions and compliance with program and grant requirements.
• Compile, interpret, and track observation and behavioral data to measure progress toward social-emotional goals and program outcomes.
• Lead the development and refinement of individualized behavior plans and strategies in collaboration with teaching staff, families, and relevant partners.
• Analyze the effectiveness of behavior interventions and embed successful practices into the program based on data trends.
• Coordinate consistent implementation of behavioral interventions between teachers, parents, and service partners.
• Work collaboratively with program directors, families, other behavioral specialists, the social emotional administrator, community partners, mental health and special education providers, and staff to support children’s behavioral and social-emotional needs.
• Communicate with families as needed to share progress, gather input, and support continuity between home and school.
• Maintain knowledge of community and program resources to assist with referrals and support individualized behavioral and social-emotional strategies.
• Provide training, mentoring, modeling, and coaching to staff to build competency in behavioral, mental health, and social-emotional practices.
• Identify programmatic barriers affecting optimal child development or family engagement and support strategies to address and reduce those barriers.
• Coordinate and participate in meetings and conferences with program directors, staff, families, or service providers as needed.
• Cultivate and maintain positive, professional working relationships with all stakeholders.
• Ensure accurate documentation and tracking of services related to behavioral support, special needs, and mental health interventions in a timely manner.
• Respect and support cultural differences, diverse family structures, and inclusive practices in all aspects of service delivery.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Current licensure or certification in a related field (e.g., Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Behavior Analyst, School Psychologist, Special Education or equivalent) is required.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education, Psychology, or a related field required; Master’s Degree in Social Work, Education or Psychology or a related discipline is preferred
• Minimum of three years of experience working in behavior management or mental health within a childhood or educational setting preferred.
• Superior interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse personalities; demonstrating tact, maturity, and flexibility.
• Resourceful and well-organized self-starter with the ability to work independently and with minimal supervision.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships with co-workers, community partners, and parents.
• Demonstrated crisis intervention skills related to child, youth, or teen mental health.
• Strong knowledge of community resources supporting youth and family mental health

Job Type: Part-Time

Schedule: Hiring for afternoon shifts, please let us know your availability when submitting your application!

Pay: $40.00/hr Plus, access to YMCA facilities for all YMCA employees, Employee Assistance Program, and Sick Leave 

If this sounds like something you are qualified to do and want to apply, please submit your online application today!

The Y: We’re for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

OUR CULTURE: Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are a safe place for children, teens and vulnerable populations, and all staff, regardless of their role within the organization, are required to ensure the trust that families place in us is earned each and every day. Child protection is every employee’s job, and employees may not begin work until they are trained. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to strengthen our community, beginning with you.