Behavior Support Specialist

Description

Under the direction of the Disabilities/Mental Health Professional (DMH), the Behavior Support Specialist works as a team member with Early Childhood teachers and other appropriate personnel to develop positive student behavior across the Head Start program. The Behavior Support Specialist implements strategies that focus on decreasing maladaptive behaviors and increasing social, communication and adaptive skills. The Behavior Support Specialist uses restorative practices to support children (6 weeks to 5 years) in a variety of ways. He or she may process internal referrals and behavioral concerns under the guidance of the DMH.

Job Responsibilities

• Process internals referrals (discretion of DMH Professional), and make parent contact, when necessary, via phone, email, or REMIND messenger
• Proactively engage children via 1:1 work, small groups, and check-ins
• Facilitate and document restorative conferences between staff and children
• Support school security through use of security monitoring systems, de-escalation techniques, and Physical/Psychological Management Training
• Support the implementation of individualized Behavioral Intervention Plans as well as safety plans to ensure that teachers can demonstrate de-escalating strategies in the classroom without the DMH Professional or Behavior Support Specialist present.
• Attends PPT and family meetings with teachers when necessary.
• Report/Track data of interactions/referrals/trends
• Other duties as assigned by the Sr. Disabilities and Mental Health Manager or Head Start Director

Position:

Full-time, Non-exempt

Reports to:

Disabilities/Mental Health Professional

Requirements

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities:

• Knowledge of, and ability to implement, de-escalation techniques
• Knowledge of, and ability to implement, behavior management techniques
• Knowledge of intensive behavior intervention techniques
• Knowledge of safe practices in an ECE environment
• Ability to monitor and observe child behavior according to approved policies and procedure
• Demonstrates recordkeeping / organizational skills
• Ability to develop rapport and interact effectively with teachers, children and families
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Ability to handle emotionally charged situations
• Ability to meet with small groups of students to set goals, discuss challenges, and reflect on Social-Emotional Learning?

Qualifications:

• Associate's degree in related field (required)
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (preferred)
• Experience working/supporting children with a special need/ diagnosed disability
• Experience working with children who display challenging behaviors
• Maintain a current certificate in Pyramid Model and CPI (can be obtained after hire)
• Clearance of the State of CT Early Childhood Background Check system (BCIS)
• Medical Work Clearance within 1-year of start date

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds to apply.