Behavioral Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY: This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Social-Emotional Support Specialist provides direct support to children in classroom settings by teaching social-emotional skills and supporting children with challenging behavior. This position works collaboratively with teachers and administrators to support children's learning and safety.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provide direct one-to-one support to individual children in classrooms by teaching social-emotional skills, modeling strategies for teachers, and supporting children when they engage in behaviors that can be challenging to some adults.

• Assist in planning for individualized learning strategies to build relationships, modify the classroom environment, and teach social-emotional skills.

• Create individualized visual supports to use, model, and share with teachers (e.g. visuals relating to schedules, expectations, rules, emotions, problem-solving strategies, self-regulation).

• Individualize goals, strategies, and visuals to support children with developmental delays or disabilities.

• Model strategies from the Conscious Discipline and other Social-Emotional Frameworks

• Record and analyze data relating to children's behavior and skill-building.

• Acts as a liason between home and school and coordinate all services from state and local agencies

• Provides crisis intervention and in class support as needed

• Provide training and/or workshops for staff regarding Behavioral Management at least twice per year or as needed

• Organize, update, and maintain files and paperwork showing respect for confidentiality

• Exercise the highest level of confidentiality and security with sensitive information

• Respond to voices messages and e-mails with 24 hours or by the end of next business day

• Ensure that assigned duties are performed timely and adequately

• Follow all YMCA policies, rules, regulations and procedures, including emergency and safety procedures

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y's values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.

Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person's point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.

Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience.

Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.

Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an

openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical ability and stamina to perform the duties as outlined above, including but not limited to extended periods of sitting, standing, walking, bending, reaching, lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds.

Ability to lift equipment, boxes and files.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS:

1.Bachelor's degree in Special Education, Early Childhood Education, Social Work, Psychology, or a closely-related field

2.Minimum of 3 years experience teaching or providing therapeutic, services to children 0-5 years old from low income, diverse cultural backgrounds.

3.Knowledge and education regarding developmentally appropriate practices.

4.Preferred: Experience working with young children in group or classroom settings.

5.Excellent Communication and Organizational Skills

6.Positive relationships with relevant social services, and the abilty to expand the current scope of community relationships

7.A dedication to inclusivity and a passion for equity