Behavior Support Specialist

Job Description

Job DescriptionSupervisor: Health & Education and Disability Supervisors Department: Head Start & Early Head Start Program Classification: Full Time Monday-Friday 8 am – 4 pm, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, or 9 am – 5 pm
Position Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in behavior science/studies, social work, special education, or Bachelor’s degree in a related field with coursework in social work and behavioral health.
• Minimum of two years of direct experience in a behavioral support setting providing prevention and intervention services to children (0-5 years old).

Job Description:

• The behavior support specialist (BSS) is responsible for providing early childhood mental health (MH) support to Head Start staff, children, and families.
• The behavior support specialist will provide a broad range of services, including early childhood MH observations and support in classrooms; training and modeling for staff; screening, assessment, and referral services; and providing family training.
• The position requires you to collect data, maintain records, and support compliance in all facets of Head Start Program Performance Standards and state regulations.

Duties and Tasks:General Consultation and Behavior Support:

• Collaborate with staff to explore child development information related to social and emotional development, mental health, and wellness.
• Implement positive strategies to support children’s well-being and prevent and address challenging behavior
• Provide guidance to staff on selecting, implementing, and interpreting social and emotional screening and assessment tools and findings.
• Answer questions about developmentally appropriate activities for children and effective ways to work with and support young children, including children with disabilities.

Programmatic Consultation:

• Participate in monthly reflective supervision and consultation meetings with the mental health consultant.
• Participate in monthly reflective supervision with Health and Education Supervisors.
• Participate in the development and implementation of the mental health program and policy.

Staff & Family Training:

• In partnership with the mental health consultant, support, coordinate, and provide staff trainings related to social and emotional and wellness at least three times per year
• Coordinate and facilitate training for families during parent meetings.

Individualized Child Observations:

• Conduct observations and assessments of individual children as assigned or referred for observation.
• Participate in team meetings with families to consult on child and family needs and create or follow up on plans to support these needs in conjunction with center staff.
• Individual Child Screening, Assessment, and Referral
• Review standardized developmental, behavioral, and social and emotional screens and assessments for individual children as assigned or referred for observation.
• Provide child and family referrals and follow-up to community services.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Demonstrate understanding of infant and early childhood mental and behavioral health (0-5 years old).
• Demonstrate understanding of differences in mental and behavioral health services and concepts across cultures.
• Demonstrate knowledge of child mental and behavioral health services system.
• Experience formulating and writing functional assessments and behavior support plans.
• Experience with evidence-based practices and curricula to promote early childhood mental and behavioral health desirable (e.g., Active Parenting).
• Knowledge of Head Start programs is desirable.
• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with staff and families.
• Partner with mental health providers as a member of a team.
• Lead and facilitate provider training and family education groups.
• Conduct standardized screens and assessments.
• Use results of screenings and assessments to guide work with families, set goals, and develop individualized plans.
• Refer staff and families to appropriate community services.
• Communicate effectively with groups both verbally and in writing including case notes and collaborations.
• Organize tasks and manage time effectively.

Other Requirements:

• Must adhere to the Standards of Conduct. 
• Maintain the confidentiality of children and families as set forth in SHORE UP! Inc.’s Head Start policies.
• Ability to manage physically active children ages 0 to 5.
• Adhere to federal, state, and local child abuse and neglect reporting requirements.
• Attend trainings as assigned.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
• Must have valid driver’s license and proof of insurance, or must have acceptable alternative transportation.
• Maintain first aid and CPR certification.
• Maintain compliance with background checks.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Benefits:

• Paid Leave (personal, vacation, sick, funeral, 13 paid holidays).
• Health Insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription plan).
• Short-term Disability.
• Life & Supplemental Insurance.
• Liability Insurance.
• Workman’s Compensation.
• Maryland State Retirement and Pension System.
• 403(b) Option.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Direct Deposit.
• Payroll Deduction.

To apply please submit your resume and application to: resumes@shoreup.orgEmployment application: https://website-media.com/shore-up/shore-up-site/2024/06/12162639/Emplo…