Behavioral Support Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY

The Behavioral Support Specialist provides interventions to PrimeTime staff to help all children achieve their fullest potential while in the program. This position includes effective behavioral health management and strategies, primarily for Universal Transitional Kindergarten (UTK- ages 4-5) and children with special needs (i.e I/DD), through observations, interventions, groups, training, curriculum development and reflective practice of the child, family, staff and environment. This position is responsible for integrating best practices throughout PrimeTime. The position reports to the Behavioral Support Program Manager. The Behavioral Support Specialist will provide services to students as assigned by the Behavioral Support Program Manager. Students will be referred by PrimeTime sites.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure all student behavior plans, IEP’s and Transitional Behavioral Plans and other required documentation are completed within a specified timeline

• Facilitate SEL groups including, but not limited to, UTK and special needs youth

• Prepare and provide training and technical assistance for PrimeTime sites

• Develop procedures and training materials for staff involved with students with challenging behaviors for the purpose of enhancing programs for students and ensuring that program operations are in compliance with established guidelines

• Report issues and concerns to the Program Managers and Assistant Program Managers

JOB COMPLEXITY

• Responsible for providing ongoing training and technical assistance to all child care staff, consistent with PrimeTime policies and procedures as well as SDUSD policy, that builds staff capacity to provide effective classroom behavioral interventions including UTK and children with special needs

• Responsible for providing quarterly reflective practice related to behavioral health intervention to the Site Directors through ongoing individual and group meetings

• Responsible for developing trainings in collaboration with Training Continuum Committee to ensure trainings reflect agency core values and initiatives

• Provide behavioral health services; assessments, behavioral plans, and interventions to families

• Responsible for developing and implementing positive behavior plans by utilizing relationship and strength based, developmental and Social Emotional Learning philosophy and tools

• Support positive behavior and social interactions for students, staff and their families

• Responsible for facilitating behavioral support through the active involvement of the team including student, staff and their families

• Implement and maintain policies and procedures utilizing Social Emotional Learning Standards

• Support the families and community through quality services and established community collaborations

• Responsible for developing and maintaining a list of developmental and other community based resources available to staff and families

• Apply techniques to avoid crisis, manage crisis, and effectively intervene in a crisis

• Responsible for ensuring that behavioral interventions are consistent with other existing plans including Individual Education Plans (IEP’s)

• Attend required staff meetings and trainings

• Work effectively across all program service areas for Agency wide effective communication and operations

• Under HR’s direction will participate in preparing and reviewing in any legal related matters

STAFF SUPERVISION

• None

COMMUNICATION

• Maintain a high level of professionalism when interacting with children, staff, and their families

• Prepare and present professional presentations tailored to meet the needs of the audience

• Facilitate positive communication through strength based and solution focused approaches

• Build positive relationships with Program Managers and their teams

AGENCY LEADERSHIP

• Conduct work within the context of the Agency mission, vision, core values and initiatives

• Represent Harmonium in a positive and professional manner and set an example for staff

DECISION MAKING

• Participate in the decision making process regarding fiscal and programmatic matters

• Apply Harmonium and program policies, guidelines, SDUSD policy and Title 22 Regulations when making decisions

MINIMUM COMPETENCIES

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree and minimum of 3 years of behavior management experience working with young children ages 4-12

• Preference given to applicants that have experience as a Behavior Specialist with an emphasis on social emotional well-being

• Bilingual preferred

• Experience with the reflective practice process

• Experience facilitating social interaction in group settings

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITY

• Solid understanding of childhood development

• Ability to communicate effectively in written and oral form using positive interpersonal skills

• Ability to develop and implement behavior and positive support plans

• Experience with UTK and/or ABA services

ADDITIONAL EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS REQUIRED UPON HIRE

• Must be 18 years of age or older

• Valid CA driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle with active insurance

• Must receive Fingerprint Clearance upon hire (paid by Harmonium)

• Valid TB test results (required every 4 years)

• Valid First Aid and CPR certification

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Occasional twisting, pushing, pulling, reaching above and below the shoulder

• Ability to frequently stand, walk, sit, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and move throughout indoor and outdoor program environments.

• Ability to transition frequently between standing and floor-level positions when supporting or interacting with children.

• Ability to move quickly and respond promptly to behavioral, safety, or emergency situations involving children.

• Ability to perform physical interventions or approved behavioral support techniques when appropriately trained and when necessary to protect the safety of a child or others.

• Ability to lift and carry up to fifty pounds

• High energy needed with the ability to balance multiple high-stress tasks

• Ability to work in a noisy indoor and outdoors environment

• Travel throughout San Diego County

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions