Primary Function:
Responsible for providing social-emotional and behavior support across LEO early childhood programs. The Developmental Behavior Specialist works with the Social Emotional Behavior Manager and the Mental Health Team to provide social-emotional and behavioral support for children, including classroom observation, social-emotional skill instruction, behavior intervention, crisis management, and behavior plan implementation. This position provides training, coaching, and support for staff and caregivers around healthy social-emotional development and implementing positive behavior support (Pyramid Model) in the classroom and at home.
Operations and Monitoring:
- Provides direct behavior support in center-based and community-based settings, including behavior intervention, crisis de-escalation, 1:1 intensive support, behavior intervention plan development and implementation
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Provides observation, intervention, and instruction to support children's healthy social-emotional development and successful peer interactions
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Provides education and modeling for educators on positive behavior support, promoting effective trauma-informed classroom management and behavior intervention
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Works with teaching teams to develop and implement individualized support plans, including integrating visual tools, structuring the classroom environment to support behavior goals, and implementing core Pyramid strategies
- Provides social-emotional education and support to families through parent consultations, team meetings, Parent Center Meetings, and parent education groups
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Conducts parent education workshops on topics including healthy social-emotional development, effective limit-setting, managing challenging behavior, and other parenting needs
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Works with the LEO Pyramid Team as a behavior specialist committed to implementing Pyramid Model across LEO early childhood programs
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Participates in case management and other team meetings as needed
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In conjunction with the Social Emotional Behavior Manager, reviews and tracks social-emotional developmental screenings and provides follow-up on concerns with classroom observation, teacher and parent consultation
- Maintains a relationship-based and trauma-informed approach, and works with the Social Emotional Behavior Manager to enhance understanding and evidence-based practice across LEO's early childhood programs
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Develops a cooperative relationship with other staff members to support implementation of social-emotional learning and behavior intervention strategies
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Maintains timely and accurate records of services provided, ensuring accurate documentation, follow-up and reporting
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Assists SEBM is documentation and reporting of behavior incidents
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Attends meetings, trainings and conferences as needed
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Completes regular federal and state reporting requirements
Additional responsibilities:
- Works with all staff as needed regarding classroom management and program planning
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Ensure confidentiality of children's records
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Works both on-site and remotely as needed, providing consistent services and support in the event of physical site closure or limited access
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All other duties as assigned
Enhance Personal and Professional Growth:
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All members of the Mental Health Team are expected to work towards attaining Infant and/or Early Childhood Mental Health Endorsement credential appropriate for their education and experience level
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Attend all trainings required by Head Start Performance Standards and EEC Regulations
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Attend trainings, conferences and workshops as determined appropriate
Qualifications
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Bachelor's degree in Education, Social Work, or related field
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Bilingual (English/Spanish) Preferred
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Minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of experience working with children 0 - 5 years old
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Experience using data based reporting system
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Work experience with culturally and linguistically diverse populations
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Ability to write reports and correspondence, and read and interpret data
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Knowledge of various software programs such as MS Word, Excel, Power-Point, and Publisher software or equivalent a plus
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Ability to effectively engage and communicate with community members and groups, managers, regulatory agencies, and families both individually and in group settings
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Ability to organize and manage time effectively
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Ability to participate in community meetings to represent, lead, advocate, educate and/or negotiate on behalf of Head Start programs
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Candidates must have a car and valid driver's license as travel throughout Lynn is required
