Behavior Specialist

Self Help Inc; Brockton (MA); On-site; USD 34,440 - 41,328; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

LTD

FSA

403B

Vacation Time

Optional Time

Sick Time

Holidays

Disability Benefits

Life Insurance

Direct Deposit

Job summary

Self Help Inc is seeking an experienced Behavior Specialist to support social-emotional development and address behavioral needs of children in Head Start. You will work with teachers, families, and mental health professionals to implement positive behavior strategies and develop individualized plans.

The role requires knowledge of child development, trauma-informed practices, and culturally responsive approaches, with emphasis on collaboration across multidisciplinary teams and families.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field is required.
• Experience with Head Start or early childhood programs is a plus.
• Strong communication and collaboration with families and staff are essential.

Responsibilities

• Conduct systematic observations of children to identify behavioral patterns.
• Utilize assessment tools to evaluate social-emotional functioning.
• Collaborate with teachers and families to gather behavioral information.
• Develop and monitor individualized Positive Behavior Support Plans (PBSPs).
• Provide training and ongoing support to staff on PBSP implementation.
• Maintain confidential records of observations and interventions.

Skills

Observation skills

Interpersonal skills

Team collaboration

Trauma-informed approach

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work / Psychology / Education

Job description

Description

Self Help Inc. is currently looking for an experienced Behavior Specialist to join our team.

Agency Profile

Self Help, Inc. is a nonprofit Community Action Agency (CAA) created to help families and individuals stabilize and secure their lives through education, strategic assistance, and building opportunities in their communities. We provide a range of services for families and households across southeastern Massachusetts.

Job Summary

The Behavior Specialist plays a crucial role in supporting the social-emotional development and addressing the behavioral needs of children enrolled in our Head Start program. This position involves working collaboratively with teaching staff, families, and mental health professionals to implement positive behavior support strategies, conduct observations and assessments, and develop individualized behavior plans. The Behavior Specialist promotes a positive and inclusive learning environment where all children can thrive socially, emotionally, and academically. This role requires a strong understanding of child development, trauma-informed practices, and culturally responsive approaches.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct systematic observations of children in classroom and other program settings to identify patterns of behavior and contributing factors
• Utilize a variety of assessment tools and techniques to evaluate children's social-emotional functioning and behavioral needs
• Collaborate with teachers and families to gather comprehensive information regarding a child's behavior
• Contribute to the development of Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs)
• Develop individualized Positive Behavior Support Plans (PBSPs) based on assessment data and in collaboration with teachers, families, and other relevant team members
• Recommend and model evidence-based positive behavior management strategies and techniques for classroom staff and families
• Provide training and ongoing support to teaching teams on implementing PBSPs and creating positive classroom environments
• Assist in the development and implementation of program-wide positive behavior support initiatives
• Provide direct support and consultation to classroom teachers in managing challenging behaviors and implementing effective behavior management strategies
• Model appropriate interactions and interventions for staff to use with children exhibiting behavioral challenges
• Assist in adapting classroom routines, activities, and the environment to prevent challenging behaviors and promote engagement
• Participate in classroom team meetings to discuss children's behavioral progress and strategies
• Provide parents with information, resources, and support related to positive behavior management techniques at home
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss children's social-emotional and behavioral needs
• Assist in the referral process for children needing more intensive mental health services
• Provide support and guidance to staff in managing crisis situations involving children's behavior, ensuring the safety of all individuals
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of observations, assessments, and interventions
• Participate in ongoing professional development activities to enhance knowledge and skills

Other Requirements

• Must pass a criminal background check and other required clearances
• Must have or be willing to obtain CPR and First Aid certification
• Must meet the physical requirements of the position, including the ability to lift and carry young children, bend, stoop, and actively engage with children
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation is required

Rate of pay

$25-$30

Schedule

• Monday-Friday

Knowledge, Skills and abilities

• Ability to observe and interact with young children in various settings, including sitting on the floor, bending, and lifting small children (if necessary)
• Ability to manage stressful situations calmly and effectively

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Education (with a focus on special education or behavior), or a related field.
• Experience working with young children (ages 3-5) with diverse behavioral needs in an educational or therapeutic setting. Head Start experience is a plus
• Strong knowledge of child development, social-emotional learning, trauma-informed practices, and positive behavior support principles
• Experience conducting behavioral observations and assessments, including FBAs
• Experience developing and implementing individualized behavior support plans
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and 1 as part of a multidisciplinary team

Self Help Inc offers a comprehensive employee benefits package:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• LTD
• FSA
• 403B
• Vacation Time
• Optional Time
• Sick Time
• Holidays
• Disability Benefits
• Life Insurance
• Direct Deposit

Self Help, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

Disclaimer

This job description is not intended, and should not be construed to be, an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with the job. It is intended, however, to be an accurate reflection of those principal job elements essential for making decisions related to job performance, employee development and compensation. As such, the incumbent may perform other duties and responsibilities as required. Its contents imply no contractual obligation and may be changed by the agency at any time.