Behavior Specialist

Upper East Tennessee Human Development Agency; Kingsport (TN); On-site; USD 23,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Health coverage by employer

Retirement plan (TCRS)

Life insurance

Dental & Vision

401(k) and 457 plans

Job summary

Upper East Tennessee Human Development Agency’s Head Start program seeks a dedicated Behavioral Health Specialist to collaborate with teachers and families. You will help create supportive classrooms, provide behavioral health strategies, and work with education, disability, and mental health teams to ensure children receive needed services.

You will conduct observations, develop interventions, and guide staff in child development and inclusive practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Child Psychology, Special Education, or related field preferred; associate degree with relevant experience considered.
• At least one year of related experience.
• Knowledge of behavioral interventions, special education services, and community resources preferred.
• Strong communication, organization, and computer skills; ChildPlus experience a plus.
• Experience working with diverse children and families.
• Valid Tennessee driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance required.

Responsibilities

• Support children, teachers, and families through behavioral health services, including referrals and evaluations.
• Provide classroom coaching and social-emotional skill development to promote positive learning environments.
• Conduct observations, assessments, and behavior analyses to identify needs and develop interventions.
• Collaborate with teachers, families, specialists, and community partners to coordinate services.
• Connect families to community resources and assist with accessing services, appointments, and supports as needed.
• Deliver training, coaching, and ongoing guidance to classroom staff on child development and behavior support.
• Maintain accurate documentation and ensure compliance with Head Start standards and agency policies.
• Monitor the delivery of services and ensure timelines and reporting requirements are met.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Tools

ChildPlus

Job description

Description

Head Start Behavior Health Specialist

Every child deserves the support they need to succeed—and you can help make that happen. As a Behavioral Health Specialist, you'll work alongside teachers to create positive, supportive classroom environments where children can learn, grow, and thrive.

Unlike a traditional preschool, Head Start provides a comprehensive approach to early childhood education by integrating learning with health, nutrition, and family engagement—and you’ll play a key role in making that happen.

You’ll provide guidance, training, and behavioral support strategies that help teachers address challenges and build on each child's strengths. Working closely with education, disability, and mental health teams, you’ll help ensure children receive the services and support they need to reach their full potential.

Essential Functions

• Support children, teachers, and families through behavioral health and special education services, including referrals, evaluations, and individualized support planning.
• Provide classroom coaching, behavioral interventions, and social-emotional skill development to promote positive learning environments.
• Conduct observations, assessments, and behavior analyses to identify needs and develop effective intervention strategies.
• Collaborate with teachers, families, specialists, and community partners to coordinate services and support children with disabilities and behavioral needs.
• Connect families to community resources and assist with accessing services, appointments, and supports as needed.
• Deliver training, coaching, and ongoing guidance to classroom staff on child development, behavior support, and inclusive practices.
• Maintain accurate documentation, records, monitoring systems, and compliance requirements in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards and agency policies.
• Monitor the delivery of services and ensure timelines, reporting requirements, and program regulations are met.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits Package

• Paid Fall Break, Winter Break, Spring Break and holidays
• Healthcare coverage is provided through the State of Tennessee, with UETHDA covering 100% of the monthly premium for employee-only plans (valued at approximately $600 per month or $7,200 annually). Additional coverage options are available, with any cost difference paid by the employee
• 1 day of healthcare/personal accrued per month (12 days per year)
• Retirement Plan: Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS). Eligible employees contribute 5% of annual wages on a pre-tax basis to the defined TCRS plan. UETHDA contributes an amortized amount as determined by TCRS. Employees become fully vested after five years of eligible service
• Group Term Life Insurance (coverage equal to 1.5 times annual wages) and Voluntary Life Insurance are offered, with Group Term Life fully paid by UETHDA
• Dental, Vision, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability options are available at 100% cost to the employee
• 1 day of healthcare/personal accrued per month (12 days per year)
• Additional 401(K) and 457 Savings Planalso available without employer match

Qualifications

Work Environment/Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Sitting, standing, bending, stooping and occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds are requirements for this position.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Child Psychology, Special Education, or a related field preferred; associate degree with relevant experience considered.
• At least one year of related experience.
• Knowledge of behavioral interventions, special education services, and community resources preferred.
• Strong communication, organization, and computer skills; ChildPlus experience a plus.
• Experience working with diverse children and families.
• Valid Tennessee driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance required.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time non-exempt position and is paid hourly. Typically, this position will be 37.5 hours per week, working Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, with a summer lay off of approximately 6 to 8 weeks (mid-May to early-July). Employees are eligible to apply for unemployment during this temporary seasonal lay-off period.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

UETHDA is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to hiring passionate, diverse professionals who want to make a difference.

Salary Based 100% on Education/Degree

$19.24 Bachelor Degree (mental health or related field)

$16.61 No degree with a credential