Behavior Support Specialist Gloucester

Pathways for Children, Inc.; Gloucester (MA); On-site; USD 36,506 - 42,154; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development

Career advancement opportunities

Collaborative environment

Tuition reimbursement

Health and dental insurances

Retirement plans with employer match

Paid time off

Job summary

Pathways for Children, Inc. in Gloucester, MA is seeking a Behavior Support Specialist who is passionate about supporting children and empowering families. This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference within Head Start and a collaborative, mission-driven team.

You will provide behavioral support, conduct classroom observations, assist with screenings, and deliver staff trainings. Hours: 35 per week; rate: 26.50–30.60 depending on education and experience.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Early Education, Psychology, Social Work or related field with experience or training related to young children with disabilities and their families.
• Preferred: Bachelor’s Degree in Early Education, Psychology, Social Work or related field with experience or training related to young children with disabilities and their families.

Responsibilities

• Behavioral support for Head Start children including consultation with families and staff and implementing behavior plans.
• Assist educators to manage behavior of children individually and in groups and respond to behavioral crises quickly and safely.
• Conduct classroom and child-focused observations to assess needed social-emotional supports and provide timely feedback to staff and families.
• Assist teachers to complete Behavioral Screenings and share results with Teachers and the MH/Disabilities Manager.
• Provide in-service workshops/trainings for staff and families regarding behavioral support and strategies.
• Collaborate with educators, MH/Disabilities manager, and families to compose and review Behavioral Support Plans.
• Work with public schools for children on Behavior Support Plans and coordinate with therapists and the MH/Disabilities manager on goals for IEPs/IFSPs.

Skills

Behavior management

Observation

Family consultation

Staff training

Education

Associate degree in Early Education, Psychology, Social Work or related field

Bachelor’s degree in related field (preferred)

Job description

Make a Lasting Impact—Join the Pathways Team!

At Pathways, we believe that to teach is to touch lives. We are a mission-driven organization dedicated not only to nurturing young children and families, but also to fostering the growth and success of our employees.

We are currently seeking a Behavior Support Specialist who is passionate about supporting and empowering children and inspired by the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and their families.

Why Join Pathways?

When you join our team, you’re joining a supportive community that offers:

• Access to professional development and training
• Career advancement opportunities within the organization
• A collaborative and inclusive work environment grounded in our core values: Respect, Trust, Collaboration, and Opportunity

About the Role

Location and schedule –

Gloucester, MA

35 hours per week; for the 2025/2026 school year, there will be a planned reduction in force (date and length, TBD). Scheduled hours and weeks are based on need and subject to change, including the reduction in force.

Rate – 26.50-30.60 based on education and years of experience

What will you do?

• Behavioral support for children enrolled in Head Start including consultation with families and staff and implementing behavior plans.
• Help educators to manage behavior of children individually and in groups and to respond to behavioral crisis quickly and safely.
• Conduct classroom and child-focused observations to assess any needed social-emotional supports with timely verbal and written feedback to staff and families and work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Assist teachers to complete Behavioral Screenings within required timeframe, share results with teachers and the Mental Health/Disabilities Manager.
• Provide in-service workshops/trainings for staff and families regarding behavioral support and strategies.
• In conjunction with educators, MH/Disabilities manager, and child’s family, compose and review Behavioral Support Plans for children as needed.
• Work in collaboration with public school for children who are on Behavior Support Plans and confer with therapists and the Mental Health/Disabilities manager on supporting and executing goals for children with IEP’s and IFSP’s.

What do you need?

Required: Associate Degree in Early Education, Psychology, Social Work or related field and experience, coursework, or training related to young children with disabilities and their families.

Preferred: Bachelor’s Degree in Early Education, Psychology, Social Work or related field with experience, coursework, or training related to young children with disabilities and their families.

Other Requirements:

• Successfully complete a pre-employment physical, provide verification of immunization to Head Start vaccine mandate.
• Maintain licensor background check requirements.
• Possess valid MA driver’s license and proof of auto insurance, dependable vehicle and acceptable driving record.

What do we offer?

• Internal growth! We often hire from within to help our employees reach their greatest potential.
• On-going training and Professional Development provided free of charge, and tuition reimbursement.
• Generous Health and Dental Insurances, Life and Long-Term Disability Insurances.
• Retirement Plans such as 401(k) and ROTH – with employer match upon meeting eligibility and vesting requirements.
• Earned Time Off (sick and vacation time).

Pathways for Children provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.